Making Finance Accessible for Women. Wiltshire-based financial adviser, Jenny Ashfield, has gained a diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and has a passion for helping women seeking financial advice.
Jenny, 33, who hails from Bedfordshire, spent ten years in the motor trade. She moved from sales to finance management. Last year, she joined Southby & Co to build a new career helping people, especially women, feel more confident around money.
This month, Jenny received a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. She undertook a year of study and six exams to achieve the qualification.
‘Working whilst studying for this qualification was a challenge but one, I’m so proud to have achieved,’ said Jenny.
‘When I started working at Southby & Co, I knew I would be able to seek more qualifications to develop my career as a financial adviser. Now I’ve gained my further qualification, I’m looking forward to supporting more people gain financial confidence.’
Making Finance Accessible for Women – Jenny talking to man & woman
A problem solver
Throughout Jenny’s career, she’s thrived on problem solving and helping people achieve their goals.
‘The skills I learnt and developed within my previous career have given me the perfect foundations to excel as a financial adviser. Southby & Co’s commitment to putting people first shows in how they treat their clients as well as their team. They invest in people and it’s clear to see.’
Jenny is passionate about fostering confidence and financial literacy for women.
‘I’ve met so many women who think finance isn’t for them or that it’s too complicated. It doesn’t have to be. I want to help break that stigma and show that financial confidence is something anyone can learn,’ she said.
Research shows women are so much less likely than men to have received financial advice. Around sixty-nine per cent report they have never consulted a qualified adviser.
‘This was one of the reasons I now do this job, because I was one of those women,’ she reflects. ‘Now I want to help other women to be more financially aware.
‘Finance needs to be more accessible to women. And I’m hoping we can be a stepping stone for women accessing clear, trusted and no-jargon financial advice. Advice that helps them understand their options and feel empowered to make decisions that are right for them.’
After starting at Southby & Co in July 2025 as a training financial adviser, Jenny has become a qualified financial adviser and an invaluable member of the team.
Founder Dave Southby said: ‘Everyone at Southby & Co is proud of Jenny’s recent qualification. We saw how much work and dedication it took to get it. She’s already supporting many individuals and we can’t wait to see that continue.’
Southby & Co offer financial advice to individuals, families and business owners across Swindon and North Wiltshire. Founded by award-winning adviser Dave Southby, the business is well-known for its honest advice and strong community ties.
Little Hearts Big Kindness as two bereaved children sell their toys to raise money for the charity that helped them.
A brother and sister who’ve experienced unimaginable loss are inspiring their local community. It comes after secretly raising money for the charity that’s helped them come to terms with the loss of their dad and their baby sister.
Elsie (9) and Arthur (8) Morgan-Williams, from Blunsdon surprised their mum Becky and her husband Tom (who adopted the children) by selling some of their own toys. They did it to raise £9.50 for Wiltshire Treehouse. The charity has its base at Westlea Primary School in West Swindon.
‘They were out playing with friends when Elsie came back and ran upstairs and said she’d ‘run out of things to sell’. My stomach clenched and we asked them both what they were doing,’ mum Becky said.
‘At first they worried they were in trouble. Arthur had a handful of coins and they said they wanted to raise money to support the charity which had supported us. It broke me. Their motivation to do such a thing overwhelmed me. Tom and I wish to support them in their fundraising efforts for an oganization that’s given us, as a family, so much support.
Little Hearts Big Kindness – Arthur and Elsie Morgan-Williams holding their late baby sister’s teddy bear. And a photograph of their late father, Joe Morgan.
Wiltshire Treehouse
Wiltshire Treehouse is the children’s bereavement charity that supported them following the death of their father and Becky’s fiance, Joe Morgan back in 2018.
Joe received a bowel cancer diagnosis when Becky was pregnant with Arthur. He died when Arthur was six months old – two weeks before their wedding. Joe left Becky, his younger children and older son Harley who is now nineteen. Since that time, Becky has married Tom and they have a son Hudson, now one.
Elsie and Arthur knew their Dad Joe was in the ‘sky’ and was their ‘Daddy Star’. Yet, it was when Elsie started school that Becky realised she was struggling to accept that other children had their dads around.
‘When Elsie started school, I realised that she was getting upset and starting to understand that she was a little different. And that other children’s dads could pick them up from school or attend school events. I reached out to Wiltshire Treehouse for support for them both and the charity was wonderful. They are so open, they supported the children to understand and honour their dad. And showed them they were not alone,’ Becky said.
More sadness to come
Sadly in 2023, the family worked with the charity again when Becky and her now husband Tom lost their daughter Mabel at six days old after Mabel suffered a brain injury during birth. Harley, Arthur and Elsie then had to come to terms with the loss of their sister.
‘After we lost Mabel, Wiltshire Treehouse contacted us when they realised what had happened. And once again they have stepped in to help us all process and deal with this terrible loss,’ Becky said.
Moved by the kindness, Becky has now has helped Arthur and Elsie launch an online fundraising page. They’ve done so in the hope of encouraging local businesses and members of the community to support the children and Wiltshire Treehouse by:
making a donation
providing toys …
… or resources for them to sell during the summer holidays.
Or matching the total they raise, currently set at £650.
We’ve worked with Arthur and Elsie for several years, supporting them with the bereavement of their daddy. And, in more recent years, following the death of their sister Mabel. It has always been a pleasure to work alongside them, and to see them take it upon themselves to fundraise for us doesn’t surprise me at all. They have always been wholly thoughtful and caring children. They’ve helped to shine a light on our charity, as well as raising vital funds that will go to help other bereaved children like them,’ said Kath Brownlee, Service Director at Wiltshire Treehouse.
Becky has also shared her family’s journey through grief on social media to support others experiencing bereavement. And she hopes Arthur and Elsie’s story will inspire acts of kindness throughout the community.
‘As a family, we’ve received incredible support from Wiltshire Treehouse during the most difficult times of our lives. Arthur and Elsie wanted to give something back completely on their own, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.’
Christmas in July? Your spiritual need to know this summer. WILTSHIRE- based crystal and healing specialist, Something Kind of Woo, prepares for Christmas in July.
Louise Muir-Sage, founder of Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett, shares the tradition of Christmas in July. And the importance of thinking ahead, especially for entrepreneurs.
Originating in the USA in 1930s, Christmas in July centres around recreating December traditions in the summer sun. Since then, many retailers and communities across the world have embraced the idea.
Necessity – the mother of invention
Louise’s approach to Christmas in July came from necessity.
‘As an entrepreneur and retailer, preparing is essential in everything you do. So yes, I’m thinking of Christmas in July,’ she said. ‘I know there are people who find talking about Christmas in November a massive pet peeve. Believe me, I understand!’
‘As an entrepreneur and retailer, preparing is essential in everything you do. So yes, I’m thinking of Christmas in July,’ she said. ‘I know there are people who find talking about Christmas in November a massive pet peeve. Believe me, I understand!’
‘Christmas in July is not only about embracing festivity and community, but also a perfect opportunity to take the stress away from winter. It allows people to prepare for the most expensive time of the year.’
Louise is setting out to relieve stress around festivity both for others and herself.
‘I’ve heard from customers how stressful the winter period is. I’ve had customers enter my shop in a frenzy – grabbing presents, decorations and advent calendars last minute,’ she continued. ‘The festive period can take a toll.’
Christmas in July? – Louise Muir Sage owner of Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett
Planning is key
Business owners must plan far in advance. We need to consider our stock, marketing strategy, social media content – all the good stuff! Whilst thinking about Christmas in July might seem strange to some, it allows me to relax and enjoy the festive period when it rolls around at last.’
A titular Something Kind of Woo festive product is Louise’s advent calendar.
‘It’s my most talked about product. The advent calendar contains 24 individually wrapped gifts covering 1st December to 24th December, unlike other bespoke calendars which usually have only 12 doors for the whole month.’
Plus, our calendars come with a daily email explaining the gift and how to use it. The popularity of the calendar has grown over the years and it’s a joy to do!’
Last year, I sold 22 advent calendars. Already in 2026, 40 have been pre-ordered with 70% of Louise’s stock already sold.
This year, Louise is changing things up.
‘One person who buys a calendar for Christmas 2026, will win a free calendar for 2027,’ said Louise. ‘Another lucky person who purchases this year’s calendar will win a 50% discount on next year’s one. It guarantees the perfect gift for your future self.’
The ‘Something Kind of Woo Christmas Advent Calendar’ can be pre-ordered for £65, the contents worth over £100.
In June 2025, Louise opened spiritual emporium, Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett. And then, two months later, Something Kind of Woo Too, a space next door for Reiki and spiritual treatments. She hosts monthly Coffee & Crystal events across Swindon and Wiltshire. To found out more visit: https://somethingkindofwoo.co.uk/
Let’s Create Art Club Shortlisted for prestigious award. SWINDON-BASED Let’s Create Art Club has made the shortlist for the UK’s first awards dedicated to class-based businesses.
The art club finds itself named a finalist in the ‘High Performing Business of the Year’ category at The Class Business Awards, run by The Children’s Activity Business Club. The awards highlight the UK’s thriving class business sector. It includes:
children’s activity providers
adult activity providers
schools
gyms
yoga classes as well as community organisations and spaces.
The awards celebrate the achievements of the people, brands and stories behind this industry.
Six finalists
Let’s Create Art Club is one of six finalists who were all selected by industry experts. The ‘High Performing Business of the Year’ category recognises established organisations providing excellence both in their operations and delivery of classes.
Rachel Bray, founder and artist, said:
Let’s Create Art Club is one of six finalists who were all selected by industry experts. The ‘High Performing Business of the Year’ category recognises established organisations providing excellence both in their operations and delivery of classes.
Rachel Bray, founder and artist, said:
‘We’re so proud to get this recognition at The Class Business Awards. To be a finalist in the High Performing Business category is a huge honour. It recognises all the hard work and dedication that has gone into growing the business and supporting children over the years. It’s something we’re proud of and we’re grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey so far.’
Let’s Create Art Club Shortlisted – Rachel Bray
Anniversary
This national recognition comes as Let’s Create Art Club approaches its seventh anniversary. Further, it’s set to have their most successful year to date with:
14 after school art clubs
4 let’s move activity clubs
weekend workshops and …
… the continuation of their popular holiday art camps.
Established in 2020, the club’s mission is to allow children to explore painting, drawing, sculpture and design in a safe, fun and pressure-free environment.
‘When I first started my business, I grew it organically by responding to the demand I was receiving to make art and creativity accessible to children and young people. It’s now grown to 18 weekly clubs reaching over 300 children. And we are looking to the future to reach as many children as possible.’
‘It’s super exciting to get recognised in such a prestigious category among other nominees. I can’t wait to celebrate with them all in October!’
There’ll be an announcement of the class business awards winners on Saturday 10th October at the National Conference Centre in Solihull.
Let’s Create Art Club is heading into a busy summer. They’re kicking off their ‘Summer Art Camp’ in August as well as hosting a local art exhibition, created by Swindon’s young people. The entries are showcased at the Richard Jefferies Museum in South Swindon. The club is a member of the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP), ensuring the club meets high standards for safety, inclusion and engagement. They were 2025 finalists at the Institute of Children’s Activity Providers (ICAP) awards in the ‘Rising Star – Outstanding achievement in growth and vision for the future’ category.
Summer of Family Fun Awaits at the Town Gardens Bowl.
South Swindon parish council (SSPC) invites families to make the most of the summer holidays. They’ve got an exciting programme of live entertainment at the Town Gardens Bowl. The programme offers everything from:
magical adventures
interactive theatre …
… to music, comedy and action-packed wrestling.
Set in the heart of Swindon’s historic Town Gardens, the open-air venue will host six family-friendly events over two weeks. Thus giving parents and grandparents plenty of opportunities to enjoy affordable days out together during the school holidays. The programme forms part of the Town Gardens Bowl’s 90th anniversary season. And it follows SSPC’s commitment to making live entertainment more accessible for local families.
Summer of Family Fun Awaits at the Town Gardens Bowl
What’s on
Comedy Club 4 Kids – Thursday 23 July The hit comedy show designed especially for children returns with some of the UK’s funniest comedians. All delivering a fun family afternoon packed with laughs.
The Great Baldini: The Family Magic Show – Tuesday 28 July Expect mind-blowing magic, hilarious comedy and audience participation from one of Britain’s most entertaining magicians.
Rock The Tots: Summer Party! – Wednesday 29 July A fun-filled interactive concert for babies, toddlers and young children. It features live music, bubbles, puppets and plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along.
The Mushroom Show – Thursday 30 July Award-winning Scratchworks Theatre combines:
science
storytelling
music and imaginative play in a unique theatrical adventure exploring the hidden world beneath our feet.
KAPOW Wrestling – Saturday 1 August Larger-than-life characters and spectacular athleticism come together as KAPOW Wrestling returns to the Bowl with another action-packed afternoon.
Alice in Wonderland: The Ballet – Sunday 2 August A beautifully choreographed outdoor ballet brings Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale to life. Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts takwa audiences on a magical journey through Wonderland.
Councillor John Firmin, Chair of the Events Working Party at South Swindon Parish Council, said:
The Town Gardens Bowl has always been a place where families can come together to enjoy unforgettable live experiences. We’re delighted to be offering such a varied programme this summer, with something to entertain children of all ages. Whether that’s comedy, music, theatre, magic, ballet or wrestling. We hope families from across Swindon and beyond will join us for what promises to be a fantastic summer at one of the town’s most unique outdoor venues.’
The price is right
Making the programme even more affordable are the reduced family ticket prices. That’s part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative. Some children’s tickets are available from as little as £3.50.
The Town Gardens Bowl, one of only a handful of surviving historic open-air bowls in the country, has entertained audiences since 1936. It continues to host a diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy and community events each summer.
Tickets for all events are on sale now. SSPC recommend early booking.
