Grant aid for charities that connect young people with nature. Charity and non-profit organisations, that promote the benefits of being outdoors to young people, may apply for a grant.
Funded by Gloucestershire-based education charity The Ernest Cook Tust, the trust only offers the Communities Grant to organisations located in the Swindon, Gloucestershire and Bristol areas. That’s those with postcodes SN, GL or BS.
Grant Aid for Charities – a charity in action thanks to help from the Ernest Cook trust
The grant aims to encourage young people aged from 11 to 19 (or up to 25 years old for special educational needs and disabilities), from under-served communities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Evidence shows that, from around 11 years of age, children’s connection with nature often declines.
Successful charities can put the funds can towards travel costs to natural open spaces. Or to pay for kit like wellies and waterproofs for young people to wear. Lack of equipment and the cost of transport are also identified as barriers to young people getting outdoors.
They can also use the grant to enhance or create nature areas in the local community. Such things as ponds, raised beds or sensory gardens. Or to buy resources to help young people engage in the outdoors, like bird boxes or craft materials.
The Communities Grant isn’t available for schools. But The Ernest Cook Trust runs a similar scheme that schools can apply for, called the Outdoor Essentials Grant.
Spiritual Reset at Wiltshire Retreat. A one-day spiritual retreat timed to coincide with one of the most energy-charged days of the year will take place in Wiltshire this August. It’s offering attendees the chance to reconnect with their inner truth, align with cosmic energy and experience deep personal renewal.
Louise Muir-Sage, Reiki practitioner and founder of Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett, will host the one-day retreat in Wanborough this August. The event’s aimed at anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with themselves. And explore their spiritual side in a calm and welcoming space.
A reset button for the soul
The energy around the Lionsgate Portal can feel like a reset button for the soul,’ said Louise. Louise is the founder of crystal shop Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett. ‘It’s a powerful time to get honest with yourself, shift old patterns and set intentions for what’s next. But in a grounded and gentle way.’
The retreat includes:
Energy healing with intuitive practitioner Alison Seaman
A sound bath and gentle movement session with Jazz Mutch of Mind Body & Soul
Guided journalling and oracle card exploration …
… as well as creative workshops to help guests express and process what’s unfolding for them. Time in nature is also woven through the day, offering space for reflection, grounding and deep stillness.
Guests will also receive a Lionsgate gift bag filled with handpicked tools to continue their spiritual practice at home.
Spiritual Reset at Wiltshire Retreat. Louise Muir-Sage, Reiki practitioner and founder of Something Kind of Woo, will host Sirius Rising: The Heart of the Portal on Friday 8 August at Great Moorleaze Farm in Wiltshire.
Location, location, location
Held in a peaceful countryside setting, the event welcomes adults and older children aged 10+, with a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
I know spirituality can sometimes seem intimidating or a bit ‘woo’,” added Louise. ‘But this is for anyone who’s curious, overwhelmed, or in need of some space to breathe. You don’t have to be spiritual to benefit. But it helps to be open to the idea that rest and reflection can do us all a world of good.’
Sirius Rising: The Heart of the Portal takes place on Friday 8 August. From 10am to 4pm, at Great Moorleaze Farm, Wanborough, SN4 0SW. Tickets are £60 for adults (16+) and £44 for under-16s.
SALOS (Swindon Amateur Light Opera Society) are bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical Evita to the stage this autumn. This legendary show, currently enjoying a buzz-worthy revival in London’s West End, will make its long-awaited Swindon debut this autumn at the Wyvern Theatre.
Set against the backdrop of a changing nation, Evita tells the captivating true story of Eva Perón. From her humble beginnings to becoming the beloved yet controversial figure who captured the hearts of millions. Through iconic songs like Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Oh What a Circus, and Buenos Aires, experience a tale of ambition, love and legacy like never before.
SALOS Bringing ‘EVITA’ to Swindon
‘We’re so excited to take on Evita as our next production’ said Russell Langdown, Director. ‘It’s a bold and ambitious musical with iconic music and complex characters. Staging a show of this scale is a challenge but one we’re embracing. Pushing us in both an artisitc and technical sense, it’s the exact challenge that helps SALOS continue to grow.’
SALOS: Musical Theatre Company, has brought high-quality musical theatre to Swindon audiences and played an important role within Swindon’s arts scene since its 1951 formation. Known for their energy, talent, and creativity, SALOS has wowed local theatre fans with past productions. They include: Shrek The Musical, The Sound Of Music, Oklahoma! and Elf: The Musical. With a blend of classic favourites and modern hits, SALOS continues to showcase the best of theatre and local talent in Swindon.
Malmesbury mayor Cllr Stephen James will lead the town’s VJ Day commemorations (Victory over Japan Day) of the 80th anniversary on Friday August 15.
VJ Day marks the day that Imperial Japan surrendered to Allied Forces in 1945. After the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Russia declaring war with Japan, the 15th of August saw the announcement of Emperor Hirohito’s acceptance of surrender across Japanese radio.
It was on September 2 1945, that the official written confirmation of surrender from Japan marked the official end to all WWII conflict.
Malmesbury’s commemorations
Malmesbury VJ Day Anniversary – Cllr Stephen James, Mayor of Malmesbury who is leading a VJ Day commemoration for the town on August 15.
Malmesbury will hold its VJ Day commemorations from 3:30pm, with residents and visitors welcomed to take part in the events.
Cllr James said: ‘It’s important as a community that we mark a day like this. And remember those who gave their service and many their lives so that we live in freedom today. We welcome anyone who wants to be part of our activities to honour those people.’
Cllr James, who became Malmesbury’s mayor in May, had an illustrious career in the Armed Forces. He spent 41 years in the Royal Artillery, reaching the rank of Colonel. He served in Germany, the Balkans, Iraq, Italy and the UK. He’s passionate about commemorating an often-overlooked anniversary.
‘The Far East campaign is often overlooked. Remote from the experience of most people at home. It was often sidelined in the contemporary press. And became known as the forgotten war, fought by a forgotten army,’ he said. ‘We must not forget how important these armed forces were in ending the war.’
The start
Events begin at Malmesbury Abbey with a special service, followed by refreshments, at 3:30pm.
At 7:30pm there’s a civic reception for invited guests in Malmesbury Town Hall. And at 8:00pm Cuckingstool Mead will open to the public, and the Rose and Crown will provide a bar and barbecue.
At 9:10pm Cllr James will give his Mayoral address with the Royal British Legion and prayers by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Oliver Ross. To conclude, the VJ Day beacon will be lit at 9:15pm.
‘On VJ Day we’ll remember the 120,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who gave their lives in the longest continuous land campaign of the war, at sea and in the air,’ said Cllr James.
Wiltshire Paralympic Champ Presents Award in his own name. Paralympic champion and world class British judoka, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, recently presented the first ever Chris Hunt Skelley Award. It honours those who champion inclusion and the sport of judo.
Earlier this month, Chris presented the Chris Hunt Skelley Award for inclusion and dedication to Judo to long-standing and award-winning judo coach, Ricky Haynes, at an event in London.
Ricky Haynes, recipient of the award, started judo at the age of five. He then started his judo club, aged 17, in Walthamstow in 1981 – Kelmscott Judo Club. He also has a close relationship with Hackney Judo Club. Since then, 100s of young people have come through its doors to embrace the sport and the life skills associated with it. For Ricky and many in the club, Chris is one of their heroes.
Chris, who lives in Wiltshire but was born and brought up in Hull, said: ‘It’s a serious and massive honour to have an award named after me. Especially an award celebrating inclusion and dedication to judo. This award symbolises how judo is for everyone, no matter what your disability is. It installs so many core values and creates a sense of community.’
As a surprise for Ricky, Chris presented him with the award in person.
Wiltshire Paralympic Champ Presents Award – Chris and Ricky
Chris said: ‘Ricky represents what judo is all about. What he does for people in this sport is fantastic and giving it to him was an even bigger honour.’
Delighted to meet his hero, Ricky said: ‘It was fantastic getting the award from Chris, he’s an absolute gentleman. He has done so much for the sport, especially for someone with the disability of sight. He is an inspiration to everyone, both inside and outside the sport.’
Making a difference
Ricky further said: I enjoy coaching and making a difference and to give people that opportunity to change. Getting this award emphasises the work I’ve done in Walthamstow and with my judo family. I’m grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat, it’s such an honour.’
In 2012, Ricky received the British Judo Association Coach of the Year Award.
‘This award feels very different from that – coming from Chris and from an individual rather than an organisation, feels far more personal. To be recipient of the very first Chris Hunt Skelley MBE Award, is one of the highlights of my career.’
The club’s award will continue next year, and into the future for members and trainers.
I can’t wait for someone else to get the award next year. If you know anyone who fosters inclusivity and dedication to Judo, please do nominate that person,’ concluded Chris. “This award will highlight the amazing sport of Judo.’
