Janet Shreeve Chairs BusinessWise. Wiltshire businesswoman, Janet Shreeve from Shreeve Care Services, has been appointed Vice Chair of Swindon’s long-standing business referral group, BusinessWise.
The independent, not for profit business group is one of the most established in the town and the county. It has a history dating back more than ten years. Business owners attending the networking group which operates a ‘single seat’ model – only one person representing each business discipline can join. Janet Shreeve, who has been a member for two years, holds the ‘care services’ seat.
Janet Shreeve Chairs BusinessWise – Janet Shreeve of Shreeve Care Services, who has been appointed Vice-Chair of local networking group, BusinessWise.
‘I joined BusinessWise in October 2023. I was at once impressed with both the members, its single seat structure, and the organisation of the meeting. The ethos, integrity and kindness of the group is exceptional,’ commented Janet.
‘Even though at that time I used to drive over an hour each way to get there, I don’t regret having joined. And now I’m living in Devizes it is great to only be half an hour away.’
Janet Shreeve is a care services expert and owner of Shreeve Care Services. That’s an organisation supporting care companies around best practice and business growth. Also families attempting to navigate the care system on behalf of loved ones.
Vital networking
‘Networking is vital to the development of a business. In the sector I work it’s very much a people business,’ said Janet. ‘I don’t go into a networking group thinking I’ll get a client straight away. It’s about building trust and that network referring you to possible clients.’
BusinessWise’s Chair, John Lewis, commented on Janet Shreeve’s appointment:
‘It’s wonderful to have Janet onboard as our Vice Chair. She’s brought new expertise to BusinessWise adding a new positive dynamic to the organising team. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.’
With Janet stepping into this new role, she said: ‘I hope I can bring a different perspective regarding the development of BusinessWise. I’mlooking forward to working with a group of people I both like and respect. It’s important we represent all views and ideas of the group to look at ways in which the group can grow.’
BusinessWise meets fortnightly at Basset Down Complex near junction 16 of the M4 in Swindon. The group shares over £1.5million a year of business between its members and their contacts.
Paralympian to Speak at RWB Library. Paralympian, commentator, and author Louise Hunt Skelley PLY will host a talk at Royal Wootton Bassett Library. In it she’ll share insights from her newly-released memoir What’s Wrong with You? Redefining What’s Possible. Unapologetically & Unstoppable.
Louise, a former British wheelchair tennis player and two-time Paralympian, has captivated audiences with her journey of resilience, determination, and defying expectations. Her book delves into:
Her experiences growing up with Spina Bifida
Also her rise to become one of the world’s top wheelchair tennis players
And her transition into a career as a commentator, speaker and inclusivity advocate.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Louise said: ‘I’m so excited to visit Royal Wootton Bassett Library and share my journey with the community. My book is about embracing who you are, challenging limitations, and redefining what is possible. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.’
Paralympian to Speak at RWB Library – Louise holding her book
Royal Wootton Bassett are so excited to welcome Louise. And to provide an opportunity for the community to hear her inspiring story. A spokesperson said: ‘We’re delighted to host Louise Hunt Skelley for this special event. Her story is trulyremarkable. It’s our belief that her message of resilience and ambition will resonate with many. This is a fantastic opportunity for our visitors to hear first-hand from an incredible athlete and author.’
The devil is in the detail
‘An Evening with Louise Hunt Skelley PLY’ will take place at Royal Wootton Bassett Library on Monday 2nd June from 6pm till 7pm. This will include a talk from Louise, a Q&A session and an opportunity for attendees to buy signed copies of her book.
Aurelie Runs for Prospect. She’s going to Eat, Sleep, Run…Repeat (for 48 hours!) to Support Prospect Hospice. Aurélie Soulier, 43, is set to undertake a series of demanding physical challenges in May to raise funds for Prospect Hospice, in honour of her late friend, Judith.
Aurelie Runs for Prospect – Aurelie Soulier
A seasoned fundraiser, Aurélie’s previous challenges include a 78-mile walk across Wiltshire in three days in 2022, which raised over £1,000, and a trek in Iceland with Prospect Hospice, raising over £3,000.
Aurélie’s motivation stems from the loss of her friend, Judith, who died suddenly from leukaemia in December 2020. ‘Judith loved walking and was a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award leader. I couldn’t attend her funeral due to lockdown, so I wanted to honour her life and do something she would be proud of,” says Aurélie. ‘Prospect Hospice supported her family in her final days, and I wanted to express my gratitude.’
Upcoming challenges
Aurélie’s upcoming challenges include ….
May challenges
The First: Marlborough Downs Challenge (20-mile trail route)
The BIG one: The Goggins Challenge (4x4x48) – running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours!
About the Goggins Challenge
The Goggins Challenge is a key part of Aurélie’s preparation for yet more challenges later on in the year! She says: “Two weeks after the May challenges, I’ll be doing Endure 24, a 24-hour team event. Then, in July I’ll be doing the Race to the Stones (100 km from the Chilterns to Avebury along The Ridgeway). I’ve done this before in 29 hours walking, however this time I want to smash that time and run!’
For the Goggins Challenge, Aurélie will start at 5pm on Friday 23rd May and run every four hours for 48 hours (5 pm, 9pm 1 am, 5 am, 9 am and 1pm the next day) following the same route near the Orbital Shopping Park. She invites others to join her for each hourly start. On Saturday morning, she’ll participate in the Seven Fields parkrun and encourages others to join her for an extra mile afterward.
I want to raise awareness of the opportunities available locally for people to get moving and improve their health’, Aurélie explains. ‘These challenges are about pushing my limits and raising money for Prospect Hospice. A place that’s touched so many families in Swindon.’
Aurélie aims to raise £600: enough to fund 24 hours of care for a patient on the Prospect Hospice ward. ‘Knowing how difficult funding is, I want to give back while challenging myself. It’s crazy, but I need to do this!’
Aurélie also hinted at even bigger plans for next year.
If you’re inspired by Aurélie’s story and want to challenge yourself, why not sign up for the Prospect Hospice Challenge 45 event? Challenge 45 marks Prospect’s 45th birthday and 45 years of outstanding free care in our community! Click here for information and inspiration.
Fika Coffee Shop Swindon. Alerted by Facebook (it has its uses – as awful as it often is) to the existence of this place, I today hurtled down town to try it out. Well, I did need to go to town anyway so I had a good excuse.
Fika
Fika – pronounced fee-ka – is a new, independent business opened only a few days ago by Martin – who you see below.
Martin Keise proprietor of Fika coffee shop Swindon
Martin’s partner is Swedish – thus the inspiration for the name of his establishment. Fika, as you can see from the images below, is not dissimilar to the Danish concept of hygge. That’s something with which, thanks to a Danish family connection, I’m rather familiar. Did you know that, back in 2017, the word Hygge entered the Oxford English dictionary?
You’ll find this place in what was the 222 coffee outlet on Havelock Square. Martin is serving Rave coffee – and it’s darn good. There’s also a tasty baked good or two.
Coffee in Fika Swindon
He hasn’t yet done anything with the decor of the place. So if you were a 222 customer it doesn’t yet look any different. But watch this space on that.
The website says: ‘Welcome to Fika Coffee & Wine e, a cozy space where great coffee, fine wine, and meaningful moments come together.’ And there are plans for it to be an evening space with wine and music.
Further … there’s a big wall at the back ideal for the displaying of art. And indeed Martin is looking to display local artists there – on a rotational basis. A space where they can display (and hopefully sell) their work. So, if you’re a local artist get in touch.
Malmesbury Marking VE Day Anniversary. The town of Malmesbury will join the international programme of activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May. The celebrations will include the lighting of a beacon as a mark of remembrance and respect.
VE Day, Victory in Europe Day, marks the Allied Forces formal acceptance of Germany’s surrender. It marks the official end of World War 2 in 1945.
The VE Day commemoration will be in Cuckingstool Mead, Malmesbury. It starts at 8.15pm, with residents and visitors welcome to the commemoration evening.
Malmesbury Marking VE Day Anniversary . Cllr Phil Exton, Mayor of Malmesbury who will lead the VE Day commemoration for Malmesbury
Malmesbury’s Mayor, Cllr Phil Exton said: ‘As the king’s representative in the town, it’s a great honour and privilege to serve him at events such as this that the nation is observing.
Many years ago I served in the army. And so respect the courage and dedication of all those who gave their lives. We should always remember that what they did back then is what allows us to have what we do now.
As mayor it feels very poignant to have this as my last engagement.’
Official surrender
Tuesday 8th May 1945 was the official surrender of all German military assaults and operations in World War 2. This occurred after the death of Nazi Party leader, Adolf Hitler, at the end of April 1945.
As part of the UK’s VE 80 campaign, over a thousand beacons and lights of peace will be lit across the country. With beacons being lit from 9:30pm.
Other activities taking place in Malmesbury the same day include the official proclamation at the Town Hall at 8am and the town bells ringing at 6.30pm.
This community event is free to attend and updates are available on the council’s website or social media – https://www.malmesbury.gov.uk
