A timely relaunch with a lasting message in Milton Keynes
“I am Viv Pollock and I am proud to be a member of the Abrahamic Women of Milton Keynes from its inception, and currently one of the two Jewish reps on the Core team.”
So began Viv Pollock, the treasurer of the Abrahamic Women group, in a heartfelt speech at the relaunch of its Pathways project. It unveiled an exhibit crafted by the group with artist Salina Somalya, which now graces the chapel at Bradwell Abbey, housed by the MK City Discovery Centre. It’s a mosaic of interfaith dialogue, artful collaboration, and enduring friendships.
The group’s story began in 2021, when Viv spotted an Arts and Heritage Alliance advert that asked, “Does your community have a way of doing things, a question, or an issue which you would like to celebrate and explore creatively? We would like to hear from ethnically diverse communities and different faith groups.”
Viv replied: “Oh yes, do we! What is more worth celebrating than our lasting friendships between our women’s interfaith group from Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities? It was too good an opportunity to miss.”
Six months of workshops followed in 2022, with support from MK Community Foundation and venue hosts including MK Museum and Westbury Arts.
“The sessions I went to were everything I had hoped they would be,” Viv said. “It was the informal chats while we were working which were possibly the most valuable. Symbols of our faiths were explored and celebrated, and the Pathways project blossomed.”
Later, the piece was showcased at MK Museum, but after two years, Dr Noel James of MK Discovery Centre offered it a new home in the Abbey Chapel of St Mary.
The relaunch drew 35 guests, including the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Pippa Kirkbride; The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Marie Bradburn; Police Chief Superintendent and LCU Commander, Emma Baillie; Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Dr Julie Mills OBE DL. Also there were Francesca Skelton who had been Head of AHA at the time of the project; CADO TVP Neelam Shiraz; Engagement officer MK Council Hana Kara; and Unity Place representative Nathan Kennard.
Lou Tribus, the other AW-MK Co-Chair, and Chair of Milton Keynes & District Reform Synagogue told a moving story of the Three Little Sheep, with its important message of co-operation and friendship across religions as the way to be prepared to keep the never-ending danger of the Wolf of Antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Christian behaviours from our doors.
Chief Superintendent Baillie praised the installation’s relevance: “Your message is so important to Milton Keynes right now.”
Viv added: “We’re already dreaming up our next project for 2026. Possibly textile-based. Watch this space!”
