EX RAF Photographer Applies Military Values to her business nineteen years after leaving the forces.
A Wiltshire photographer and business owner says the values she learned during her time in the Royal Air Force continue to influence how she works now – almost 20 years later.
Barbara Leatham, founder of Barbara Leatham Photography and The Business Lens, joined the RAF at the age of 29 as a single parent. She spent five years serving as a photographer before returning to civilian life and, at length, building her own business.
Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27th June, recognises the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families. Ahead of that Barbara reflects on the four core RAF values that continue to shape her approach to business today. They are: Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
EX RAF Photographer Applies Military Values – Barbara Leatham photographer
Respect
For Barbara, respect begins with understanding that every photograph tells somebody else’s story.
‘When people invite you into their business, their event or an important moment in their lives, that comes with a responsibility,’ she said. ‘I’ve worked with many people who aren’t comfortable in front of the camera for a variety of reasons. It’s important to give them the time they need so we get the best results.’
‘Respect is about listening first, understanding what matters to people and recognising that every business and every individual is different.’
Integrity
Barbara believes integrity is one of the most important values she carried from military life into her photography career.
‘Photography should tell the truth,’ she said. ‘Now, in particular, when people are seeing more edited, generated and artificial content than ever before.’
‘I shared a photo of myself recently on my socials that showed the original photograph of me, and a transitional AI version. I come with blemishes, my hair is rarely perfect, and there’s a need to be honest when there is so much fake in the world.
“I’ve always believed that the strongest images are the authentic ones. My job is not to create a false impression, it’s to help people tell their story with honesty.’
Service
While Barbara’s career has evolved from photographer to trainer and mentor, she says the principle of service remains the same.
‘My role has always been about helping people achieve what they need, whether that’s creating photographs, building confidence or developing new skills.’
‘I’ve always believed that if I can share a useful tip or spark a new idea while I’m working with someone, I should. Almost every shoot I’ve done has involved conversations about future opportunities, content ideas or ways a client can make more of what they’re already doing.
I love it when someone gets back in touch to say they’ve come away with a whole list of ideas from our time together.
‘Service is about putting other people first and understanding what success looks like for them, not for you.’
Excellence
Barbara says excellence is often misunderstood as perfection.
‘In the RAF, excellence wasn’t about being perfect. It was about trying, preparation and taking pride in your work.’
‘I’ve always been someone who likes to arrive early. I’d much rather have time to get my bearings, understand the environment and be ready to start than risk missing an important moment. Photography often captures moments that are impossible to repeat. So preparation is so important to me.
‘That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career. I still believe in turning up prepared, paying attention to the details and always looking for ways to improve.’
This July marks 19 years since Barbara launched her photography business. And almost a year since she introduced The Business Lens, a photography training programme designed to help businesses create stronger visual content using the equipment they already have.
Looking back, Barbara believes the values she learned in the military continue to guide her both professionally and personally. ‘The uniform comes off, but the values stay with you,’ she said.
‘They’ve influenced who I am, how I work and the standards I set for myself every day. Armed Forces Day is a chance to recognise everyone who has served, but also to reflect on the lessons that stay with us long after our service ends.’
The Swindon Culture Collective network today launched a bold new brand and website. The purpose being to raise the profile of Swindon’s vibrant cultural offer.
Donated by Gel Studios as their contribution to the project, with members of Swindon Culture Collective network, Do Swindon is a dynamic platform. Its aim is to bring together the borough’s cultural offer. Thus making it easier for people to find out what’s on. And get everyone excited about what Swindon has to offer.
The network of grassroots local creatives and creative organisations have come together to develop the Do Swindon brand as part of Swindon’s Cultural Place Partnership. It’s supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Rod Hebden, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said:
‘All too often we hear people complain that ‘there’s nothing to do in Swindon’. Meanwhile we know that our town has a varied and thriving arts and cultural scene. But with the sector comprising individuals and organisations of many sizes, it can be a challenge to publicise events and activity in an effective way. That’s why this work was included in the Place Partnership bid that Swindon made to the Arts Council. And it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition so well.’
Graeme Leighfield, Gel Studios, said:
‘When we heard that the plans were to include a platform like this, we were keen to offer our support. We’re passionate about supporting Swindon, and have worked with many of the festivals and cultural organisations. But this gave us the opportunity to create something that could support the whole sector and everyone who spends time in Swindon.
It’s my belief that we’ve created something quite special. It’s launching with dozens of fantastic activities already uploaded. But we have plans for continous improvement of the functionality of the site. And to help more and more members of the network to post their events, workshops and exhibitions, all over the borough.’
Do Swindon
Do Swindon is a go-to destination for residents, visitors, businesses and community organisations looking to explore what’s happening across the town. From independent events and cultural attractions to days out, local stories and hidden gems, the platform brings Swindon’s people, places and possibilities together in one accessible space.
At its heart, Do Swindon is about changing the conversation around the town.
Showcasing Swindon’s Cultural Offer – laptop showing the do swindon website
A town with plenty to shout about
For too long, Swindon has been a place with plenty to shout about, but not always enough platforms dedicated to shouting about it. Do Swindon has been launched to help make that story easier to see, share and celebrate.
The new website gives people a simple way to find out what to do in Swindon. Whether planning a weekend, looking for family activities, promoting a local event, or wanting to reconnect with what’s on their doorstep. It’s also designed to support:
local businesses
venues
charities
creatives and …
… organisers
by giving them greater visibility and helping more people discover what they offer.
The Do Swindon website is now live. It will continue to grow as more businesses, events, organisations and community stories are added.
Visit www.doswindon.co.uk to explore what‘s happening across the town. Discover new places and support the people helping Swindon stand out.
Swindon Art Club Competition. SWINDON’S largest children’s visual arts organisation announces a summer art competition and exhibition for children across the town.
Let’s Create Art Club, founded by artist Rachel Bray, allows children to explore painting, drawing, sculpture and design in a safe, fun, and pressure-free environment. It does so through after-school clubs and holiday art camps for children aged four to twelve.
To mark this summer like no other, Let’s Create Art Club are launching their town-wide art competition: ‘Let’s Create Swindon Summer Art Competition’.
‘Over the years I’ve run a few competitions in the schools in which we have our clubs but nothing on this scale. I want to include and exhibit as many local children as I can’ said Rachel. ‘Plus, they have the chance to win some fantastic prizes!’
Swindon Art Club Competition – Rachel Bray
The competition theme
The theme for the competition is ‘My Imagination’. And KS1 and KS2 aged children who attend any Swindon primary school can take part.
‘I chose the theme of ‘My Imagination’ because it was broad. And it’ll allow children to embrace their creative ideas and have them shine through in their artwork,’ said Rachel.
They can use any artistic medium to create their pieces as long as they are A4-sized, 2D, dry and hard copies (not photograph copies or digital art) when submitting.
‘Competitions like these are about far more than prizes. They give children confidence, time to express themselves and see that their ideas have value. To have an exhibition of children’s artwork at the end of the competition and the start of the summer holidays is going to be so exciting for them,’ she said.
To submit their artwork, students will hand their completed pieces into their school office where it will be collected after the deadline. Rachel is inviting all Swindon schools to take part. Should your child’s school decide not to take part, get in touch with Let’s Create Art Club to submit directly.
The deadline for entries is Monday 6th July.
Announcements and exhibitions
Rachel will announce winner, runners-ups and highly commended submissions the week commencing Monday 13th July.
The variety of prizes available for the lucky winner and runners up of the ‘Let’s Create Swindon Summer Art Competition’, comprise art hampers and days at summer Art Camp. Also Amazon and Hobby Craft gift vouchers.
From the end of July, selected artwork will go on show at the Let’s Create Art Club’s summer exhibition at the Richard Jefferies Museum, next to Coate Water Country Park in South Swindon. Children and families will be able to visit the museum and see their work in a gallery setting.
‘By exhibiting selected entries and sharing their work we are showing children their creativity matters and deserves going on show. I hope they will feel so proud when they see their work exhibited in a museum!’
Let’s Create Art Club is a member of the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP), ensuring the club meets high standards for safety, inclusion and engagement.
Employers across the South West are being reminded that rising temperatures bring important health and safety responsibilities. In these circumstances it’s a requirement of businesses to assess and manage hot weather risks in the workplace.
Andrew Wilkinson, founder of Secure Safety Solutions in Swindon, urges employers not to underestimate the effect of high temperatures on workers. In particular as summer temperatures continue to rise across the UK.
Employer Responsibilities in Heatwaves – Andrew Wilkinson of Secure Safety Solutions
Minimum and maximum
He said: ‘There’s no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK. But employers have a duty under health and safety legislation to protect workers from heat-related risks. The workplace (health, safety and welfare) regulations expect employers to provide a reasonable indoor temperature. While the management of health and safety at work regulations requires businesses to assess workplace risks and put suitable controls in place.’
For construction companies, the construction (design and management) regulations expects reasonable temperatures in indoor working areas. And appropriate protection from adverse weather for those working outdoors. Employers must maintain site welfare facilities at a suitable temperature.
‘It surprises many employers to learn that there’s no maximum legal workplace temperature in the UK,’ said Andrew who is a health and safety expert with 20 years’ experience.
Yet, that does not mean businesses can ignore the issue. Heat’s recognised as a workplace hazard like any other risk. And employers have a legal duty to assess it and take reasonable steps to protect staff.’
Effects of high temperatures
High temperatures can:
affect concentration
increase fatigue and…
lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, heat stroke.
Workers in physically demanding roles, outdoor environments, warehouses, kitchens and factories can be particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.
Andrew advises businesses to carry out heat-related risk assessments. And consult employees on practical measures that can help reduce the effects of high temperatures. These might include:
Increasing access to drinking water
Introducing extra rest breaks
Improving ventilation
adjusting working hours and providing shaded areas for outdoor workers.
‘Heat stress can develop fast and often goes unnoticed until someone becomes unwell,’ Andrew said. ‘Simple measures such as:
encouraging hydration
rotating physically demanding tasks …
and allowing more frequent breaks can make a significant difference.
Employers should also ensure managers understand the signs and symptoms of heat stroke so that intervention can happen early.’
Symptoms of heat stroke can include:
confusion, slurred speech
hot, red, dry skin and changes in ‘normal’ sweating
racing heart beat or shallow breathing
headaches, dizziness
nausea and/or vomiting.
Code of practice
The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice suggests a minimum workplace temperature of 16°C for indoor work. Or 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort. But, when there’s a significant rise in temperatures, employers must determine what’s reasonable based on the nature of the work, the environment and the needs of their workforce.
Andrew believes employers who take a proactive approach not only reduce legal risks but also improve productivity and staff wellbeing.
‘Businesses that look after their people tend to see better morale, lower absenteeism and improved performance,’ he said. ‘As periods of extreme weather become more common, organisations need to think about heat management as part of their overall health and safety strategy. Rather than something that only becomes important during a heatwave.’
Secure Safety Solutions provides health and safety consultancy, risk assessments, fire safety advice and compliance support to organisations across the UK. Based in Swindon, the company works with businesses of all sizes to help them create safer and more compliant workplaces.
The next open studios at Mulberry Gardens, on Friday 26th June 2026 from 2-7pm, explores the way artists and writers use words for inspiration. The free entry includes various activities such as a writing workshop and an open mic from 6-7pm. Refreshments are available and art will be for sale.
After the success of the last event in May, the team have booked the same lovely weather (:-)). So everyone can enjoy chatting with artists and writers in the beautiful gardens.
Artists Helen Savin and Komic will display their poetry-inspired work. Incorporating their own haiku verses into handmade and hand-altered books. They are exploring different methods in their art practices to make the books a mix of words and images. Joining them in the potting shed is Zozo Thomas, author and illustrator, offering a chance to have a go at calligraphy or try illuminating some letters.
Podpadstudios will be showing their animatronic coach and dragons. And telling the fearsome origin story of the ‘baby’ (5’ long) dragons Stardust and Steel. Come along to find out how the wicked witch, Fortuna, stole them as eggs. And has been manipulating them ever since. Maybe you can finish their story, as there will be a dragon-based story writing activity.
Words on Whitworth – Podpad studios baby dragons and coach
Writing workshop
Joining us too is author Judith Cranswick. Judith writes cosy travel mysteries which all take place during a holiday. Her books will take you on a vicarious journey to foreign parts. She’ll be running 2 workshops. At 2:30pm she will be talking about her writing life, from writing short stories to travel mysteries, how she became a published novelist. Then at 3:30pm, Judith will be running a writing workshop – Everyone Can Write so why not come along and have a go!?
Open mic
At the end of the evening there’ll be an open mic run By Peter Pod Poet, from 6-7pm. Anyone can take part, reading prose or poems, of up to 3 minutes long, either their own work or something by another writer. Slots are allocated on a first come first served basis, see details below. Please bring your own picnic chair or rug to watch the open mic.
More details
Why not bring the family, get inspired and entertained! The event is from 2-7pm on Friday, 26th June 2026, at 225 Whitworth Road Swindon SN25 3BX. Entrance to the open studios is free. But donations towards the upkeep of the garden we accept with grateful thanks. It’s advisable to book so that the organisers can get an idea of numbers.
If you would like to appear on the open mic, slots will be booked on a first come first served basis, to register: email peterpod74@gmail.com or Whats App 07754 194670.
2:00pm studios open Any time:General activities: Dragon story writing activity, calligraphy, illuminating letters. 2:30pm: Judith Cranswick talks about how she became a published novelist. 3:30pm: Judith Cranswick writing workshop – Everyone Can Write 6:00pm: Open Mic: run by Peter Pod Poet 7:00pm Studios close
Podpad studios …
… makes creations for film, TV and exhibitions and has a considerable catalogue of props for hire. It is a family business based in Swindon, run by husband and wife team, Anna and Mark Enright, who share a passion for prop making. Both directors have alter egos; catch up with Master Maker and Mrs Breaker on their YouTube Channel …. with over one million views across their social media platforms, no one is safe!
Zozo ThomasAuthor and Illustrator, Zozo Thomas has collaborated with Podpadstudios for open studios, for many years, as they are both based in the Rodbourne Cheney area of Swindon. Her illustrated children’s books, based on the plants and animals in a fictional version of her own garden, are fun for all the family.
Swindon Open Studios. The ever-popular Open Studios event is run entirely by volunteers. Artists all over Swindon open their studios or exhibit at other venues during the last two weekends of September. https://www.swindonopenstudios.org/
