10th Birthday Bash Raises Cash for local charity, Best Mates. Calne-based Black Nova Designs, dedicated their birthday celebration to fundraise for mental health charity, Best Mates.
Birthday Bash Raises Cash. Jamie McAnsch, keynote speaker at their 10th birthday business partner, Danielle Holmes and Kyle Holmes, co-founders of Black Nova Designs, with Jeff Tucker of Best Mates.
About Best Mates
Best Mates is a mental health and community charity. It supports people when they’re in a crisis. It does so through practical support and by providing a ‘mate’ for them to talk to – in confidence.
Jeff Tucker, co-founder of Best Mates, spoke about Black Nova Design’s using their birthday celebration to raise funds for Best Mates.
Kyle and Danielle have been amazing since I met them 18 months ago. They’ve supported Best Mates and have helped us at our events. Further, they’ve raised money at various trade shows through their VR simulations and then dedicated their 10th birthday party to us. This has been incredible and they have become our ‘best mates’ during that time.’
Personal experience
Black Nova Designs’ founder, Kyle Holmes, recently opened up about his own mental health in a recent interview with Jeff. In it he discussed how much the work Best Mates does. How it saved lives and why he wanted to support Best Mates at their 10th Birthday Bash.
‘Standing in a room filled with friends, clients, and supporters who’ve been part of our journey over the past decade was nothing short of overwhelming. I felt immense pride—for what we’ve built at Black Nova Designs, and in the community, that’s grown around it. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate and raise money for Best Mates was so emotional.’ said Kyle.
The evening was a celebration of Black Nova Design’s ten years in business. There was a raffle, fabulous dinner, and a motivational speech from Jamie McAnsh. Jamie has CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) and has dedicated his life to helping others overcome obstacles to achieve their goals in life or business.
Guests loved being able to celebrate and fundraise for Best Mates. The musical ambiance and quirky photobooth comprised major highlights for attendees. The DJ and photobooth came courtesy of Ilker at Everyone’s Kind of Music. They donated their services to support Black Nova Designs in their fundraising efforts.
Gratitude
‘I’m full of profound gratitude to everyone who showed up, supported us, and helped make the night unforgettable. It reminded me that success isn’t measured in business milestones alone. But alsoin the relationships and impact we create along the way.’ continued Kyle.
Black Nova Designs is an IT support, website design and hosting company founded in 2015. They’re based in Wiltshire with clients nationwide and overseas. To find out more information visit: https://blacknovadesigns.co.uk/
Artisan bakery Pipp & Co has scooped the Best Doughnut category in PETA’s 2025 Vegan Food Awards. A mere few months after launching its vegan range. The bakery’s rhubarb and ginger jam doughnut was the stand out winner at this year’s annual awards, run by PETA. That’s the UK-based charity dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals.
The award celebrates outstanding plant-based innovation and craftsmanship across the UK. It recognises products that make it easier than ever for people to enjoy delicious food, free from animal ingredients.
Handcrafted from scratch in Pipp & Co’s Swindon bakery, the award-winning doughnut features the brand’s signature slow-proved brioche dough. All made using only natural, preservative-free ingredients, locally sourced where possible – and filled with its own rhubarb and ginger jam. The resulting doughnut is a vibrant balance of sweet and tangy flavours, finished with a perfectly light, golden crust.
‘We’re so proud of this recognition from PETA,” said Mario Evangelista, co-owner of Pipp & Co, which he runs with his wife, Betina Evangelista. ‘Our rhubarb and ginger jam doughnut has been a customer favourite since day one. And it’s wonderful to see our vegan range celebrated in this way. We’ve always believed that plant-based baking should feel truly satisfying and full of flavour. And this award proves it can be both.’
Artisan Bakery Wins ‘Best Doughnut’ – Mario and Betina Evangelista at the new Pipp & Co cafe in BristolRhubarb and Ginger Jam Vegan Doughnut
All made fresh
Pipp & Co’s doughnuts are made fresh daily. All with locally sourced organic A2 milk and cream alternatives. And British flour, and free-range eggs or vegan ingredients depending on the flavour. Each batch undergoes a 48-hour process to achieve their signature pillowy texture.
The bakery launched its vegan range in the spring. And it now regularly bakes five different flavoured vegan doughnuts, as well as a vegan walnut and banana loaf.
This accolade highlights Pipp & Co’s dedication to sustainable, handcrafted baking. And to its commitment to creating exceptional vegan options alongside its classic range.
Dawn Carr, PETA’s vice president of vegan corporate projects, commented: ‘As beautiful as it is delicious, Pipp & Co’s rhubarb and ginger jam doughnut stood out with its fluffy bite and generous filling of sweet jam with a hint of spice. Combined it all made it a clear winner in PETA’s Vegan Food Awards. We’re excited to see what vegan delights Pipp & Co dreams up next.’
Not for the first time, last night I sat through a production of Blood Brothers. I first saw it as an early incarnation in London many moons ago, with the great Barbara Dickson playing Mrs Johnstone.
And, since then, I’ve seen numerous productions of BB at the Wyvern Theatre, and I’ve never failed to feel its power and its ability to move. This production being no exception. The audience were on their feet at the end and rightly so. And yes, I cried. Again.
The plot
I don’t want to say too much about the plot – for obvious reasons. Though of course our beloved Google would soon tell you. What I will say, is that, despite being a musical, this production is no Oklahoma. Rather than the sweet-smelling, waving wheat what we have here is a desperately sad and tragic tale. Set not on farmland but in the poverty and grime of working-class Liverpool during a period roughly spanning the decades from the 1950s to the 1980s. It doesn’t sound like it should work. But it does. And that it does is down entirely, in the first instance, to the writing talents of Willy Russell. And then to the talents of the performers who have, over the decades, pumped life into the veins of this tragic tale of twins separated at birth.
The cast
The case is great. I’ve watched several of them before in the UK touring production I’m sure. Sean Jones, playing Mickey, must surely be riding his imaginary horse in his sleep by now? 🙂 Adults playing children – I’m always impressed that they make it so convincing. And they do – they all do!
Playing the all-seeing-all-knowing narrator in this production is Kristofer Harding. I saw Kristofer in this role some years ago now, so felt quite delighted to see him reprise it here. He knows before we do that it will all end in tears – literally and figuratively. And he reminds the audience of this throughout. Assuming the same function as a Greek chorus, the narrator in Blood Brothers is unseen by the other characters on stage as he speaks straight to the audience, explaining the plot, linking scenes and giving commentary on the themes explored in the musical.
Blood Brothers is a beautifully, hauntingly told, epic tragedy for the modern world. But the real tragedy is that the type of events it portrays, against a backdrop of social inequality, continue to play out day after day after day.
Prepare for an enchanting yuletide treat as The Fulltone Orchestra presents An Orchestral Christmas on Sunday 14 December 2025 at Marlborough College Memorial Hall, with none other than Aled Jones MBE. Audiences can enjoy two magical performances.
First a matinee at 2.30pm and an evening show at 6.00pm. BOTH performances featuring The Snowman -narrated by the much-loved national treasure.
A Fulltone Orchestral Christmas – Aled Jones
Marking 40 years since the release of Aled’s iconic Christmas hit Walking in the Air, this concert promises joy, wonder, and all the sparkle that defines the festive season. A full orchestra will bring the beloved score of The Snowman to life in sweeping orchestral colour. It’s the perfect event for families, music-lovers and anyone who delights in seasonal magic. And a rare treat to enjoy right here in Wiltshire.
The Fulltone Orchestra
The Fulltone Orchestra is 40-strong ensemble of outstanding musicians from across the South West, under the direction of Musical Director Anthony Brown. They’ll lead the performance with their signature warmth and artistry. The setting of Marlborough College Memorial Hall offers the ideal backdrop for this very special Christmas celebration.
Having worked with The Fulltone Orchestra before, Aled Jones said:
‘Christmas is such a magical time, and nothing brings it to life quite like music. To be narrating The Snowman with the incredible Fulltone Orchestra is going to be so special. Their sound is quite extraordinary, you feel it right through you. With all the festive favourites alongside, it promises to be one of those unforgettable concerts that makes the season shine. And – 40 years since the release of Walking in the Air – where’s that time gone?! I can’t wait to share it with everyone in Marlborough.’
The Fulltone Orchestra
Ticket Information
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £34.95 – £39.95.
Future of Swindon Wyvern Theatre. There’s been many reports and rumours circulating online recently. All claiming that the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon would soon be closing its doors. We can state, quite categorically, this is NOT the case.
Trafalgar Theatres’ current contract with Swindon Borough Council runs until 2029. Until then, we continue to have a packed programme of shows and events at the Wyvern.
It includes:
Smash-hit musicals – Blood Brothers, SIX, Barnum and The Choir of Man
Quality comedy from the very best on the circuit, including Russell Howard, Jason Manford, Ross Noble, Michelle de Swarte …
… and unforgettable live music from the likes of The Overtones, The Van Morrison Alumni Band, Rebecca Ferguson and Denise Van Outen.
Across both our vibrant venues, we’ll also be hosting Ballet, Opera, Drama, Classical Music, Children’s Shows, Pantomime. And our wonderful Community events that showcase an abundance of local talent.
Future of Swindon Wyvern Theatre – coming up at the wyvern
Further, the Wyvern remains dedicated to partnering with and supporting local charities, events and initiatives. That’s such things as:
Swindon Dementia Action Alliance
NSPCC
Swindon and Wiltshire Pride
Swindon PaintFest
Swindon Open Studios
Swindon Culture Collective and Swindon Town Centre improvement projects.
We also welcome and support the council’s plans for a new venue for Swindon. We’re committed to playing an active part as those plans take shape. All while maintaining a crucial provision for theatre, live entertainment, and community events at the Wyvern and Swindon Arts Centre.
