Music for Miniatures returns to the Town Gardens bowl with a brand-new show. This is so lovely for pre-school children. It looks delightful.
Following the success of their previous two performances at the venue, the outstanding Music for Miniatures is returning to the Town Gardens Bowl this Sunday, 8th June. The show forms part of the Old Town Arts Festival’s Fringe Week, with their brand-new show – Under The Sea.
Dive into a magical underwater adventure at Old Town’s iconic outdoor venue. There’s space for the little ones to explore and enjoy the live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Music for Miniatures is the perfect joyful introduction to live music for pre-schoolers. And their grown-ups – to enjoy together this summer.
Music for Miniatures Returns to town gardens this summer
Featuring clarinet, oboe, and the piano, the performance will bring the sea to life. There’ll be music all about:
big fish
little fish
rolling waves
bobbing boats
jolly sailors
tasty ice cream and classic fish and chips.
We guarentee everyone will be splashing along.
The performance begins at 11am on Sunday 8th June 2025. The gates open from 10am to buy tickets, drinks and snacks for the whole family on site.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNSTO SWINDON WITH AN HISTORIC TRIBUTE SHOW AT THE TOWN GARDENS BOWL THIS AUGUST. Saturday the 30th to be precise.
There’s little mention of The New Yorker Discotheque in Swindon. Converted from the original justice court and cells it stood at the top of Milton Road. It became the main music venue for Swindon Mods in the early 60s. They’d congregate there to catch most of the top London Soul/R and B groups of the early sixties.
The New Yorker disco in Swindon – image courtesy of Swindon local studies
A bit list of famous names
The list of acts performing there is pretty comprehensive:
Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames
Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band – one of the earliest appearances outside London of Cream
and, most significantly, Pink Floyd, performing there on March 25, 1967.
This early gig occurred during the band’s formative years. Before the release of their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, in August 1967.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNS – Pink Floyd in 1967
As there was no licenced bar (the Council refused one) the ‘back bar’ of the Rolleston Arms, straight across the road, was where everyone headed during the break.
PINK FLOYD’S LEGACY RETURNS – the Rolleston arms Swindon
A familiar sound
The sounds of Pink Floyd are not unfamiliar in Swindon. But the upcoming ‘Echoes of Floyd’ show at the Town Gardens Bowl will be a landmark event for venue. As far as we know, it’s not hosted a Pink Floyd tribute band before.
‘The Bowl is a perfect setting, outdoors, atmospheric and steeped in local heritage,’ says Nigel Dawson, Manager and drummer of On Thin Ice.
We’re doing more than playing the songs. We’re recreating the Pink Floyd experience with full-scale lighting, lasers, immersive visuals, and note-perfect renditions of classics from:
Meddle
The Dark Side of the Moon
The Wall
Wish You Were Here
Division Bell and many more.’
On Thin Ice have been performing Pink Floyd’s iconic catalogue for over a decade. They’ve earned acclaim for their attention to sonic detail and stagecraft. Their Echoes of Floyd show takes fans on a chronological journey through Floyd’s musical evolution, making it a must-see for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
With a growing buzz on social media and strong early ticket sales, this could become an epic live music event in Swindon’s 2025 calendar. Organisers are urging fans to book early to avoid disappointment.
Swindon Hub Celebrates Volunteers. Swindon Hub, the town centre’s welcoming, accessible space run by the community, for the community, is marking Volunteers’ Week (2nd–8th June). They’re celebrating the incredible efforts of its 30+ strong volunteer team.
Now in its 41st year, Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign. It recognises the powerful impact volunteers have across the country. All while encouraging more people to get involved in their communities.
Swindon Hub
Set up in 2021 and run exclusively by volunteers for its first two years, Swindon Hub has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space that’s powered by passion. From its café and bookshop to creative workshops and community support events, the dedication of volunteers shapes every corner of the Hub.
Now operating with one full time staff member and recruiting for a second, the Hub continues to put heavy reliance on its volunteers. They cover two shifts a day, five days a week. Shift leads, event organisers, baristas, IT helpers to bookshop managers. Every role plays a vital part in making Swindon Hub the community cornerstone it’s become.
For long-time volunteer and trustee Jol Rose, the spirit of the Hub lies in connection:
‘Swindon Hub is run by the community, for the community. Our team of volunteers, myself included, love coming here and connecting. We help people feel better connected – and that’s at the heart of why we do it.’
Jaclyn Randle, who is celebrating a year of volunteering, said the Hub offers her a sense of belonging:
‘I step through the doors and it feels like a second home. I have MS and ADHD, and the space here is so inclusive. I’ve never felt like I didn’t fit in. My favourite part? The kids’ play area. I love seeing them having fun, and I even like tidying up after them!’
For many volunteers, giving back has become more than a mere something to do. It’s become a way of life.
Kelly Moss, a key organiser behind the popular Tea & Chat sessions, said:
‘Even when I’m not on shift, I’m here. It’s inclusive, it’s welcoming, and every session caters for different abilities and needs. I’ve helped train other volunteers and supported events, sometimes while I’m having my lunch!’
For Zoe Grimwood, who joined after finishing a 34-year career, the impact is clear:
‘We had a woman come in one night after fleeing an abusive situation. She didn’t even know we existed until she needed us. We gave her a safe place to sit, listened, made her a cup of tea. She came back the next day to say she was safe. That meant everything. More rewarding than any paid job I’ve had.’
Younger volunteers like Freya Miles are also discovering how meaningful community work can be.
I started volunteering after my mum brought me along when I was unemployed. It’s helped my social skills and given me purpose. I help run the IT support sessions and I love it. It feels amazing to be helpful – but I’ve realised it’s actually more effective l than I thought. What we’re doing matters.’
On the lookout
Swindon Hub is always looking for new volunteers to join its growing team. Whether it’s lending a hand behind the café counter, helping to organise events, or offering a warm welcome to visitors. All volunteers receive a supportive onboarding process. That includes:
first aid training
safeguarding awareness
and basic communication skills training to help them feel confident and prepared in their role.
Swindon Recruiters Support Children’s Charity. The team at recruitment company Cotswolds Talent Solutions are putting their best feet forward. They’re stepping out to raise funds for a charity that cares for sick children.
Based in Swindon, Cotswolds Talent Solutions has picked Jessie May, the children’s hospice at home charity, to support throughout the year.
On Thursday June 12, the recruiters will set off on a 36-mile walk. They’ll go from Cotswold Talent Solutions’ office in Cheney Manor to Jessie May’s Bristol headquarters.
Starting at 7pm, they’ll walk through the night. The team hope to arrive at their destination around midday on Friday June 13.
Swindon Recruiters Support Children’s Charity – the Cotswold Talent Solutions team – l-r: Laurie Kyle, Louis Cunningham, Aaron Loftus-Baker and Leanne Greenaway.
Cotswold Talent Solutions
Cotswold Talent Solutions specialises in recruiting permanent and temporary staff for the following sectors:
Industrial
Driving
Hospitality and events
It’s run by directors Mike Eardley and Aaron Loftus-Baker.
‘This is the first charity event we’ve done, so we thought we’d start with a real challenge,’ Aaron said.
Choosing Jessie May to support as our first charity partner of the year was an easy decision. We wanted to help a local organisation, and Jessie May covers the Swindon area. The majority of our team are parents. So we also liked the idea of fundraising for a charity that helps children. And Jessie May does such amazing work supporting families through what is such a difficult time.’
Taking part alongside Mike, Aaron and the team will be Laurie Kyle. Laura runs creative agency Giddy Octopus and looks after Cotswold Talent Solutions’ marketing.
Laurie said: ‘Cotswold Talent Solutions were my first client when I set up my business. So I wanted to join in this walk as a way of saying thank you, and helping a fantastic charity at the same time. Plus, I wanted to do something to challenge myself this year and I am looking forward to it.’
Although this will be their first fundraising event, Cotswold Talent Solutions have already started supporting Jessie May. Recently, they funded the purchase of several journals, used by bereaved parents at a journalling workshop.
Emma Carter, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Jessie May, said: ‘We’re so grateful for the support from Cotswold Talent Solutions and Giddy Octopus for taking on such a significant challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for our work.
The funds raised through this challenge will go straigt to helping us continue providing specialist nursing care to children with life-limiting conditions. And, of course, their families. We’re proud to support them every step of the way and can’t wait to cheer them on throughout their journey!’
Jessie May
Jessie May runs a specialist nursing support service delivered to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in their own homes. This means their families can have respite from caring. And siblings can have some quality time with their mum or dad, while the ill child has safe access to activities they can enjoy with a nurse they know and trust. All while having all the care they need.
10 Black Nova Reflections. South West-based tech company Black Nova Designs is celebrating a decade in business. And they’re marking the milestone by sharing ten hard-earned lessons from founders Kyle and Danielle Holmes.
Before we go any further here, get your diaries ready – and put an asterisk on Saturday the 18th October. Right …
… Launched in 2015 from their home in Wiltshire, the husband-and-wife team have grown the company into a trusted provider of IT support, web design and hosting services. They’re now working with more than 1,000 clients across the UK.
On Saturday October 18, Black Nova will host a 10th Birthday Bash at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon to celebrate their 10th business anniversary. The event will raise money for local mental health charity Best Mates. It’ll bring together clients, partners and supporters for a night of networking, celebration and purpose.
‘A mere 30% of small businesses reach the ten-year mark,’ said managing director Kyle Holmes. “It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve learned more than we ever expected. And we hope these insights help others on their business journey too.’
10 Black Nova Reflections – Kyle and Danielle Holmes
10 Lessons from 10 Years in Business:
1. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility
‘It’s often overlooked until it’s too late,’ says Kyle. “Whether it’s ransomware or hacked social accounts, you must have strong systems and backup plans, no matter the size of your business.’
2. Don’t fear being ‘too expensive
Not everyone will value what you offer, and that’s okay. ‘If someone says you’re too expensive, they’re not your ideal client,’ Kyle adds. ‘You’re the right price for the right people.’
3. Stay curious. IT never stands still
Technology is always evolving. Danielle shares, ‘The learning never ends – and yes, it often costs more than you’d like! But staying up to date is essential in this industry.’
4. Cashflow is king
‘Even if you’re not a finance expert, check your bank often and track what’s going in and out,’ Danielle advises. ‘Tougher months will come, but knowing your numbers gives you stability.’
5. Self-acceptance is part of the process
As a business owner, mindset matters more than you realise,’ Kyle says. ‘Personal growth goes hand-in-hand with business growth.’
6. There’s no ‘perfect’ routine
‘As a working parent, each day looks different,’ says Danielle. ‘Give yourself grace. Do what you can and take one day at a time.’
7. Being different is a strength
‘Trust the process, but don’t be afraid to do things your own way,’ says Kyle. ‘Some of our best decisions came from going against the grain.’
8. Community is everything
Danielle reflects, ‘Running a business can be lonely. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people through networking or peer support makes a huge difference, emotionally and professionally.’
9. Comparison is the thief of joy
It’s easy to look at others and feel behind,’ Danielle admits. “But success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Focus on your path. You’re doing just fine.’
10. Old tech slows you down – upgrade with purpose
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ doesn’t apply in IT,” Kyle explains. ‘Old machines waste energy, slow productivity and compromise security. Investing in modern tools pays off in the long run.’
The Birthday Bash
The 10th Birthday Bash is more than a party – it’s a way to give back. All proceeds will support Best Mates. That’s a Swindon-based charity providing practical help and someone to talk to for people experiencing mental health challenges.
‘This event is our way of saying thank you to our clients, team and community,’ says Danielle. ‘We’re proud to support Best Mates and celebrate how far we’ve come.’
Tickets for the 10th birthday bash on Saturday the 18th October are £75 each. Or for £90 a ticket, businesses can display a banner around the room.
