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Our 25th Anniversary Ball

We marked our 25th Anniversary in style with a celebratory fundraising ball that brought together supporters, corporate partners and beneficiaries raising over £23,000 to support our ongoing work across the local Buckinghamshire community.

Held at Hotel la Tour in Milton Keynes, the evening reflected on the charity’s first 25 years and the people supported in the local community.

Guests heard from speakers including past parent, Matt Ogle, who shared powerful insight into how life felt for his family when his son was diagnosed autistic, and the positive impact the charity’s nursery, The Circle Centre, had on his family.


“The behaviours displayed by your child because of their need become socially unacceptable. So things like going to Tesco’s become impossible, so you end up getting Tesco deliveries. And then going out for meals becomes really difficult, so you start getting takeaways. And you start to become a really isolated family. And nurseries that you apply for, say they can’t meet need and the child can’t go. You start to get into the situation where your child keeps getting rejected and you become powerless to it, and that can be a really difficult place to be.

“Circle Centre were the first people to say ‘yes’ to us without the word ‘but’ following it. It doesn’t just change the nursery experience for the child, it also changes it for the family. It opens up possibilities that you didn’t know existed.


The event was supported by an engaging live auction led by celebrity auctioneer, Charlie Ross, helping to drive generous contributions from attendees. A highlight of the evening was a specially produced anniversary video, showcasing the charity’s services and the people they have supported.

The film captured personal stories like Nathan’s, now aged 15 who attended the nursery when he was three-and-a-half years old. Nathan told the audience how he’s currently doing work experience online with the Met Office, and hopes to study meteorology at the University of Reading, stating “I couldn’t have made it here without the help of Circle Centre.”


“This milestone is about much more than marking 25 years,” said Sarah Sweet-Rowley, Chief Executive. “It’s about recognising the community that has supported us, the lives we’ve been able to impact together, and the work that still lies ahead. The generosity shown at the ball will make a real and lasting difference.”


The 25th anniversary celebrations form part of a wider programme of activity, including a tree planting and time capsule commemorative afternoon held in early May, to mark the charity’s first 25 years.

With roots firmly in the local area, Autism Early Support has grown over the past 25 years into a vital source of support for local families, delivering projects and services that respond directly to local needs.

Thank you to everyone who made the evening, and the last 25 years, possible.