PR podcast hits milestone of 5,000 downloads and 100 episodes. Getting in front of national journalists, the power of influencers and using stories to build a brand have all featured in a PR podcast which has hit 5,000 downloads.
The show – ‘PR not BS with Fiona Scott’ – has also reached almost 100 episodes since it started airing twice a month in December 2021. The creation of Fiona Scott, who runs Swindon-based PR consultancy Scott Media, the podcast aims to throw the spotlight on PR. It also busts a few myths and helps give small business owners tools to leverage PR to raise their profile.
PR podcast hits milestone – Fiona Scott
The guest list
There’s a guest on almost every episode and they come from all walks of life. They run the gamut from business owners, journalists, to other PR companies. In the main discussing business, PR, and journalism. But the topics are wide and varied. There’s been:
Chris Skelley MBE talking about life as a Paralympian
the moving story of trans woman Katie Neeves
and surviving Dragons’ Den with Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature.
Among the most popular episodes was ‘Do you feel safe in Wiltshire?’ featuring former police officer Mike Rees.
‘Our team are proud of the podcast and the reach it’s now having,’ said Fiona. ‘There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors around PR. And some agencies use it as an excuse to pull the wool over their clients’ eyes. We do things differently at Scott Media and work in a transparent way, to help raise our clients’ profiles.
The podcast is another way of adding value to the small business community, so they can use PR and the power of the media to build their brands. PR is a marathon not a sprint, and is an essential yet often overlooked tool in the marketing arsenal.”
The majority of the podcast’s 5,000+ downloads have come from the UK. But it’s also popular in the US, South Africa and Australia, with growing numbers in Sweden and France.
Fiona added: ‘We’re delighted to see the popularity of our podcast growing in the UK and overseas, because it has universal themes. We’ve also loved giving people the opportunity to tell their stories to an appreciative audience.’
Bothy Gardens and Soil Science. As Spring arrives, the couple behind Bothy Gardens in Wiltshire are urging gardeners to consider both their planting and the soil in their gardens. *
*Being of a certain age, any mention of gardening and soil brings to mind the late, great Kenneth Williams and his gardener character Arthur Fallowfield whose stock answer to any question was ‘… the answer lies in the soil.’ I rather suspect Jules and Mark would agree. Anyway, moving on ….
Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler have spent several years curating and bringing back to life the walled-garden and Grade II listed Bothy at Burderop, Chiseldon, near Swindon. They’re turning it into a vibrant natural space which will be both a business and a meeting place.
Bothy Gardens and Soil Science – Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler in their Bothy Garden on the Burderop Estate, Chiseldon, near Swindon.
Open day
Jules and Mark are holding their first open day in May. Visitors can book and browse around the site – and soil will be a big topic for the event.
Mark said: ‘Healthy soil is paramount when it comes to sustainability. The secret to a thriving garden is the soil beneath one’s feet.
‘Healthy soil is soil that’s alive with bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. That all breaks down organic matter, releases essential plant nutrients and retains moisture. Gardeners need to create well-structured soil which acts like a sponge, soaking up rainfall and preventing flooding.’
Wiltshire’s soil is chalky and limestone-rich with high alkaline pH level. Ergo it supports plants such as Cornus Mas, Acer Campestre, and Carpinus Betulus (Common Hornbeam). Whereas Rhododendron Cultivars, Azalea, and Hamamelis (Witch-Hazel) struggle in these environments because they need more acid.
Jules said: ‘Adding organic matter (compost or well-rotted manure) to lower pH levels and this will improve soil structure. If plants prefer alkaline conditions, you can use lime to keep the pH level in the plant’s comfort zone. Be sure to test your soil to ensure plants can thrive on a regular basis.’
The couple can also talk about testing/identifying arsenic which is present in most soils at low and safe levels. At Bothy Gardens, soil testing confirmed that arsenic levels are within normal background concentrations. There are plants which can mitigate as well.
‘By keeping soil neutral to slightly acidic, growers can reduce arsenic uptake in plants. Three plants that aren’t prone to accumulating arsenic from the soil are: European Beech, English Lavender, Japanese Rose,’ Mark said.
Implementations
They couple have implemented practical changes at Bothy Gardens when it comes to planting. They’ve planted Stock plants along walled edges and have added recycled organic matter to improve fertility and lower pH.
Mark and Jules have also installed a potting machine which can pot up to 5,000 plants per day using peat-free compost and recycled plastic pots.
Their horticultural advice is amongst the many opportunities available on their first open day of 2025 on Saturday May 10. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, a beepkeeping class and nature art workshops as well as food and drink.
Jules Gilleland of Bothy Gardens, said, ‘Our first 2025 open day is going to be an exciting day for the start of summer. We can’t wait to welcome people and offer our amazing opportunities for people to learn about Bothy Gardens and all that we can offer. It will be a day of soil, sustainability, and sparkle.’
Those who interested in the open day can drop in and for more information visit www.bothygardens.com
Swindon Charity gets voluntary service MBE from the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.
On Friday, March 7th, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton, presented Big Breakfast Plus with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Big Breakfast Pluswas one of a handful of charities selected to receive the prestigious award. Announced in November 2024, it recognizes its volunteers’ continuous dedication and tireless efforts.
Charity gets voluntary service MBE
Breakfast is served
The charity served over 4,200 breakfasts in 2025. Averaging over 70 a day, BBP prides itself on serving fresh, cooked breakfasts. They do it in a warm and welcoming environment, to those in need. The charity’s volunteers have also contributed over 1,700 hours in 2025, so far.
Presenting the award
Presenting the award, the Lord Lieutenant commended the charity’s service to the Swindon community. She noted how the award recognized how hard all the volunteers worked. They ensure that a fresh cooked breakfast is available seven days a week, for those in most need. Also speaking of the charity’s service to the local community, the Lord Lieutenant commented on the effect the service has on those in need. She highlighted that starting the day with a good breakfast and a good chat with others, can bring hope and strength to many of the vulnerable people accessing the service.
Charity gets voluntary service MBE – BBP KAVS Angela and Jim receiving the award
Receiving the Award from the Lord Lieutenant, on behalf of Big Breakfast Plus, were two of the charity’s volunteers, Angela Proctor and Jim McLeod. Both of whom are long-standing volunteers at the charity.
Commenting on receiving the award, Angela said: ‘It’s a true recognition for Big Breakfast Plus to receive this Award. Every shift I volunteer on brings something different. Knowing that people walk away having eaten a decent breakfast, sometimes the only hot food they’ll have all day, is a feeling like no other.’
Also commenting on receiving the award, Jim added: ‘I’ve volunteered with Big Breakfast Plus for over 10 years. And I’ve enjoyed every shift. Being able to be part of a charity providing vulnerable people with breakfast, brightening some of the darkest days, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The Kings Award for Voluntary Service is a lovely recognition for the efforts the volunteer teams put in. On every day of the week.’
What Big Breakfast Plus does
Big Breakfast Plus manages to support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the town’s community. They do it by providing breakfast in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s thanks to the support of the wider Swindon community that the charity can run seven days a week and support the numbers of people it does daily.
Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre Nominated for two UK Pantomime Association awards. Actor Ben Goffe, who won the hearts of the audience as lovable Buttons received a nomination for the Best Comic Award. Whilst the wickedly talented duo, Eleanor Burke and Sophie Hirst, received nominations for the Best Sisters Award.
Cinderella, which starred Coronation Street’s Lisa George and Swindon’s favourite dame David Ashley, wowed audiences and press. Critics referred to the show as ‘a sparkling, family-friendly extravaganza’. And a show ‘filled with hilarity, heart, and a touch of Christmas magic’. The magical flying horse and carriage that transported Cinderella to the ball, left audience members spellbound. For sure it was ‘a stunning, showstopper of an end to the first half.’
Following this exciting news, the Wyvern Theatre also confirms that tickets are already on sale for magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty as this year’s ultimate festive family night out. That will run from 06 December 2025 to 04 January 2026.
, Eleanor Burke and Sophie Hirst, are nominated for the Best Sisters Award. Ben Goffe
Sponsors
With announcements of a star cast yet to come, Imagine Theatre will once again present Sleeping Beauty. As a pantomime producer they are themselves in the running for eleven awards across ten categories this year.
Theatre goers will find Sleeping Beauty packed full of all your favourite panto ingredients. All bringing this much-loved fairytale to life in a world full of sparkle and spectacle – the perfect fun-filled family treat to make magical memories with the family.
Laura James, the Theatre Director at the Wyvern Theatre said: ‘We’re so delighted that Ben, Eleanor and Sophie received nomination for their wonderful performances in Cinderella. We’re also thrilled to confirm our title for this year’s festive season as the panto of your dreams – Sleeping Beauty! After the huge success of Cinderella, we can’t wait to welcome you back for more magic and adventure than ever before. The Wyvern panto is the perfect place to make precious memories with your loved ones. And ensure all your dreams come true!’
When the wicked fairy Carabosse’s evil curse causes the Princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it is too late?
Make memories this festive season with this spellbinding magical family pantomime. Tickets are on sale now – book early to enjoy the best value tickets for the best seats in the house at swindontheatres.co.uk or visit imaginetheatre.co.uk.
2011 saw the foundation of the UK Pantomime association. It champions creativity, community and the unforgettable experience of live entertainment.
Sunday the 13th April sees the awards take place and the announcement of the winners.
HAINES WATTS BIDS ADIEUTO TWO LONG-STANDING PARTNERS WHO HELPED SHAPE ITS SUCCESS FOR DECADES.
One of Swindon’s most respected accountancy firms, Haines Watts Swindon, is saying goodbye to two of its partners, Mike Lloyd and Sue Plumb.
Haines Watts Swindon is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisors based in Old Town, Swindon. It’s part of the Haines Watts Group. Managing partner Mike Lloyd has been at the helm for almost 30 years. And his colleague Sue, who is the charity and not-for-profit partner has been with the firm for 23 years.
Mike said ‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sue for many of my years at Haines Watts. And I hope she enjoys her well-earned retirement. Sue has been a committed and dedicated colleague and friend. But now, as with me, it’s time for her to embrace different adventures.
HAINES WATTS BIDS ADIEU – Mike Lloyd
Three decades
Mike: For me, on March 31 it will be 30 years exactly since I joined Haines Watts. I found myself appointed a partner six months later and became managing partner in April 1996. That’s a role that I’ve fulfilled ever since. It’s been an amazing journey.
Whatever the next chapter entails, it will be different from this one and I’m looking forward to seeing what life brings. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented colleagues and business friends. Not to mention fabulous clients in this time, and I consider myself very lucky. There are so many people I want to thank for the joy that this career has given me. They know who they are!’
Mike is looking forward to spending more time with his partner Pat at their second home in the south of France. Also visiting friends and family in Australia and New Zealand.
I’m planning to finally learn to play the guitar that has hung forlornly on my wall for thirty years. And also to try for my race licence and indulge my need for speed legally!,’ Mike said.
‘I’m hoping to get involved in the amazing work done by White Ribbon UK in the ongoing fight to combat violence against women and girls. With Pat and I having three daughters and a grand-daughter it’s something very close to my heart. Au revoir for now!’
Martin said ‘We’d like to thank both Mike and Sue for their commitment over so many years. They’ve built the foundations on which we can build and take the business into the future.’
