EXPANSION IN THE ‘WOO-NIVERSE’ as the Something Kind of Woo founder, Louise Muir Sage, releases a book.
Something Kind of Woo founder, Louise Muir Sage, expands her ‘woo-niverse’ into the literary world, with the release of The Little Book of Woo, her first non-fiction book.
Louise opened her spiritual high street shop, Something Kind of Woo, in Royal Wootton Bassett in June 2025. Since the shop opened, it’s gone from strength to strength. Months later, she opened Something Kind of Woo Too, a private healing centre for Reiki, chakra balancing, 1-2-1 meditation sessions and other mindful practices.
After a year of curious clients asking about the ‘woo’ side of life, Louise put pen to paper and wrote The Little Book of Woo.
EXPANSION IN THE ‘WOO-NIVERSE’ – Louise Muir Sage and The Little Book of Woo
Putting pen to paper
‘The Little Book of Woo is, in essence, about spirituality for normal people!’ Louise remarked. ‘It’s for anyone who’s curious about the ‘woo’ but doesn’t necessarily know where to start or feels a little overwhelmed by it all.’
The book explores crystals, Reiki, chakras, meditation, astrology, the moon and other spiritual practices that are part of Louise’s life and work.
‘People are curious; they pick up a crystal and ask what it does. They hear somebody talking about Mercury Retrograde, chakras, Reiki or a Full Moon and want to know what it means,’ she said.
‘I realised there was space for something that told people about ‘the woo’, without making it weird or complicated.’
Inspiration
Inspired by the inquisitive people who enter her shop every day, Louise started writing by reflecting on the questions she often receives. She said:
‘I want it to feel like you’ve popped into Something Kind of Woo, sat down with me and asked to explain all this ‘woo’ stuff to you.’
‘The book is about exploring, getting curious, trying things and taking what resonates with you. I want someone to be able to pick it up knowing nothing about spirituality and think, ‘Oh… THAT’S what people mean when they talk about that!’
Louise’s book is not about telling people what they should believe, an ethos very close to her heart.
‘The biggest thing for me has been finding the balance between sharing useful information and making sure it still sounds like me. I don’t want it to read like a textbook on spirituality,’ she said.
‘I’ve written something you could dip in and out of rather than feeling like you need to become an expert. And, actually, it’s a perfect fit with why I created Something Kind of Woo in the first place.’
Little Book of Woo is available now on Amazon and in Louise’s high street store, Something Kind of Woo, £7.99.
Santa Stars in Brunel’s Christmas – an affordable one at that.
Swindon’s Brunel shopping centre is getting ready to spread festive cheer this winter. How? With an exciting, community-focused, budget-friendly Christmas line-up that’s how.
With an emphasis on:
sustainable shopping
supporting local charities
and affordability …
… this year’s celebrations promise something special for everyone.
At the heart
At the heart of the festivities will once again be Santa’s Grotto. But this time, it’s FREE for children and families to visit Santa Claus. He’ll be downstairs at The Brunel every weekend and selected weekdays from 14 November to 24 December.
Santa Stars in Brunel’s Christmas – Santa and Elves at Swindon Brunel Centre
The festive celebrations will also feature in The Brunel’s popular monthly Makers’ Market. There traders will be showcasing Christmas gifts and treats. The Festive Markets will take place on the 28 November and 12 December.
Adding to the atmosphere, The Brunel is putting a call-out for local choirs and singing groups, who’d like to perform and fill the centre with carols and Christmas songs. The Brunel will make a charitable donation for each singing group that performs.
A spokesperson for The Brunel said: ‘We’re thrilled to launch such an inclusive, community-focused Christmas programme this year. We’re making Santa’s Grotto completely free. And our regular Makers’ Market with its festive twist, alongside local choirs and singing groups, will, we hope, ease financial pressures for families while championing sustainability and supporting the incredible work of local charities.’
Singing groups and choirs who would like to perform can email info@thebrunel.co.uk.
While Santa’s Grotto is free, to ensure a magical and smooth experience, visitors are advised to pre-book. For more details of when Santa is at The Brunel, and to book, visit https://www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/TheBrunel.
Swindon Business Charity Breakfast raises almost £9,000 for local good causes.
A Swindon accountancy firm is preparing for its final business charity breakfast of 2026. They’ve raised almost £9,000. And have supported twenty-three charities and community projects through its popular networking events.
Guest speaker Nicki Kinton, founder of Confident Cashflow, will deliver a talk titled Getting Paid on Time Starts Here. The talk draws on her years of experience in credit management to help businesses tackle the challenges of late payments.
Nicki said, ‘Getting paid on time is something so many businesses struggle with. And it can be so frustrating when you’ve done the work but the money isn’t coming in.
Nicki Kinton from Confident Cashflow
A common problem
‘It’s a problem I see often. And often business owners aren’t sure what they could be doing differently. I’m looking forward to sharing some of the things I’ve learned over the years. And, I hope, give people a few ideas they can take back to their own businesses.
‘It’s also lovely to be part of an event that brings local businesses together while raising money for such a worthwhile charity.’
Wiltshire Treehouse supports children and young people across Swindon and Wiltshire following the death of someone important to them. The charity provides bereavement support, helping families understand and manage grief during difficult times.
Since launching its charity events in 2017, PPS has raised £8,925 for twenty-three charities and community projects. They include Ainslie’s Pavilion Project and Willows Counselling. Both of which have benefited from this year’s breakfasts.
Sally Holland, Partner at PPS Chartered Accountants, said, ‘We’ve had some lovely mornings this year and it’s always encouraging to see how willing people are to support the charities we introduce them to.
Money talks
‘The money raised is important, but we’ve also seen businesses offer their time, expertise and contacts to help charities in other ways. Sometimes a conversation over breakfast can lead to something that makes a real difference.’
The PPS breakfasts are also designed to appeal to people who might not usually enjoy traditional networking events. There are no individual pitches or formal introductions. Instead they give attendees the chance to make connections over breakfast in a relaxed setting.
Sally added, ‘We know networking isn’t everyone’s favourite thing. In particular when there’s an expectation to stand up and talk about yourself. We try to keep things informal so people can enjoy themselves and have a proper conversation.
‘We know business gets passed between people who meet at these events too. That’s lovely to see alongside the fundraising.’
The final PPS Business Charity Breakfast of 2026 takes place on Thursday 12th November. It runs from 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and is at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon.
National Recognition for Let’s Create, the Swindon-based art club, as it celebrates national recognition at the UK’s first awards dedicated to class-based businesses.
Let’s Create Art Club, founded by Rachel Bray, has provided children with the opportunity to:
explore painting
drawing
sculpture and design in a safe, fun and pressure-free environment since 2020.
National Recognition for Let’s Create – Rachel (centre) with commendation
About the awards
The Class Business Awards, run by The Children’s Activity Business Club, highlight the UK’s thriving class business sector. Let’s Create Art Club hit the shortlist earlier this year as one of six finalists in the ‘High Performing Business of the Year’ category.
Let’s Create Art Club took home a ‘Highly Commended’ accreditation.
‘The day was a great excuse to swap my usual paint-splattered clothes for something a little more glamorous!’ Rachel said.
‘Being as a national finalist, and then highly commended, amongst some of the very best class providers in the UK and over 400 entries, is something I’m so proud of.’
Rachel was one of many business owners who travelled to the National Conference Centre in Solihull to celebrate.
A packed day
The day was packed with:
inspiring keynote speakers
mastermind sessions and ….
… the opportunity to network before a black-tie awards ceremony.
‘When I started Let’s Create, I wanted to build something that gave children the freedom to explore their creativity, express themselves and enjoy making art without pressure or expectation,’ she reflected.
‘3 years ago, I left my employment to turn my side hustle into a ‘real’ business. To see how far we’ve come and to have that recognised on a national stage, does mean a lot.’
As Let’s Create Art Club approaches their seventh anniversary, they are set to have their most successful year to date. All with fourteen weekly after school clubs, weekend workshops and the continuation of their sell out holiday art camps.
‘None of it would be possible without:
the wonderful families who choose us week after week
the schools who welcome us …
… and of course, the amazing team who bring Let’s Create to life every single day,’ she said.
‘I came away feeling so proud, inspired and excited for everything that’s still to come. Not bad for a little art club from Swindon!’
Let’s Create are a member of the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP). They were finalists at the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP) awards 2025, in the ‘Rising Star – Outstanding achievement in growth and vision for the future’ category.
Free Momentum Dance Recitalbrings an evening of jazz, commercial, contemporary and more to Swindon Hub on Saturday 21 November. 3.30pm to 5pm.
Local dance instructor Jacob Mansfield is inviting the people of Swindon to a completely free Momentum Dance Recital at Swindon Hub on Saturday 21 November. The event promises an evening of different styles of dancing. All showcasing the creativity and community spirit of his free weekly classes.
Described as ‘an evening of different styles of dancing’ and ‘the time of your life,’ the recital will feature:
jazz
commercial
contemporary
global and other styles in one quality performance suitable for all ages and all levels of experience. The show is free to attend and open to everyone.
Free Momentum Dance Recital – 3pm NOT 3am
The founding father
Jacob founded Momentum Dance Class to offer free, weekly, inclusive dance classes for young adults and adults at Swindon Hub (36 The Parade, SN1 1BA).
Classes run every Friday from 3.30pm to 5pm and feature different styles and fresh choreography each week. They welcome complete beginners through to experienced dancers, with no experience necessary.
Under-14s must have a responsible adult with them.
The ethos of the classes is accessibility, creativity and community. Participants praise the friendly, knowledgeable instruction, the diverse and welcoming atmosphere, and the creative routines that change weekly. Reviews highlight how the sessions are suitable for any dance level and make dance enjoyable for people who are new to it.
‘Come and enjoy a range of dance styles in one quality performance great for all people,’ the event listing states. The recital is a chance for the local community to see the results of the free classes and support grassroots dance in Swindon town centre.
