Swindon Growers Announce Speakers. The forthcoming Swindon Growers event will provide information and inspiration for healthy soil and nutritious food.
The Swindon Grower’s Summit is back for its third year. This year moving to Christ Church community centre in Old Town. And featuring guest speakers, expert panels, soil testing and seed swaps.
Swindon Growers Announce Speakers – the 2024 summit
When is it happening?
Saturday 12th April 11.30 am to 5.00pm
This event is a chance for everyone interested in growing, gardening, healthy soil and great food to get together, have some fun, and learn about how we can all grow healthy.
The first two keynote speakers were announced today, with confirmation of more coming soon.
The speakers named so far are:
Chris Rumming, founder of Lydiard Turkeys and a fan of organic, sustainable growing. Chris will talk about working with nature to attract wildlife.
Co-founder of Inclusive Food, Dr Lucy McCarthy. Lucy will talk about how food gets from ‘farm to fork’. And how we can promote healthy, sustainable nutrition.
Stands and a seed-swap will run throughout the all-day event, which will also feature free soil and compost testing and an expert panel to answer all your questions. A range of homemade soups will be on offer for lunch.
Swindon Growers founder Josie Slade says that the summit is becoming a special event for growers around Swindon. ‘Spring is the perfect time to get together, share ideas and learn about how we can make the most of our gardens and allotments’ she said.
‘With so many people interested in healthy eating, going organic, and homegrown, the summit is a great chance for people to share and learn. From beginners to people who have been growing for years, we’re always learning’ she added.
Jamie Carr
Leading the panel
Leading the expert panel that concludes the day, Blacklands Organics founder Jamie Carr says that events like this are a great way to bring people together. And to increase understanding of:
Organic growing
The health benefits and …
… how we can work together for a healthier and more sustainable food supply.
Community events like the Swindon Summit are so important in getting people together and helping people become involved and learn more’ says Carr.
Helping to connect Swindon’s many gardening, growing and allotment projects is a key aim of Swindon Growers. The summit will end with a community showcase where three local projects will talk about what they’ve achieved and how we can all get involved.
It’s always agreeable to see a drama on stage – I don’t get to do it often enough. And Peter James’ Picture You Dead at the Wyvern Theatre didn’t disappoint. For fans of noir – there’s some noir. Though not too much. A previous Peter James play I saw at the Wyvern was excellent. But there was one scene in particular that was def post-watershed stuff. And, had I been watching it on TV, I’d likely have changed the channel. Speaking of watersheds …
…You may be familiar with the character of DI Roy Grace from the hit ITV drama starring John Simm. I settled down to watch the first episode of that. And, to my utter horror found myself greeted with a scene that should have been way past the watershed. But yet somehow was way before it. And judging by the reaction on social media I wasn’t the only ‘Stunned of Swindon’ out there.
Anyway!
I mention Grace because this play is a DI Grace story. You can tell he’s the policeman thanks to the trench coat action.
What’s it all about?
Well obvs I can’t give much away about the plot as that would be spoilers. But what I can say is that, in a not dissimilar way to an artist building up a picture with layers of paint, so the tension builds on stage, drawing you in to its story centred around the dark underbelly of the art world. Fake or Fortune is child’s play compared to this.
Seemingly innocent and insignificant details that you’ll see and hear at the start of the play become consequential – even dangerous – as the play progresses.*
So, aside from DI Grace and his trusty trench-coat clad sergeant, we have a skilled art forger who’s already had a brush with the law. And a married couple who buy a painting at a car boot sale – for the frame – and end up getting much more than they bargained for. There are of course other characters but to say more about them would give too much away. And that would be un-palette-able.
On that note, I think I’ll draw the curtain on this production and say: Picture you Dead – it’s dead good. So do go!
Black Nova Celebrates Business Decade. South-West based Black Nova Designs, a well-known provider of web design, hosting, and IT, is celebrating a landmark anniversary. They’re marking ten years in business by raising money for the charity Best Mates.
Founded by Danielle and Kyle Holmes in 2015, the company, with its HQ in Calne, has grown into a trusted technology partner. Today they support more than 1,000 organisations across a multitude of industries.
Kyle, Managing Director of Black Nova Designs, said: ‘Reaching ten years in business is a huge milestone. Only 30 per cent of businesses reach a decade of trading. So we feel it’s worth celebrating with our team and with those who have supported us along the way.’
Black Nova Celebrates Business Decade – Danielle and Kyle Holmes co-founders of Black Nova Designs with Jeff Tucker of Best Mates.
Honouring the milestone
To honour this milestone Black Nova Designs is hosting a summer fund-raising 10th Birthday Bash on Saturday 21st June. It’ll be at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon.
The celebration will bring clients, partners, and local businesses together for an evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment.
The celebration will bring clients, partners, and local businesses together for an evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment.
Danielle said: ‘This event is a thank you to our clients and community. And it’s also a way to give back to a great local charity with the money raised from tickets and our raffle.’
All funds raised are going to Best Mates. That’s a mental health and community charity that supports people when they are in a crisis. They do it through practical support and by providing a ‘mate’ for them to talk to – in confidence.
Jeff Tucker, co-founder of Best Mates, said: ‘Support from organisations like Black Nova Designs makes a huge difference. It allows us to reach more people in need and provide the support they deserve. Their involvement helps us push harder, expand our efforts, and make a lasting impact.
Their generosity and commitment to supporting local causes mean the world to us. We’re so grateful for their backing.’
Tickets for the 10th birthday bash are £75 each or for £90 a ticket, businesses can display a banner around the room. To book visit events.blacknovadesigns.co.uk
Louise Hunt Skelley PLY, retired Paralympic wheelchair tennis player, has hosted the inaugural Inclusive Circle event at Kindred in London.
The event was a collaboration between Bullock Inclusion and EnableRise Disability Consultants. Between them they’ve launched a series of events aimed at supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities.
Louise said: ‘The Inclusive Circle is about creating opportunities for people to share knowledge and build confidence. This first event focused on travel, but the topics we’ll be covering this year are wide-ranging and vital. I’m excited for what’s to come. And to continue working with Samanta Bullock and our team to make these discussions as effective as possible,’ said Louise.
Paralympian Hosts Inclusivity Event – the inaugural Inclusive Circle event, hosted by Louise Hunt Skelley PLY (front row, second from left).
Post-retirement
After retiring from competitive sports in 2021, Louise has continued to make a significant impact in wheelchair tennis and beyond. All through her roles as an inclusivity expert and:
The Inclusive Circle provides a platform for disabled individuals to:
Share experiences
Gain expert insights
and develop practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges.
The first event focused on ‘Accessible Travel’. It addressed the challenges disabled individuals may face when travelling. The evening included a panel discussion featuring industry experts and innovators, including:
1. Jenny McLaughlin from Heathrow Airport, who showcased advancements in accessible travel.
2. Suzanne Edward from Airbnb, who shared insights on adaptive accommodations.
3. Stephanie Sheehy, who highlighted Costa Rica’s inclusive tourism initiatives.
4. Sarah Gresty from Central Saint Martins, who brought a creative perspective to the discussion.
Reflections
Reflecting on the success of the event, Louise said: ‘Accessible travel is an area where there’s still so much progress to make. The aim of this event was to provide attendees with the tools and confidence to explore the world. It was inspiring to hear the stories and advice shared on the night. And I’m delighted that so many found it helpful and engaging.’
Attendees left the event with actionable tips and strategies. And connections to others in the community.
Future events in the series will address these topics:
1. 12 March: Health and Wellbeing
2. 14 May: Sexuality and Relationships
3. 16 July: Diabetes
4. 1 October: Technology
5. Date to confirm: Mobility Solutions
Samanta Bullock, CEO of Bullock Inclusion and co-founder of EnableRise said: ‘The Inclusive Circle gathering was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together with our incredible panellists, we explored ideas in accessible travel. Further we celebrated the progress being made to create a more inclusive world.’
‘Events like these remind us that when we listen, learn and work together, we can break barriers and build a future where everyone belongs.’
The design of the Inclusive Circle series provides practical guidance and expert-led discussions on a range of issues affecting the disabled community. It offers insights and opportunities to connect with others. In that way the series aims to help attendees feel supported in addressing challenges and finding solutions.
EnableRise is set to make significant strides in disability advocacy, fostering a society where inclusivity and equity are at the forefront.
HR Experts Advise Office Return. Businesses wanting to boost productivity among their teams and help their development should bring them back into the office. That’s the advice of HR experts at Swindon-based HR Dept. They believe SMEs should follow the lead of big corporates and end the predominance of working from home.
‘Recent moves by corporate giants like Amazon, BT and Asda to bring their teams back to the office have reignited the debate on the merits of in-office work,’ said Peter Jones, MD of the HR Dept.
‘Amazon now expect staff to work at least three days a week in the office. BT have mandated three to four days for key roles. And Asda has announced plans for a structured hybrid model.’
HR Experts Advise Office Return – Peter Jones, MD of the HR Dept
Working models
The working from home model came to the fore in the pandemic. But, five years on, Peter believes now is a good time to make office-based or hybrid working the norm.
‘While video platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have proven invaluable, they can’t replicate the spontaneity and energy of in-person collaboration,’ said Peter. ‘Office environments foster dynamic discussions. They encourage brainstorming, and allow teams to exchange ideas fluidly.’
As employees have immediate access to colleagues and resources, it also reduces delays and ensures smoother operations.
‘Working in the office will particularly benefit younger, less experienced employees. Or those beginning a new career, who will find it easier to access hands-on training and mentoring. There is no substitute for the informal learning that takes place by dint of being present, and observing and shadowing colleagues.’
Further, Peter stressed working in the office would help develop teamwork and a positive company culture. And was generally better for employees’ mental health.
‘Isolation because of prolonged remote working has links with rising mental health issues. Such things as feelings of loneliness and burnout. Offices offer structured environments where employees can:
Form social connections
Access support networks and..
… achieve a better work-life balance.’
The ripple effect
That aside, the local economy benefits from employees coming into work. Local cafes, restaurants and retail outlets thrive when office workers return. It all creates a ripple effect that supports jobs and communities.
Yet, Peter stressed that employers avoud brining in any change to working patterns overnight.
‘Like the big corporates, businesses will need to draw up and put in place structured return-to-office policies.’
And he said working in the office didn’t mean an end to flexible working. That’s a key element of the government’s new employment legislation.
‘Every organisation is unique, and policies need tailoring to meet the needs of the business and its employees. Hybrid models – combining the best of both worlds – can provide a balanced approach. One that fosters collaboration while respecting individual preferences and lifestyles.’
Peter and his team work with businesses across Swindon, Chippenham, Hungerford, Marlborough, Calne, Devizes, Burford, Lechlade and Carterton. They have a sister company working with businesses based in London.
