A Wyvern Sweet Treat – in the form of the Tanwood Youth Theatre’s* production of Roald Dahl’s, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
In the 1971 film, Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka sang:
Come with me and you’ll be In a world of pure imagination Take a look and you’ll see Into your imagination …
And that’s exactly what this production offers – glass elevator and all.
And a world of pure imagination is exactly what this gorgeous production takes you into with an actual glass elevator and all accompanied by a real-life orchestra. The sets are fab and there’s some rather good special effects – aside from the elevator.
I so enjoyed this show. There’s something so precious and heartwarming and life-affirming about watching young people putting themselves out there for our viewing pleasure. In particular when one knows they’ve worked their socks off to perfect their performances. The summer youth projects at the Wyvern are similarly joyful experiences. Always.
Talking of performances, I’m ever in awe, when watching these things, at just how good everyone is – no missed dance steps that I noticed – even with the little ones. They both amaze and delight! Again, always.
Also – apropos of nothing related to their performances – I was v jealous of the multicoloured goggles the Oompa-Loompas wore in the Department of Future Technology scene. They looked cool.
Anyway, returning to performances, #obvs everyone was truly terrific and Matt Cremin gave us a wonderful Wonka for sure.
But I must give special mention to Sophie Ballentyne as Charlie Bucket – if only for her diction. That’s not the only reason but definitely for that. I heard every word she said or sang – and that’s more than I can say for many professionals I’ve seen. So thank you Sophie – fab job! Delectable diction aside, I thought she did a super job with the role too. It’s a big one to carry – being the epnoymous central character and all. One she carried off with charm and warmth and aplomb.
Thanks must go too, to what must be an army of folk behind the scenes getting the ensemble in and out of their costumes. I’m picturing frenetic backstage activity – so well done all of you!.
So look, the world is all a bit rubbish at the moment (to understate things) so if you want something to take your mind of it all for a couple of hours then get along to the Wyvern and lose yourself in Willy Wonka’s world. If anyone can take your mind off things – if only for a while – then the candy man can!
Written in 1964, by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a children’s novel. It features the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the eponymous factory owned by an eccentric chocolatier who goes by the name of Willy Wonka.
The inspiration for the story came from Dahl’s experience of chocolate companies during his schooldays at Derbyshire’s Repton School. It seems that Cadbury often sent test packages to the pupils as market research. At that time (circa 1920s) Cadbury and Rowntree were England’s two largest chocolate makers. It wasn’t beyond each of them to try and steal the other’s trade secrets. They sent spies posing as employees into the other’s factory. Thus inspiring Dahl’s recipe thieving spies such as Wonka’s rival in the book, Slugworth.
As a result, both companies became V protective of their chocolate-making processes. The combination of this secrecy and the elaborate, often huge, machines in the factory inspired Dahl to write the book.
Art Club Founder Charity Fundraiser SWITCHES PAINTBRUSHES FOR FITNESS TO FUNDRAISE FOR CANCER CHARITY.
Entrepreneur, Rachel Bray, has taken on a global fitness race, Hyrox. Her aim? To raise much-needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Swindon-based Rachel founded Let’s Create Art Club in 2020. Yet what many people don’t know is that she loves keeping fit. She sees it as supporting both her physical and mental health. Running her own business and stepping away from a corporate role has allowed her to work on her fitness alongside the fitness of her business.
‘Creating time for yourself as a working mum can be so difficult, if it’s not the time itself, it’s the mum guilt. This meant I didn’t pick up the pencils for years. I knew I needed to carve time out for myself because I know how much art affects your overall wellbeing and it’s something I’ve always loved,’ said Rachel.
Since then Rachel’s business has provided a creative outlet for 100s of children in and around Swindon and North Wiltshire.
Art Club Founder Charity Fundraiser – Rachel Bray
Other passions
Now, her other passion for fitness and in particular, weight training, is having a big effect on her life. And she’s decided to also turn that passion into helping others.
‘I’ve always loved weight training and being active – years ago I even became a personal trainer. But that all fell away when I had my children. I returned to the gym in 2021 and taking on this challenge, when I haven’t done any running in about 20 years, felt like a great way to give back,’ she continued.
‘We completed an art challenge before. Let’s Create Art Club took part in the ‘The Big Dog Art Trail’ in 2023 to fundraise for local children’s hospice, Julia’s house. We raised £500 for the charity, but this challenge was very different and very personal. This was my very first Hyrox and the pressure was building!’
Hyrox
Hyrox is a hybrid endurance race welcoming anybody at any fitness level. The challenge involves participants running eight 1km runs and completing eight functional workout stations. The global event took place at Olympia in London during the last week of March.
I headed to London the week of the Hyrox to put my endurance and strength to the test and much like a half or full marathon, it’s you Vs you,’ said Rachel.
‘I headed to London the week of the Hyrox to put my endurance and strength to the test and much like a half or full marathon, it’s you Vs you,’ said Rachel.
Rachel had only started adding running to her ‘normal’ training routine in January taking her training to between eight and nine hours a week.
The energy at the event was something I hadn’t expected or experienced before. To my complete surprise my family arrived and cheered me on until the end. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Whilst I didn’t make the personal time I wanted, I felt elated to cross the finish line knowing I’d given it my all.’
Official partner
Hyrox officially partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support. And all fundraising went to supporting people with lives affected by cancer. It’s now known that one in two people will get cancer in their life-time and it’s affected Rachel’s life.
‘In the last eight years alone, I’ve known eight people who’ve needed support from Macmillan Cancer Support. Six have been family members, five of whom lost their battle,’ she said.
n December, Rachel’s goal was to raise £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support, she broke her target and raised a total of £680.
‘A huge thank you goes to those who donated. Every donation makes a real difference to people’s lives. And knowing it was for charity spurred me on throughout a tough day when my legs felt like they were going to give up!’
Let’s Create Art Club’s staff and parents along with Rachel’s family and friends cheered Rachel on throughout her fitness challenge. And supported her efforts in raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Let’s Create Art Club is a member of the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP), meeting high standards for safety, inclusion and engagement. They were finalists at the ICAP Awards 2025, in their ‘Rising Star – Outstanding achievement in Growth and Visions for the Future’ category.
Christ Church Swindon is proud to announce the return of its much-loved Old Town Beer & Cider Festival for its 13th year.
The XIII Old Town Beer & Cider Festival – Centurion Edition Set to Be Biggest Yet at Christ Church Swindon.
Running from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May 2026. This year’s event, aptly named the Centurion Edition, will be the largest in the festival’s history. It’s featuring an impressive selection of 100 beers and ciders.
It’ll be held across Christ Church, the Community Centre, and surrounding grounds on Cricklade Street. The four-day festival promises a vibrant programme:
Of entertainment
Community engagement
And fundraising with something for all ages
Christ Church Beer Festival 2026
Helping to make it happen
Making the festival possible is the generous support of many sponsors, such as:
Gel Studios
DSNY wealth planning
Their backing helps ensure the event continues to grow year-on-year. All while supporting important community causes.
This year also marks the beginning of an exciting new three-year partnership with Guardians Group. They’ve donated a state-of-the-art digital totem display. This new addition will support Christ Church and the festival’s commitment to sustainability with a significant reduction in the need for printed posters and promotional materials. All helping to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.
The festival opens on Thursday evening with a headline comedy night. That’s in partnership with Swindon Old Town Comedy Club, featuring an award-winning line-up led by Esther Manito, known for appearances on Live at the Apollo (BBC One) and Comedy Central Live and Chortle Awards Best Headliner 2026. Supporting acts include Sam Day and Alex Farrow, with hosting by local favourite Sam Michael.
On Friday afternoon, the festival introduces an exciting new collaboration with the Swindon Festival of Literature. That’s Brews & Beats – Tasting Notes: The Art & Science of Pairing Beer and Music. Hosted by acclaimed author and Sunday Times beer columnist Pete Brown. The session will explore the sensory relationship between sound and taste through guided beer tastings paired with music.
Meanwhile …
The main festival sessions run from Friday evening through Saturday, showcasing the full Centurion range. Saturday evening will once again feature live music. That’s headlined by the ever- popular ukulele rock band What The Pluck, alongside local acts The Saga Louts and Splat The Rat.
The festival concludes on Sunday with a brand-new, family-friendly event: 100 Hits Family Music Bingo. That offers a fun and inclusive finale filled with music, games, and prizes.
The fundraising
As in previous years, the festival will raise funds for important local and charitable causes, including:
Swindon Town Football Club Community Foundation
Sepsis research FEAT
And of course, he ongoing upkeep of Christ Church and its community centre.
Tickets for all sessions went on sale from 1st March and we expected them to sell fast. Each ticket includes festival entry, a commemorative glass, and selected refreshments depending on the session. A variety of hot food options will be available throughout the event.
Festival organisers note that while approximately 100 beers and ciders will be available at the start, popular selections may sell out over the course of the weekend. All part of a sustainability- focused approach to minimise waste.
Chris Smith, Site Operations Manager at Christ Church Swindon and event organiser, said:
This year’s Centurion Edition is our biggest and boldest festival yet. We’ve got 100 beers and ciders on offer — our widest range ever. We’ve pushed the boat out, and we can’t wait for people to discover new favourites across the weekend.
‘It’s not just about the drinks though — it’s about creating something unique for the town. From headline comedy and live music to our exciting new partnership with the Swindon Festival of Literature for the Brews & Beats beer and music experience, this year’s programme has something for everyone. It’s shaping up to be our most vibrant festival yet.’
The event at a glance
Dates: Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Christ Church Swindon & Community Centre, Cricklade Street, Swindon, SN1 3HB
Highlights:
The Range of 100 beers & ciders on offer
Comedy night
Beer and music pairing experience
Live music
Family bingo finale
Tickets: From £5 to £15 depending on event
For further information, tickets, and updates, visit the festival website at:
Arthur Dallimer is Event Speaker. Arthur will be among the guest speakers at the first ever TBE Big Breakfast to take place at Lydiard Park, Swindon. He’ll speak about the economic and cultural future of the town.
Make your networking count and join us for the first ever TBE Big Breakfast at Lydiard Park, Swindon on Thursday 23rd April 2026.
Organised by Anita Jaynes, managing editor of the TBE magazines for Swindon & Wiltshire, Bath & Somerset, the event will bring together business leaders and professionals. They’ll explore growth opportunities and the evolving future of the town and its place in the region.
With a focus on the new fiscal year, the theme centres on growth and Swindon. It’ll examine the town’s reputation versus its reality highlighting its role as an underestimated powerhouse within the regional and wider UK economy.
Arthur Dallimer is Event Speaker
Possibilities
‘Swindon is my home and I’m proud to be part of this community,’ Arthur said. ‘We now have an opportunity to be open in our pride of being part of this town as it looks towards its UK City of Culture 2029 bid. And the possibility of joining forces economically with Oxfordshire and Berkshire as a Mayoral Strategic Authority.’
The choice of Lydiard Park as the venue reflects a deliberate effort to showcase Swindon. Emphasising its green spaces and cultural assets alongside its commercial strengths.
Arthur, as a landlord and property developer, has delivered more than £20 million pounds-worth of projects across Swindon and Wiltshire since 2014. He works at close quarters with private investors on structured development schemes. He’s currently developing Burderop House Estate.
‘I’m looking forward to being part of this important conversation about Swindon’s future,’ he said. ‘There is a great deal of potential within the town. And it’s vital that businesses and communities work together to realise it. We also need to express our belief in the amazing positive potential of Swindon. It’s is the second most economically active urban area in the whole of the South West, second only to Bristol.’
Joining Arthur are Kate Westbrook, Partner and Head of Commercial at Thrings, and James Phipps, Executive Chairman of WestSpring IT and a long-standing advocate for the region’s business community. Chairing the discussion will be Anita Jaynes, founder of The Business Exchange.
Anita said: ‘We’re delighted that Arthur has agreed to be part of this important discussion. He’s gone about this own personal mission to celebrate and save the heritage and enhance the culture of the area. Something which is not always easy or straight-forward. To hear the voice of this young entrepreneur will, I’m sure, inspire many.’
On topic
Topics will include:
Swindon’s reputation versus reality
Its positioning as an economic hub
Emerging opportunities linked to new regional connections.
And the role of culture and placemaking in reshaping perceptions. That’s including developments such as the town’s City of Culture bid and projects like Burderop House and Apsley House (Swindon’s former museum and art gallery, now owned by Arthur).
The Locomotive for Murder. MURDER, MYSTERY AND MAYHEM COME TO TOWN GARDENS BOWL FOR 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
Town Gardens Bowl, 3rd May — Get ready for an evening of intrigue, laughter, and deadly deception. The Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit arrives at the Town Gardens Bowl on 3rd May. It’s part of a special celebration marking the venue’s 90th anniversary.
The Locomotive for Murder – the bowl in swindon town gardens
Presented by …
Presented by acclaimed improv company Pinch Punch, this unique theatrical experience invites audiences aboard a train journey. One where not everyone will make it to the final stop. Combining razor-sharp comedy with classic murder mystery tropes, the show is e improvised in its entirety. So no two performances are ever the same.
Hailed as ‘a first class improvised murder mystery with hilarious performances’ (★★★★★ The Reviews Hub), the production puts the audience at the heart of the action. Using live suggestions, the cast creates a brand-new whodunnit each night. All complete with suspicious passengers, dubious alibis and a detective determined to crack the case.
But there’s a twist: only one person on stage knows the identity of the killer—and that’s the murderer themselves.
As the mystery unfolds, audiences must work alongside the detective to:
piece together clues
interrogate suspects …
…and unmask the culprit before they strike again.
Running at approximately 60 minutes (with an optional 90-minute version including interval), the show is suitable for ages 10+. It features comedic depictions of murder, audience interaction, innuendo and occasional strong language.
This special performance forms part of the Town Gardens Bowl’s 90th anniversary celebrations. It brings a fresh and playful twist to the historic venue’s milestone year.
