Awards for Two Swindon Volunteers. Two Swindon volunteers with Big Breakfast Plus have each received a ‘hidden heroes’ award. They came after the charity they support nominated them. Angela Proctor and Jim McCloud both volunteer with Big Breakfast Plus. The charity provides breakfasts seven days a week for homeless and hungry people in Swindon. It operates from the Pilgrim Centre in Regent Street.
Big Breakfast Plus nominated Angela and Jim for ‘hidden heroes’ awards from Room To Reward. RtoR offers hotel breaks for inspirational volunteers as a way of saying thank you. Now, Jim and his wife Doreen, and Angela and her husband John, will both be able to go on separate breaks in the UK.
Charlotte Mannion, who recently stepped down as Chair of Trustees of Big Breakfast Plus, said: ‘We’re blessed with wonderful volunteers here. They ensure we’re able to offer a cooked breakfast to our guests, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
‘Angela goes above and beyond. She takes home washing and recycling. And even when we have rare incidents of challenging behaviour from our guests she remains calm and non-judgmental, ably managing the situation.’
Of Jim, the charity’s longest-serving volunteer, Charlotte said: ‘He’s supportive with our guests, who have enormous respect for him. He takes the time to talk so everyone feels wanted and welcomed. Volunteers love working on his shift because he always takes the trouble to ensure they’re comfortable with their tasks. And that everyone is enjoying themselves whilst delivering the breakfast service.’
Awards for Two Swindon Volunteers – Charlotte Mannion centre with Angela Proctor and Jim McCloud.
Not only but also
The pair were also chosen by Big Breakfast Plus to accept The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton, presented the award to the charity on behalf of the king.
The award itself is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Jim said it was an honour to accept The King’s Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Big Breakfast Plus. As well as receiving the hidden heroes award from Room to Reward. Jim went on: ‘I didn’t expect it, and I’m sure there are people who do much more than I do. I’m one of the longest-serving and one of the oldest, and I do like to think I make a difference. The Room To Reward award was a nice surprise too – it’s not often I get a certificate at my age!’
Angela, who has been volunteering for three years, added: ‘It was lovely to receive this award along with Jim. I get such a lot out of volunteering, I feel so passionate about it, and my family say it does me good too.’
For more about Big Breakfast Plus, volunteering opportunities, and how to support the charity, visit https://bigbreakfastplus.org.uk/.
Cast your mind back (assuming you’re old enough!) to 1990. In that year, the film Ghost, starring Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg and the late Patrick Swayze became one of cinema’s all-time hits. The highest grossing film of that year, Ghost won an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin. And now Rubin’s adapted his screenplay to bring Ghost to the stage. All in the form of a musical.
#Obvs the iconic, 1965 Righteous Brothers’ ‘Unchained Melody’ features – along with many more fab songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.
The plot and the production
I’m not going to mention the plot – if you’re old enough you’ll know it. And if you’re not then Google is your friend. But what I mostly want to say is this:
‘Should you have seen this in the Wyvern programme and be pondering – STOP. And GO. This is quite the best thing I’ve seen in a while. I loved, loved it, loved it.’
Updated for the 21st century with mobile phones and laptops, the staging and special effects are clever and innovative. The opening to the second half made everyone jump. I just about held on to my red wine. That was almost a red-wine-on-pink-coat disaster!!
Of more importance, it’s arguable, both voices and performances are strong – with James Mateo-Salt as the villainous, duplicitous Carl having a particularly good voice I feel. But they were allgreat – in all aspects – and brought the story beautifully to life.
Indeed, an article in the programme entitled The Afterlife of Ghost (see what they did there?) concludes thus:
‘…In the years since, it’s been transformed again with a new and intimate reworking that brings out even more of the heart-wrenching love story at the centre of the tale.’
Signal Youth Festival Returns for a second year. Swindon’s only festival dedicated to showcasing and celebrating youth arts returns this summer for its second year. Signal Festival, organised by Prime Theatre, is a partnership between the town’s venues, organisations and freelancers. They all work together to support, showcase, and inspire young creatives aged 11–25.
Signal Youth Festival Returns for 2025 – Swindon dance signal festival 2024
When
Running from Friday 25th July to Saturday 2nd August, Signal Festival will offer:
A varied and engaging programme of performances
Workshops, and exhibitions across Swindon — from music to photography, creative writing, and more.
The festival promotes talent and opportunity. It does it through a dynamic and accessible mix of performance, participation, professional development and pop-up events.
Following its successful launch last summer, the 2024 edition of the festival collaborated with 61 local organisations and artists. They delivered 90 events, attracting over 4,000 attendees and showcasing 170 young artists across 21 venues.
A team of young senior producers curate and manage the festival. They lead on programming, organising, and promotion.
Clarissa Boyce-Johnson (24), one of the festival’s returning producers, said:
‘It’s wonderful that Signal is returning for another year, and I’m so grateful to be part of the producing team! Signal is so important for young people. It grants them access to creative mediums and outlets. It also instills hope that they can make something of themselves in Swindon.’
For 2025
This year, Signal Festival will welcome a team of new producers and volunteers to work alongside those returning from last year. Louise Aust (22), who is joining the production team for 2025, said: ‘After taking part last year as a performer, I’m delighted to be a senior producer for this year’s Signal Festival! Being a local performer, I’ve seen firsthand the immeasurable passion and talent in Swindon. I’m proud to be part of a festival that highlights opportunities for young people and showcases all the wonderful things they bring to the creative arts.’
Signal Festival will soon be recruiting a team of paid trainee producers to assist with the planning and delivery of the festival. It’s a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in festival production. And all the while shaping the festival’s programme and the experience of its audiences and participants. The festival is also calling on local organisations to get involved by hosting events or delivering activities as part of the week-long programme.
Mark Powell, Artistic Director of Prime Theatre, added: ‘After last year’s success, we’re back encouraging other organisations and artists to come together for a week and show our commitment to new talent. It’s a celebration of the creativity already thriving in Swindon and the rising stars of the future.’
Artists and organisations interested in participating can visit the ‘Get Involved’ section of the Signal Festival website to sign up.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted that Signal Festival is returning for another year. It’s a unique event that combines a sheer love of the arts with real opportunities for young people to expand their skills. Ultimately, I want everyone in Swindon to feel that they’re entitled to great art — both as an experience and as a career — and that’s what Signal is all about.’
Signal Festival 2025 will run from Friday 25th July to Saturday 2nd August. There’ll be events happening at venues throughout Swindon.
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.
