Celebrating Local Hero: Milly Fyfe Receives Rose of Northamptonshire Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community We are thrilled to announce that Milly Fyfe, founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents, has been honoured with the prestigious Rose of Northamptonshire Award, presented by the Vice Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Alison Eastwood. This accolade is a testament to Milly’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those in her community and beyond through her impactful work across various sectors, including farming, education, health, and social care. The Rose of Northamptonshire Award is given to individuals and organisations that have made a significant difference in their communities, and Milly’s contributions exemplify everything this award stands for. Whether it's tackling poverty, supporting good health and wellbeing, or fostering a sense of togetherness, Milly’s initiatives touch every corner of society. A Diverse Range of Contributions to the Community Milly Fyfe is not originally from a farming background, but she has spent over 20 years advocating for and leading initiatives within the farming industry and charity sector, both in Northamptonshire and across the UK. Her passion for supporting rural communities and fostering positive change is evident in every role she takes on. From serving as Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs to being a Director of the Oxford Farming Conference and managing the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution as the East Midlands Regional Manager, Milly has consistently represented the agricultural community and its values on both local and national levels. Engaging with Local Education and Sustainability Initiatives Milly is deeply rooted in her local community in Yelvertoft, where she plays an integral role in supporting the local pre-school and primary school. One of her standout achievements includes running an annual clothing sale, raising £800, and helping the children grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, introducing them to nature from a young age. She has acquired grants to install bird boxes, insect houses, and other habitats to encourage biodiversity, offering children opportunities to learn about the environment first-hand. In her role as a Grow, Cook, Eat Ambassador with Northampton Hope, Milly’s gardening projects have made gardening more accessible to residents in and around Yelvertoft. She has even produced a series of educational videos on how to grow basic produce, which has reached thousands of people on social media, promoting local, sustainable food sources. Pioneering No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC In 2020, in response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Milly founded No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents, a social enterprise that promotes easy-to-follow recipes using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Her goal was not only to help parents cook affordable meals but also to reduce children’s reliance on processed foods while supporting local food producers. The impact has been profound. Through interviews with farmers and food producers, Milly has inspired countless families to cook from scratch, understand the importance of seasonal eating, and support local businesses. Feedback has shown that her work has reduced isolation among parents, while local food businesses have reported increased engagement due to her advocacy. No Fuss Meals has since partnered with the Brixworth Food Larder to produce recipe cards that help families make the most of their food items and reduce waste—another initiative in line with Milly’s commitment to sustainability. Championing Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Milly has also been a fierce advocate for mental health, especially in rural areas where isolation and loneliness are common challenges. As a mother of two young children herself, Milly has faced her own struggles with mental health, which she openly discusses to help others. She even appeared on BBC’s Countryfile in a segment discussing the hidden issues affecting young people in rural areas. As an ambassador for the Farm Safety Foundation, she has participated in campaigns raising awareness about mental health in farming communities, even appearing in a promotional video to highlight these challenges. Her work in this space is invaluable in creating more open conversations about mental wellbeing in rural areas. Leading the Way in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Milly’s contributions extend far beyond her immediate community. She is a representative of the farming community on both the West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Networks, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard in discussions about food sustainability and environmental protection.  She also has big plans for the future. Responding to feedback from the local community, Milly is in the process of creating a space on the farm into a space for immersive workshops. These will include topics such as foraging, cooking from scratch, and butchery, offering people a hands-on opportunity to learn more about food production and preparation. Award-Winning Advocacy and Leadership Milly’s work has not gone unnoticed. In addition to the Rose of Northamptonshire Award, she has been recognized as a Local Food Hero at the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, listed among Small Business Britain’s top 100 female entrepreneurs in 2024, and received an associateship from the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies—the youngest woman ever to do so. Her advocacy for sustainable food production, supporting rural businesses, and reducing food waste has earned her numerous accolades, but perhaps most importantly, it has created tangible change in the lives of those she touches through her work. A Passionate Leader with the Community at Heart At the heart of all Milly’s work is a drive to bring people together and to make life better for everyone in her community. Whether it’s running community events, like clothing sales and seed libraries, or working behind the scenes to support low-income families and vulnerable residents, Milly is always there, quietly making a difference. Milly’s life motto is “dare to be different,” and that is something she truly embodies. Her vision for a more sustainable, connected, and compassionate world is inspiring, and her ability to challenge the status quo and make meaningful change is what makes her a deserving recipient of the Rose of Northamptonshire Award. Her hard work, dedication, and passion for the community have not only touched the lives of those around her but has created a lasting impact on Northamptonshire and beyond