Swindon Tattoo Artist Finds Apprentice. Award-winning Swindon tattoo artist Tarren Malham had long struggled to find a committed apprentice. She needed someone dedicated to mastering the craft. Someone who’d be a stickler for high standards, but the right candidate remained elusive. Until she realised the perfect person was right under her nose!
And now Tarren (known as Taz), who runs Ruby Lou’s Tattoo Studio, is celebrating as her best friend Liz Dowdell – who she first met 20 years ago – is about to qualify.
Eighteen years’ experience
Taz has been a tattoo artist for 18 years. First as an apprentice herself and then founding Ruby Lou’s in 2011. She’s gone on to win a national award for her tattooing at an industry convention, and is also a published book illustrator.
Keen to bring others into the industry and passionate about maintaining the highest levels of skill and hygiene, Taz was delighted when Liz applied for an apprenticeship.
Now, two years on, Liz is about to become qualified, and will team up with Taz at her studio in the Orbit Centre in Ashcroft Road.
‘I’ve always been artistic. I’ve got a degree in children’s book illustration, so I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship in Swindon. And that led to a full-time job,’ said Taz.
Swindon Tattoo Artist Finds Apprentice- Liz Dowdell (left) and Taz Malham of Ruby Lous tattoo studio
Entrepreneurial spirit
‘I wanted to set up my own business and particularly wanted to run a female-led tattoo studio, in what was then a male-dominated industry. I trialled one or two apprentices, but they weren’t what I was looking for. When Liz said she wanted to train, I was over the moon!’
Liz is now looking forward to embarking on her career as a qualified tattoo artist.
Liz said: ‘We’ve been best friends since the day we met. I’ve sort of lived Taz’s tattoo apprenticeship journey with her. When my children were a bit older, the time was right for me to join as an apprentice, and I haven’t looked back.’
As well as creating exceptional designs on skin, Ruby Lou’s also specialises in brow and scalp micropigmentation, to give the appearance of hair. And Taz is often recommended by a local surgeon to create areola tattoos for women who’ve undergone breast cancer surgery.
While the tattooing industry remains unregulated, Taz believes it’s too easy for people to take a short course, often online, and set up their studios.
She said: ‘The way to becoming a qualified tattoo artist is to take an apprenticeship in a reputable tattoo studio. That’s one with an experienced practitioner. Then, learn everything there is to know about tattooing and,most important, high standards of hygiene.’
Taz and Liz are now looking forward to growing the business. As both have ADHD, they particularly welcome neurodiverse people among their clients, providing a safe space and calming atmosphere.
Interview with Ben Goffe. Sleeping Beauty is set to cast its spell over Swindon this Christmas. And back at the Wyvern Theatre for a second-year running is the brilliant Ben Goffe, who’ll be playing Muddles. We caught up with Ben to chat about his return to the stage this festive season.
Returned to Swindon
So Ben, you’re back in Swindon again this year… I’m thrilled to be back at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon playing Muddles the Jester in this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty. I so loved it last year, and I’m so excited to be returning. It actually feels like coming home!
So, it sounds like you’ve found your happy place on the Wyvern Stage?
Yes! It’s fantastic. I’ve been in the business for 25 years and done 18 pantomimes all over the UK, but I had the best time in Swindon. Last year, I loved hearing Dash (David Ashley) talk about families who always sit in the same seats waving from the front row every Christmas. And I’m looking forward to seeing those familiar faces again. And the Swindon audiences were so incredible…
Interview with Ben Goffe – Ben outside the Wyvern Theatre in costume as Muddles the Jester
David Ashley
Speaking of Dash, he’s a bit of a Swindon Legend, with over a decade of pantos at the Wyvern under his belt. Do you enjoy working with him?
Yes, he’s been in the panto for YEARS! It’s amazing. And you’re right, he’s such a legend of the Wyvern stage. The audience all know him and love him and to be back working with him again is brilliant. We had such a laugh last year. I can’t wait to do it all over again.
Award nomination
You were also nominated for Best Comic in the UK Pantomime Awards last year. That must’ve felt pretty special?
Oh, absolutely! I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. It was my first time as the principal comic, so when people backstage were saying, ‘Oh, you might get nominated,’ I was like, no chance! But then I made it into the final five alongside some comedy heavyweights like Steve Royle and Johnny Mac. All people I’ve admired for years. Being nominated was amazing. When Steve won, I congratulated him and he told me it was his first nomination too, after 25 years in the business. So I said, ‘Well done mate but next year, it’s mine!’ (laughs)
So, no pressure this year then?!
Ha yeah… a little bit! Last year we had tap dancing, trumpet playing, I threw all my tricks at it! So, I did think, ‘What else can I give the Swindon audiences this year?’ I’m gonna have to pull something special out of the bag that’s for sure!
But I love that this year the audience also knows me. It makes the whole show even more special and people love coming back for the familiar faces and in-jokes. So maybe I’ll get away with it. That’s one of the best things about panto, it’s like being part of one big family.
New faces
And you’ve got a new face joining the family this year with Jenny Ryan from The Chase!
Jenny’s joining us as our baddie, and she’s going to be brilliant. We did our press shoot back in May saying ‘Merry Christmas!’ in spring, as you do in panto and we had such a laugh. I’ve heard that she’s fantastic on stage, and I can’t wait to see her unleash her inner villain. Of course, audiences will know her as The Vixen from The Chase. So I’m sure a bit of that will sneak into her performance, but with a little more glitter and a lot more boos!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… Definitely the audiences. They were so warm and welcoming last year. And that goes for everyone at the Wyvern too, the front-of-house team, the box office, backstage crew, wardrobe, everyone. It’s such a lovely theatre family. Oh, and of course, I’m looking forward to visiting the Cornish Bakehouse again, can’t forget that!
Nice plug there Ben… are you hoping for some freebies?
Maybe! You never know if I mention them enough, maybe they’ll sneak a pasty or two into my dressing room. I’ll take a cheese and onion, please!
Finally, why should Swindon families come along to see Sleeping Beauty?
Because it’s going to be magical! You’ll laugh, you’ll boo, you’ll cheer, and you might even see me fall over a few times…on purpose, of course! It’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
This year’s panto promises to have all the traditional panto elements you know and love – bags of comedy, oodles of magic and tons of fun. It’s the is the perfect festive treat, full of sparkle and spectacle, to make those magical memories with all the family.
Coffee and Crystals Celebrates Anniversary. WILTSHIRE-BASED entrepreneur Louise Muir-Sage, Reiki practitioner and founder of Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett, is celebrating one year of running her Coffee and Crystals events.
The monthly Coffee and Crystals have been taking place on the high street of Royal Wootton Bassett. All at The Little Gem since Louise launched the meet-up in November 2024.
‘I started Coffee & Crystals after a trip to Cornwall. I’ve always had a dream about owning a little coffee shop somewhere like Perranporth’ said Louise. ‘When I came back to Royal Wootton Bassett, I told Gemma at The Little Gem, that I wanted to have a coffee shop like hers. One that would also sell crystals and that I’d call it Coffee & Crystals. She suggested we do it and I’ve not looked back since.’
Coffee and Crystals Celebrates Anniversary – a coffee and crystals event
How the events work
Louise designs the events to unlock the mystical world of crystals. They allow attendees to learn how they work, how to use them and what they can help you with both physically and mentally.
‘My Coffee & Crystal events are an informal and kind space for the community to get involved with crystals,’ said Louise. ‘Since we started, I’ve held 22 sessions and welcomed over 200 attendees.’
Participants learn practical skills of how to care for your variety of crystals. This includes charging, cleaning and placing crystals in the home. Each month focuses on different types of crystals and the energies related to the time of year.
These low cost events have gained attention in the year since their inception. The one-year anniversary ‘Coffee and Crystals’ was a sell-out. 20 participants learned about the properties and applications of topaz.
Louise’s Coffee and Crystals events will continue into the new year, with a packed programme of information and activities. A Swindon venue will be launching in the new year.
Getting involved with a spiritual side is so accessible with Something Kind of Woo. Louise’s shop is Royal Wootton Bassett’s high street, where customers can find crystals and healing sessions with Something Kind of Woo Too.
Journalist tells her story in her memoir on life as a newspaper reporter. Swindon PR guru Fiona Scott has turned back the clock for her second book. In it she explores her life in newspaper journalism.
Launched at the View Gallery (part of RWB Auctions) on November 11, Tales of a Backwater Journalist looks at Fiona’s early days as a reporter in Swindon and Somerset. And how she almost didn’t go into the profession at all!
While watching a news crew in her Somerset home town, the teenaged Fiona had a sudden epiphany. She didn’t want the safe life planned for her; she wanted to be a journalist. Despite her mother’s warnings that she was ‘far too sensitive’ and careers advice pointing her towards being a secretary or a nurse, she couldn’t shake off the idea.
Journalist Tells Her Story – Fiona Scott talking about her book with MC, Alaistair Greener
But it almost didn’t happen
Yet, to begin with, Fiona followed the ‘safe’ route and trained to be a teacher. But at length she threw caution to the wind. She quit teaching, ended her engagement to her then partner, cancelled her wedding and started life as a reporter.
Tales of a Backwater Journalist is the second book from Fiona – now best known as a journalist and public relations expert, at the helm of Scott Media. Her first book, published two years ago, The Hard Yards, explored her journey as an entrepreneur, and the first ten years of running her own business.
‘I’ve been in journalism now for more than 38 years. In that time a lot has happened. And a lot has changed. I’ve enjoyed getting some of my stories into print and on the TV – and print, is where I started off in newspapers!’
In Tales of a Backwater Journalist, Fiona shares some of the failures and the successes in her professional and private life. And some of the incredible stories and people she found and wrote about along the way. The book costs £18 and is available via Amazon, in paperback and on Kindle.
Scott Media specialises in PR and marketing services for small business and entrepreneurs. For information visit https://scottmedia.uk/
FIona Scott Book Launch Fiona Scott and writing mentor Lis McDermottFiona Scott with Yvonne Parker and Fiona Da Silva Adams
Santa’s On His Way to Swindon town centre. Yes! Santa Claus is returning to Swindon this Christmas! He’ll once again be setting up his popular grotto at The Brunel Shopping Centre. And, because Santa knows that times are hard he’s frozen prices from last year. And, what’s more, this year time-poor, hard-worked parents can pre-book. That way they can avoid having to queue and have more time for Christmas shopping.
Quiet times
Also, for the first time this year, The Brunel has organised special ‘quiet’ sessions during the first 30 minutes on Sundays. These sessions are for children who would prefer to visit Santa when there are fewer people around. These sessions must be pre-booked.
Where to find him
You’ll find Santa’s grotto, expertly run by a well-trained group of elves at the Brunel centre, on the ground floor, opposite Boots. It launches on Saturday November 15, and the last day is Christmas Eve.
Santa’s On His Way – Santa and elves
Because of Santa’s busy seasonal commitments, the grotto isn’t open every day. So it’s advisable to check opening times in advance and take advantage of the online booking.
Every child receives a small gift and the chance to tell Santa what they’d like for Christmas. There will also be a post box near the grotto, for children to pop their letters to Santa.
Santa was a little too busy for an interview. But Laura Hepple – centre manager of The Brunel, has been liaising with his North Pole team. And she said: ‘We’re delighted to be welcoming Santa back to The Brunel for our traditional grotto. We know for some families, every penny helps, which is why we’ve kept the cost to meet Santa the same as last year.
Being able to prebook for the first time will mean shorter queuing times for families. And we hope families who prefer visiting when it’s less busy, will take advantage of the ‘quiet’ sessions on Sundays.’
Families can book up to four children per time slot, and the cost is £4.50 per child. Walk-ins are still welcome but it’s recommended that you pre-booking to reduce queuing times.
