Journalist tells her story in her memoir on life as a newspaper reporter. Swindon PR guru Fiona Scott has turned back the clock for her second book. In it she explores her life in newspaper journalism.
Launched at the View Gallery (part of RWB Auctions) on November 11, Tales of a Backwater Journalist looks at Fiona’s early days as a reporter in Swindon and Somerset. And how she almost didn’t go into the profession at all!
While watching a news crew in her Somerset home town, the teenaged Fiona had a sudden epiphany. She didn’t want the safe life planned for her; she wanted to be a journalist. Despite her mother’s warnings that she was ‘far too sensitive’ and careers advice pointing her towards being a secretary or a nurse, she couldn’t shake off the idea.
Journalist Tells Her Story – Fiona Scott talking about her book with MC, Alaistair Greener
But it almost didn’t happen
Yet, to begin with, Fiona followed the ‘safe’ route and trained to be a teacher. But at length she threw caution to the wind. She quit teaching, ended her engagement to her then partner, cancelled her wedding and started life as a reporter.
Tales of a Backwater Journalist is the second book from Fiona – now best known as a journalist and public relations expert, at the helm of Scott Media. Her first book, published two years ago, The Hard Yards, explored her journey as an entrepreneur, and the first ten years of running her own business.
‘I’ve been in journalism now for more than 38 years. In that time a lot has happened. And a lot has changed. I’ve enjoyed getting some of my stories into print and on the TV – and print, is where I started off in newspapers!’
In Tales of a Backwater Journalist, Fiona shares some of the failures and the successes in her professional and private life. And some of the incredible stories and people she found and wrote about along the way. The book costs £18 and is available via Amazon, in paperback and on Kindle.
Scott Media specialises in PR and marketing services for small business and entrepreneurs. For information visit https://scottmedia.uk/
FIona Scott Book Launch Fiona Scott and writing mentor Lis McDermottFiona Scott with Yvonne Parker and Fiona Da Silva Adams
Santa’s On His Way to Swindon town centre. Yes! Santa Claus is returning to Swindon this Christmas! He’ll once again be setting up his popular grotto at The Brunel Shopping Centre. And, because Santa knows that times are hard he’s frozen prices from last year. And, what’s more, this year time-poor, hard-worked parents can pre-book. That way they can avoid having to queue and have more time for Christmas shopping.
Quiet times
Also, for the first time this year, The Brunel has organised special ‘quiet’ sessions during the first 30 minutes on Sundays. These sessions are for children who would prefer to visit Santa when there are fewer people around. These sessions must be pre-booked.
Where to find him
You’ll find Santa’s grotto, expertly run by a well-trained group of elves at the Brunel centre, on the ground floor, opposite Boots. It launches on Saturday November 15, and the last day is Christmas Eve.
Santa’s On His Way – Santa and elves
Because of Santa’s busy seasonal commitments, the grotto isn’t open every day. So it’s advisable to check opening times in advance and take advantage of the online booking.
Every child receives a small gift and the chance to tell Santa what they’d like for Christmas. There will also be a post box near the grotto, for children to pop their letters to Santa.
Santa was a little too busy for an interview. But Laura Hepple – centre manager of The Brunel, has been liaising with his North Pole team. And she said: ‘We’re delighted to be welcoming Santa back to The Brunel for our traditional grotto. We know for some families, every penny helps, which is why we’ve kept the cost to meet Santa the same as last year.Â
Being able to prebook for the first time will mean shorter queuing times for families. And we hope families who prefer visiting when it’s less busy, will take advantage of the ‘quiet’ sessions on Sundays.’
Families can book up to four children per time slot, and the cost is £4.50 per child. Walk-ins are still welcome but it’s recommended that you pre-booking to reduce queuing times.
Daughter Joins Mum’s RPA Business – Revolution Performing Arts to be precise. Swindon-based Revolution Performing Arts (RPA) is marking its 18th anniversary with a special new arrival. None other than founder Fi Da Silva Adams’ daughter, Angel. She’s now joined the family business.
Angel, who’s 18 and lives in Swindon, has taken on the role of Leader at RPA. That involves supporting the delivery of classes, social media and the day-to-day logistics of the award-winning performing arts organisation.
Daughter Joins Mum’s RPA Business – Angel Da Silva Adams
For Angel, stepping into RPA is about more than a job. ‘The atmosphere when the young people walk into a room and give you a big hug because they’ve missed you – it’s unmatched. When you show them something new, like a dance move, and they get it right, their pride is incredible. There’s no better feeling than seeing a young person feel proud of themselves.’
After studying at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, Angel spent time assisting her mum with RPA before gaining other work experience. She now combines her leadership role at RPA with a part-time job in a South Cerney pub, where she loves the community atmosphere.
Ambition
Ambitious and passionate about performing, Angel hopes to audition for drama school. She’s aiming one day for the West End, screen acting and even creating her own music.
‘My vision is to help young people feel seen and to ease the pressures they carry. For me, success will is measured by the joy and confidence they gain in our sessions.’
Fi Da Silva Adams, who founded RPA in 2007, said ‘Having Angel join the team, in an official capacity, in our 18th year feels so special. RPA has always been about creating safe, joyful spaces for children and young people. And to see Angel take that forward with her own unique energy, empathy, and ambition is wonderful.’
When she’s not working or performing, Angel enjoys time with her friends, watching her favourite films with chocolate at hand. She also credits her boyfriend Jenson with encouraging her to take on extra opportunities when she needed them most. And for supporting her creative journey.
Revolution Performing Arts runs classes across Swindon, North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. All helping children and young people grow in confidence, creativity and self-expression through the performing arts.
Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball are seeking sponsorship. Is that something you could do? Could your business support this wonderful team?
Wheelchair basketball in Swindon. Who knew? What’s more, they’ve been getting the ball in the net since 2012.
Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball
As their website says: Swindon Shock WBC has one mission. That’s to provide a platform for everybody to participate in sport together. Whatever your age, ability or gender, everyone can become part of the Shock family.
What else?
The squad has around thirty members in total – thus they’re one of the most important disabled sports teams in Swindon. They compete in the British Wheelchair Basketball League central division. There, there’s seven teams in total, including teams from Coventry and Leicester.
Further, they get involved with schools across the town, providing classes and and clubs for schools across Swindon. These sessions provide awareness on inclusivity and give students with SEND needs an opportunity to take part in sport with their peers.
The squad also supports events within the community, providing opportunities for those who would otherwise struggle to get involved – no matter their ability.
What’s in it for you
Obviously sponsorship is a two-way street – they know that. So below is the payoff for sponsoring this wonderful team. In return for your sponsorship, the team would invite your staff member and and of your clients to attend the games and training sessions and to pose for photos with the team.
Further:
Members of the team might be able to attend your offices to pose for photos and also to talk about their experiences of living in a wheelchair.
Your company logo would be on the playing kit for the next two years.
Bespoke design kit to ensure that your logo is highly visible.
They could, if you wish, send a playing shirt to your offices for you to display.
All sponsorships are for two years. The money goes to supplying brand new kit for the team . It also helps towards their running costs and travel to the tournaments.
Sponsorshop options
Front of match shirt: £1995 (+ VAT)
The front of training shirt worn at weekly training sessions £1495 (+VAT)
Front of training shirt worn at both training sessions and at competitive games and travel: £1,995 (+VAT)
Front of tracksuit tops worn at both training sessions and at competitive games and travel, £1995 (+vat)
Exclusive sponsorship deal with your logo on the front of all the playing kit, training kit and tracksuit tops £3995. Discount of £1500 in total.
To get a better idea of who they are, here they are in the ether:
Jamie Lennon to Speak at PPS charity breakfast in support of the charity, SANDS. Business professionals from across Swindon and Wiltshire are invited to attend the next PPS business charity breakfast. It’s going to be happening at DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon later this month.
The event will raise funds for Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. Sands provides vital support for anyone affected by the loss of a baby. The charity offers a safe, understanding and caring community.
Guest speaker
The guest speaker will be Jamie Lennon, founder of Sixteen Sixty Four Training Solutions Limited. Jamie spent 21 years in the Royal Marines and the Army. There he led and trained teams in challenging environments. He now shares his experience in leadership and coaching to help businesses strengthen their people and client relationships.
Jamie Lennon to Speak at PPS charity breakfast
Jamie said ‘My session will focus on practical, innovative strategies for retaining valuable clients in today’s competitive market. All without the need for huge investment or reduced profitability. I’m looking forward to connecting with inspiring local business owners. All while supporting an incredible charity and the vital work they do.’
Attendees will also enjoy a delicious breakfast and the chance to connect with fellow local professionals in a relaxed and friendly setting.
There’ll be a charity raffle, supported by PPS and other local businesses, during the event. Tickets will be £5 each with all proceeds going straight to SANDS.
We’re so looking forward to welcoming Jamie to this event,’ said Sally Holland, Partner at PPS Chartered Accountants. ‘His expertise in leadership and client engagement will be valuable to anyone running or managing a business. And, as always, we’re delighted that our community can come together to support such an important cause.’
PPS hold their charity business breakfasts several times a year. They’ve become a popular date in the local business calendar. The events offer professionals the opportunity to network, learn and give back to their community.
When, where etc
The next event takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UZ. It’s on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, from 7:30 am to 9:30 am.
