SWINDON HUB PARTNERS WITH PROSPECT HOSPICE TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY. A Swindon community space has partnered with Prospect Hospice to provide fresh food for visitors. And, at the same time, supporting vital local care services.
Swindon Hub began working with Prospect Hospice after its previous supplier closed. That left trustees keen to find a new option that would continue to benefit the wider community. Finding a local organisation with shared values was a priority. One with a focus on making sure any partnership had a positive impact beyond the Hub itself.
The partnership sees Prospect Hospice supplying homemade sandwiches and cakes available to visitors throughout the week. The offering has fast become a popular addition at the Hub, with many items selling out on a regular basis.
As well as providing a simple, affordable option for those using the space, the initiative also helps generate income for both organisations, supporting their ongoing work in the local area.
Prospect Hospice Catering Manager Carl said the partnership had been a natural fit.
SWINDON HUB PARTNERS WITH PROSPECT Shift leads and volunteers from Swindon Hub alongside Prospect Hospice staff, including a Senior Chef, a member of the catering team and a volunteer delivery driver.
Proud of the arrangement
We’re so proud to be working with Swindon Hub. It’s great to see our cakes and sandwiches becoming part of a space that brings people together.
‘Every purchase helps raise vital funds so we can continue to support local people and their families when they need us most. Supporting organisations like the Hub is important to us. And we’re pleased to play a small part in what they do.’
A wide range of people, from across the local community, use Swindon Hub. They take part in activities or simply spend time in a welcoming environment.
The addition of fresh food has helped to enhance the experience for visitors. And also strengthened connections between local organisations.
The food has gone down well, and it’s lovely to be able to offer something that benefits more than the Hub alone. It’s about bringing people together and supporting other organisations at the same time.
‘The sandwiches have been such a hit we’re now planning with Prospect to provide NGCI sandwiches – with non-gluten containing ingredients at the Hub. These should be launching – or is that lunching? – very soon’
A partnership
The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting the Swindon community. With both organisations continuing to look at ways they can work together to make a difference in the local area.
Swindon Hub is a volunteer-run community venue offering café space, creative workshops and inclusive activities for all. For opening hours and more information, visit www.swindonhub.org
RPA Win Gold at SME Awards. Revolution Performing Arts, a Swindon-based performing arts company wins gold in the best family business category at the Best SME Awards 2026.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, the business has grown into a well-established creative community. It offers performing arts classes, holiday clubs and performance opportunities for children and young people.
The award recognises Revolution Performing Arts’ family-led approach to business. And its commitment to supporting children and families through creativity, confidence building and community.
RPA Win Gold at SME Awards – The Da Silva family at the Best SME Awards 2026
A growing business – with business excellence
As the business grew, Fi’s husband Paul joined in 2012. He left his corporate career in IT to help grow the company, making it a family-run business.
build confidence
creativity and friendships
All while creating a welcoming environment for families across the local community.
Judges said: ‘Revolution Performing Arts Ltd is a truly outstanding family business. The company stood out across all criteria, with its journey, resilience and ability to overcome challenges. All demonstrated through strong evidence of impact and sustainability.
‘An excellent example of a well-run family business, each family member brings their own skills to the business. It’s built on strong family values, and they reflect that ethos in everything they do.’
For Fi, the award reflects the community that has grown around the business.
‘Winning Gold in the Best Family Business category means a huge amount to us,’ she said. ‘We build everything we do we build around supporting children and families, so to have that recognised at a national level is special.’
To receive this award as we approach 19 years in business feels so significant. We’ve grown alongside so many families over the years, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.’
About the Best SME Awards
The Best SME Awards launched to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. They celebrate enterprise, innovation and leadership across a wide range of sectors. The announcement of winners took place at a gala evening held at Daventry Court Hotel on 24 April 2026.
Revolution Performing Arts delivers more than 1,200 sessions every year across:
Swindon, North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The organisation also supports thousands of young people through its Holiday Activity and Food programme.
Lifelong comic book enthusiast Johnathan Brown set up the market outlet with friend and colleague Troy Loveday.
We worked together at The Wyvern Theatre for about a year. And I managed to persuade him to open the shop with me,’ said Johnathan. “I’ve always loved comics, it’s always been my hobby, and it’s why I opened the shop in the first place.’
And when the business moved nine years ago to its current premises, on the first floor of The Brunel, that happened on Free Comic Book Day too!
Independent Comic Shop is 15 – Johnathan Brown of the Incredible Comic Shop
Free comic book day
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
And when the business moved nine years ago to its current premises, on the first floor of The Brunel, that happened on Free Comic Book Day too!
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
Sources
Johnathan sources comic books and graphic novels, which are a compilation of the stories that have appeared in the comics from the United States. And, more often now than before, from Japan.
Superhero comic books from the likes of Marvel and DC are ever popular. While Japanese comic books are becoming more sought after by Johnathan’s customers – some of whom have been shopping with him since the business started.
Comic books cover every genre – including romance, crime, horror and sci-fi – so there is something for everyone.
The Incredible Comic Shop sells both new and second-hand books and graphic novels. What customers won’t find are the British regulars that sell in newsagents.
In its market days, Johnathan stocked about 10,000 comic books – now he stocks about half-a-million! He has five members of staff working alongside him, who are all as passionate and knowledgeable as he is. Troy stepped away from the business two years ago.
And Johnathan’s personal favourite? I named the shop after The Incredible Hulk, and I have always been a big fan. And I still read pretty much everything that comes out in comics.
A spokeswoman for The Brunel said: ‘We’re thrilled to congratulate Johnathan and The Incredible Comic shop on reaching this fantastic 15-year milestone. They’ve become a beloved fixture of The Brunel Centre and we look forward to supporting their continued success for many years to come.’
To find The Incredible Comic Shop, visit the first floor of Swindon’s Brunel Centre.
CRYSTAL EVENT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION into Swindon. WILTSHIRE-BASED entrepreneur Louise Muir-Sage, founder of spiritual emporium Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett, has announced the expansion of her popular monthly ‘Coffee & Crystals’ event.
CRYSTAL EVENT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION – Louise Muir-Sage
It started two years ago
Two years ago, Louise started these events in collaboration with Royal Wootton Bassett’s local coffee shop, The Little Gem. The combination of local artisan coffee and engaging with the spiritual world of crystals has garnered attention from locals.
‘Back in 2024, when the first Coffee & Crystals event happened in Royal Wootton Bassett, the uptake blew me away, said Louise.’ ‘It seemed people wanted low-cost events and to feel part of a community.’
I’ve designed the evening to unlock the mystical world of crystals. Participants learn practical skills of how to care for a crystal, including charging, cleaning and placing crystals in the home. Each month focuses on different types of crystals and their properties.
What makes a good event?
‘A good event is where people feel part of a community. They learn about a crystal and for some it’s the start of a new passion and for others it’s a relaxed night out with friends,’ she continued.
‘Both of those are fantastic in my eyes. During the event we focus on one crystal. We help attendees understand what it is, where it comes from, its history and a little bit of science as well. Then, I share my take on the astrological insights for the month ahead. Everyone gets a tumbled stone of the crystal we are working with and a drink. It’s great fun!’
In demand
Due to popular demand of her Royal Wootton Bassett events, Louise has expanded Coffee & Crystals into Wanborough, Swindon. The first event is taking place in April 2026.
‘It was my hope to be able to bring this event to other venues. I’ve been working with The Barn since August 2025 and the team at Out of the Box Catering have been so supportive in making events a success.’
Claire Shail, business owner at The Barn, spoke about her excitement to be working with Something Kind of Woo. “I’ve known Louise for a while now, and her passion, knowledge, and energy are completely infectious.
What she’s built with her business, especially Coffee & Crystals, is something special. We’re so thrilled to be part of its growth in a new venue. Our beautiful surroundings feel like the perfect fit.’
Louise’s ‘Coffee & Crystal’ events work alongside her spiritual emporium in Royal Wootton Bassett – it opened in July 2025. Louise’s high street shop offers crystal events, meditation sessions and opportunities for people to discover their ‘woo’ side.
‘Coffee & Crystals was a small dream. I have seen it build communities and new friendships. It’s perfect for beginners or the avid crystal lover. This expansion marks something really special!’
Swindon’s No BS Media Summit reveals the line-up. The speaker lineup is being finalised for this year’s No BS Media Summit. This is an intensive two-day event designed to bridge the gap between ambitious business owners and the national press.
Organised by the story-led PR consultancy Scott Media, the summit returns to the DoubleTree Hilton in Swindon on November 11 and 12. The event focuses on Scott Media’s signature approach of stripping away the jargon. That helps clients achieve high-impact national coverage through authentic storytelling.
Among the lead speakers is Jo Riley, a journalist with more than 25 years’ experience. Jo heads Bav Media. That’s an agency providing stories and photography to national newspapers and television stations worldwide. She’s worked alongside photographer Geoff Robinson for two decades. And the duo has seen more than 16,000 stories and images published in hundreds of global outlets.
Swindon’s No BS Media Summit – Jo Riley
Expansion
The summit also marks a significant international expansion with the addition of specialist business writer John Boitnott. He’s flying in from the United States to share his perspective on the global media landscape.
To ensure delegates gain a comprehensive understanding of print, broadcast and digital media, the event also features Claudia Redmond. An experienced producer and writer, Claudia has worked with ITV, BBC, Sky News, and Channel 4.
Known for her expertise in the arts and entertainment sectors, she often reports on:
culture
theatre and dance across TV and social platforms.
Across the two days, delegates will have the opportunity to pitch direct to a panel of five active journalists. Further they can develop professional assets. That includes high-quality photography for media kits and branding. They’ll also get an understanding of the PR benefits of public speaking. And receive mentorship from host Fiona Scott, Managing Director of Scott Media, and her team.
‘Last year showed us how much appetite there is for this direct, ‘no BS’ approach to PR. We’re thrilled to be expanding the event this November. Thus helping more entrepreneurs find their voice and secure the media recognition they deserve.’
