Half-term magic and madcap science at the Brunel Centre this half-term.
Say goodbye to half-term boredom and step into a world of:
discovery
theatrical magic
and hands-on creativity as a crowd-favourite family event returns to The Brunel Swindon.
Popular demand
Back by popular demand, New Elements – the creative production team behind community-focused science and arts events like the Festival of Tomorrow – are bringing back the Swindon Imaginarium.
It’s taking place downstairs in the shopping centre from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October, between 10am to 4pm daily, Swindon. The Imaginarium offers a packed schedule of:
hands-on activities
mind-boggling experiments …
… and creative workshops.
Half-term magic and madcap science – the New Elements team running Swindon imaginarium at the Brunel
Something for all
The daily activities have something for everyone. And with half-term coinciding with Halloween, there’ll be a touch of seasonal spookiness. All alongside a brilliant variety of interactive experiences. The whole family can drop in to play, make, explore, build, create and discover together.
‘We’re thrilled to welcome New Elements back following the fantastic popularity of their previous activities with us,’ said a spokesperson for The Brunel. ‘From theatrical crafts to crazy science, there’s something for everyone to enjoy right here in the centre.’
Highlights of the half-term activities include craft with the Wyvern Theatre. Ahead of this year’s pantomime, youngsters can:
make their very own cow masks
create towering beanstalks …
… and build a giant’s castle, all inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk.
Curious kids can dive into exciting experiments. Experiments exploring oil and water, build air-powered machines, and write secret messages using disappearing ink.
Through the hidden world of infrared art, they’ll discover how thermal imaging helps tackle fires. And get into the seasonal spirit with Halloween activities featuring colourful potion making and crafting flying ghosts. And design and create their very own badges to take home.
There’ll also be free face painting by Dani’s Doodles, with donations encouraged to Swindon Food Collective.
Louise Halliday from New Elements said: ‘We’re believe curiosity and creativity aren’t for classrooms and laboratories alone. They’re for everyday life. Partnering with The Brunel gives us a fantastic space to bring hands-on, fun activities right into the heart of the community. That way everyone can drop in, try something new, and discover something amazing.’
These fantastic half-term events are a wonderful addition to The Brunel, which offers a great shopping experience for families with its mix of high street and independent stores.
Fundraiser Delivering Knockout Blow and it’s all for charity.
Champion fundraiser Mike Land is at it again – and this time he’s taking up boxing to support Swindon charity Best Mates!
Mike, a branding expert who runs Nickel Design, last hit the headlines in November 2025. Then he attempted to break the world record for a 24-hour van pull, raising more than £17,000 in the process.
Fundraiser Delivering Knockout Blow – Mike Land of Nickel Design
What it’s all about
Mike is raising funds for Best Mates. This charity provides practical, emotional, and financial support to individuals and families navigating personal hardship, mental health challenges, or life crises.
‘It’s always been something I wanted to do. And now, in my mid-50s, I’m stepping into the ring and learning how to move, punch and defend myself, all while someone is trying to punch me back!’ said Mike.
‘But underneath the laughs and aching muscles there’s a serious reason for doing it. Best Mates is a charity I got to know through my good friend Jeff Tucker. Hearing Jeff talk about his own story, the charity and the difference it makes to people and families when life gets tough made it an easy choice.’
In true boxing style, Mike also wants to adopt a name for himself – he’s toying with Mike ‘The Mayhem’ Land, or ‘The Stuntman’, or ‘Mr Selfie’. But he’s open to suggestions.
No stranger to fundraising
Mike is no stranger to fundraising. He’s so far:
bungee jumped
run marathons and half-marathons
staged a Strictly Come Dancing contest and …
… even abseiled down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower
All in aid of several different charities. Between last year’s van pull and Road to Glory training, Mike has taken part in the London to Brighton cycle ride and undertaken a 100-mile cycle with fellow business owners from Aspire networking.
The Road to Glory fight night will take place on November 14 at Mecca in Regent Circus, Swindon.
Black Hive Jewellery Opens and HALLMARKED LUXURY ARRIVES AT STUDLEY GRANGE.
Swindon jewellery maker Sabrina O’Keeffe brings her hallmarked collections, bespoke commissions and private jewellery-making experiences to a new emporium. It’s at Studley Grange Garden Centre, Swindon minutes from Junction 16 of the M4.
Black Hive Jewellery, the jewellery house founded by Sabrina, has opened its first shop showcasing Sabrina’s own collections. Her work’s handcrafted in sterling silver, alongside a curated selection of jewellery and accessories. All chosen for craftsmanship, quality and enduring design.
Every piece Sabrina makes carries her own registered maker’s mark. They’re also independently hallmarked by an Assay Office. That’s the centuries-old guarantee of precious metal content that sets genuine fine jewellery apart. It’s a mark of quality that independent jewellers can offer. And it places Black Hive in the world of heirloom pieces made for wearing, for treasuring and handing down.
Black Hive Jewellery Opens – Swindon jewellery maker Sabrina O’Keeffe
A dream come true
‘Opening at Studley Grange Garden Centre is a dream realised,’ said Sabrina. ‘I wanted a space where people can see, touch and try on jewellery that’s hand-made with real precious metals and real care. Every bespoke piece that leaves my bench has a hallmark. And I’m serious about that promise of quality.’
Sabrina O’Keeffe, founder of Black Hive Jewellery outside her first retail unit at Studley Grange Garden Centre in Swindon.
Alongside the collections, Sabrina takes a limited number of private bespoke commissions each year. From engagement and wedding rings to milestone gifts and the reworking of treasured family pieces, each commission begins with a personal consultation. Sabrina then designs and crafts them in silver or gold in her own unique style.
A bespoke piece should tell a story that belongs to one person only,’ said Sabrina. ‘Working with a client from the first sketch to the moment they hold the finished piece is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.’
Workshops
Black Hive also offers intimate, hands-on workshops for small teams and family occasions. They give guests the rare chance to work precious metal alongside a hallmarking jeweller. Guided by Sabrina, participants create and take home a piece of their own. Experiences start from £85 per person, with all materials included. They’re ideal for team away days, celebrations, hen parties and family gatherings. Sabrina keeps group sizes small to ensure personal tuition throughout.
With easy access from the M4 and ample free parking at Studley Grange, Black Hive Jewellery is set to become a destination for anyone seeking something special across Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and beyond.
Sabrina has always had an interest in making jewellery. But she moved it from a hobby into her career after redundancy four years ago. And has gone on to register her own maker’s mark, set up a studio space at home and now out in the community.
Urathon Kicks off Partnership with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation.
Wiltshire-based mobility equipment specialist Urathon has teamed up with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation. The purpose? For a new two-year partnership, supporting grassroots community projects right on its doorstep.
The company will become the main partner for the foundation’s Disability Programme. Its work includes running weekly sessions for those with:
Down’s Syndrome
mental health issues
learning difficulties and wider disabilities
All hosted at Foundation Park with its purpose-built, multi-sports dome.
Urathon will also support STFC Community Foundation’s wider initiatives for local people. That’s including its regular Memory Café for those living with dementia. And the Staying Connected group. That helps combat isolation. Also multi-sport SEND holiday camps and festivals in conjunction with the Premier League.
Urathon Kicks off Partnership – Swindon-Town-FC-Community-Foundation-and-Urathon-sponsorship
Ongoing commitment
This partnership builds on Urathon’s ongoing commitment to the community it supports. The company has renewed its sponsorship of Wiltshire teenage wheelchair athlete. And Paralympic hopeful, Toby Richardson. They’ve also recently donated shower chairs to a charity working with stroke rehabilitation patients.
‘As a company rooted right here in Wiltshire, Swindon Town is very much our local team. And we’re so impressed with the work of the community foundation. It’s an ideal fit for us,’ said Urathon’s Managing Director Lucy Carson.
‘We design products focused on independence and quality of life every day. So seeing the dedication of the foundation – especially through initiatives like the Disability Programme – is close to home. We’re so excited about this partnership. And to let more people know that there’s a mobility aids company right on their doorstep.’
Swindon Town FC Community Foundation operates across the region. It delivers:
educational
health and social inclusion projects, engaging thousands of participants every year.
Darren Howell, Partnership & Strategic Manager, said ‘Swindon Town FC Community Foundation are super excited to have secured Urathon as our primary partner for the Disability Programme. Urathon’s commitment to improving independence and quality of life aligns well with the work we do every day. In particular through our disability, inclusion and social connection programmes. We’re so looking forward to working alongside Lucy and the Urathon team. Together we’ll create meaningful opportunities for local people. And strengthen the support available across our community.’
The two-year partnership kicks off with several collaborative community events and outreach initiatives planned for the months ahead.
A charity skydive involving Just for Fun Holiday Club co-founder Sean Harper has raised £5,320 for Prospect Hospice. This after finally getting off the ground following delays caused by poor weather.
Sean completed the jump at Hinton Skydiving Centre in Brackley late last month. He jumped alongside Sam Cottle, Toni Richards and Katie Pike. Katie stepped in after her husband Terry Cook didn’t have medical clearance to take part.
£5k Raised for Prospect – Sean Harper on his sky dive
One last jump
The challenge, called One Last Jump, took inspiration from Terry’s determination to complete a skydive as part of his bucket list. He formed the list after receiving a diagnosis of a rare cancer.
Although Terry was unable to make the jump himself, the group determined to carry on and raise as much as possible for Prospect Hospice. It’s supported Terry and his family, who live in Swindon, throughout his cancer journey.
Sean said finally completing the jump was worth the wait. ‘It was an unforgettable experience, and jumping at sunset made it even more special.
‘The views were incredible and the adrenaline was unreal. My family were there supporting me too, which meant a lot. My son had decided I was going to be Superman before I went, so I hope I lived up to expectations.
‘But the biggest thing was why we were doing it. We wanted to help Terry reach his target for Prospect Hospice, so to see that £5,000 figure reached is brilliant. We’d love to push it even further now and raise as much as we can.’
Terry
Terry, who lives in Stratton, Swindon, had planned to jump alongside Sean and Sam. His wife Katie, who works as a manager at JFF Holiday Club, stepped in when Terry didn’t get his medical clearance.
‘As time went on and Terry became less mobile, it became clear that I would be the one jumping,’ said Katie.
After two cancelled dates, she was more than ready to finally get the challenge completed.
‘I felt fine about the jump in the lead-up to it because by that point I wanted to get up there and do it,’ she said. ‘When it came to the actual day and it was time to jump, the nerves definitely kicked in and suddenly it felt very real. But knowing I was doing something so important for charity gave me the push I needed.’
Sean Harper and all the team doing a sky dive for Prospect
A birthday jump
At length, the jump took place at sunset and fell on Katie’s birthday, making an already memorable day even more special.
‘The jump was completely out of this world and something I won’t ever forget,’ said Katie. ‘It was an amazing day and an incredible experience, made even more special by being surrounded by our family and friends. Jumping at sunset on my birthday definitely made the whole experience even more memorable.’
The £5,320 raised will go to Prospect Hospice. The hospice provides specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and families across Swindon, Marlborough, north Wiltshire, Lechlade and Fairford.
‘Prospect Hospice have been so amazing to us,’ said Katie. “The care, knowledge and empathy shown by every employee and volunteer has been incredible.
Sean added, ‘Thank you to everyone who donated, shared the fundraiser, came along on the day or supported us in any way. Hitting £5,000 is amazing. But the page is still open and if we can go beyond that and raise even more for Prospect Hospice, that would be fantastic.’
