Garden designer sows seeds for blooming marvellous competition. TV presenter and award-winning garden designer, Kate Durr, is lending a hand to this year’s Malmesbury in Bloom competition.
Kate, former creative director of Highgrove’s popular ‘Talking Gardens’ festivals, will be on hand at the launch of the competition at Malmesbury’s Market Cross. It’ll take place on Saturday May 23, accompanied by the town crier and the mayor.
Garden designer sows seeds – TV Presenter Kate Durr
New this year
This year’s Malmesbury in Bloom includes, for the first time, a sunflower growing competition for youngsters. Kate will be handing out seeds from around 11am to 1pm on May 23. And also on June 6, again from around 11am to 1pm, alongside a Malmesbury Garden Club plant sale, which starts at 9am. You an also get seeds from the Tourist Information Centre from May 23 onwards.
As a passionate proponent of gardening for better physical, social and mental health, Malmesbury-born Kate expressed her delight at supporting Malmesbury In Bloom 2026. ‘Growing up in the town, it was always fabulous to see it bedecked with plants and flowers during past competitions. Malmesbury In Bloom is a wonderful event. And, by getting outside and immersing ourselves in nature to grow and tend plants, we can find happiness. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a green fingered novice, young or old, there’s a category for everyone. So join in the floriferous fun this summer.’
As well as the sunflower growing competition, Malmesbury in Bloom features a range of ‘best garden’ categories, for residents, retailers and businesses, based in Malmesbury or the surrounding villages. The closing date for all entries is July 1, with judging taking place during the week beginning July 20. The closing date for the sunflower growing competition is August 6.
Kate will be present at the awards evening on September 11, when all the winners are announced.
The Malmesbury in Bloom launch is one activity in a bumper weekend for the town. It celebrates the feast day of the town’s patron saint, St Aldhelm. There will be a flower display in St Aldhelm’s Church (May 23). And, once again, the EAT festival takes place on May 24. It brings together regional food producers, artisans and farmers.
Barnum the Circus Musical Spectacular – front cover of programme
Well, I watched this show last night and I could sum it up in one word: Spectacular! But I’d best use a few more words to talk about it ….
Taking the lead role of PT Barnum is Lee Mead, who, apparently, shot to prominence in winning the BBC series, Any Dream Will Do, back in 2017. And he was tremendous. Well they all were TBF.
The set and the action do a clever job of evoking the excitement of being at the circus. I’m old enough to remember Billy Smart’s circus – (Billy Smart being Britain’s answer to Barnum) and this show took me back to my distant childhood. The vocalists, the acrobats, the high wire, the fire-eaters, the band and the Barnum drum – together they created an exciting circus extravaganza on the stage at the Wyvern theatre.
Oh – and the elephant! That was breath-taking! Because of course what circus could be without an elephant?!
My friend and I so loved this show and I urge you not miss it.
It’s a fast-moving, colourful, breath-taking spectacle from start to finish. As Barnum used to bill it: it’s the greatest show on earth.
A bit about Barnum the musical
This American musical, with lyrics by Michael Stewart and music by Cy Coleman, is based on the life of the famous showman, PT Barnum. It covers the period from 1835 to 1880. It’s set in American and major cities of the world where Barnum took his performing companies.
The characters include jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns. All along with such real-life personalities as Jenny Lind and General Tom Thumb.
The original Broadway production ran for 854 performances. A London production followed.
SWINDON HUB PARTNERS WITH PROSPECT HOSPICE TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY. A Swindon community space has partnered with Prospect Hospice to provide fresh food for visitors. And, at the same time, supporting vital local care services.
Swindon Hub began working with Prospect Hospice after its previous supplier closed. That left trustees keen to find a new option that would continue to benefit the wider community. Finding a local organisation with shared values was a priority. One with a focus on making sure any partnership had a positive impact beyond the Hub itself.
The partnership sees Prospect Hospice supplying homemade sandwiches and cakes available to visitors throughout the week. The offering has fast become a popular addition at the Hub, with many items selling out on a regular basis.
As well as providing a simple, affordable option for those using the space, the initiative also helps generate income for both organisations, supporting their ongoing work in the local area.
Prospect Hospice Catering Manager Carl said the partnership had been a natural fit.
SWINDON HUB PARTNERS WITH PROSPECT Shift leads and volunteers from Swindon Hub alongside Prospect Hospice staff, including a Senior Chef, a member of the catering team and a volunteer delivery driver.
Proud of the arrangement
We’re so proud to be working with Swindon Hub. It’s great to see our cakes and sandwiches becoming part of a space that brings people together.
‘Every purchase helps raise vital funds so we can continue to support local people and their families when they need us most. Supporting organisations like the Hub is important to us. And we’re pleased to play a small part in what they do.’
A wide range of people, from across the local community, use Swindon Hub. They take part in activities or simply spend time in a welcoming environment.
The addition of fresh food has helped to enhance the experience for visitors. And also strengthened connections between local organisations.
The food has gone down well, and it’s lovely to be able to offer something that benefits more than the Hub alone. It’s about bringing people together and supporting other organisations at the same time.
‘The sandwiches have been such a hit we’re now planning with Prospect to provide NGCI sandwiches – with non-gluten containing ingredients at the Hub. These should be launching – or is that lunching? – very soon’
A partnership
The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting the Swindon community. With both organisations continuing to look at ways they can work together to make a difference in the local area.
Swindon Hub is a volunteer-run community venue offering café space, creative workshops and inclusive activities for all. For opening hours and more information, visit www.swindonhub.org
RPA Win Gold at SME Awards. Revolution Performing Arts, a Swindon-based performing arts company wins gold in the best family business category at the Best SME Awards 2026.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, the business has grown into a well-established creative community. It offers performing arts classes, holiday clubs and performance opportunities for children and young people.
The award recognises Revolution Performing Arts’ family-led approach to business. And its commitment to supporting children and families through creativity, confidence building and community.
RPA Win Gold at SME Awards – The Da Silva family at the Best SME Awards 2026
A growing business – with business excellence
As the business grew, Fi’s husband Paul joined in 2012. He left his corporate career in IT to help grow the company, making it a family-run business.
build confidence
creativity and friendships
All while creating a welcoming environment for families across the local community.
Judges said: ‘Revolution Performing Arts Ltd is a truly outstanding family business. The company stood out across all criteria, with its journey, resilience and ability to overcome challenges. All demonstrated through strong evidence of impact and sustainability.
‘An excellent example of a well-run family business, each family member brings their own skills to the business. It’s built on strong family values, and they reflect that ethos in everything they do.’
For Fi, the award reflects the community that has grown around the business.
‘Winning Gold in the Best Family Business category means a huge amount to us,’ she said. ‘We build everything we do we build around supporting children and families, so to have that recognised at a national level is special.’
To receive this award as we approach 19 years in business feels so significant. We’ve grown alongside so many families over the years, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.’
About the Best SME Awards
The Best SME Awards launched to recognise small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. They celebrate enterprise, innovation and leadership across a wide range of sectors. The announcement of winners took place at a gala evening held at Daventry Court Hotel on 24 April 2026.
Revolution Performing Arts delivers more than 1,200 sessions every year across:
Swindon, North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The organisation also supports thousands of young people through its Holiday Activity and Food programme.
Lifelong comic book enthusiast Johnathan Brown set up the market outlet with friend and colleague Troy Loveday.
We worked together at The Wyvern Theatre for about a year. And I managed to persuade him to open the shop with me,’ said Johnathan. “I’ve always loved comics, it’s always been my hobby, and it’s why I opened the shop in the first place.’
And when the business moved nine years ago to its current premises, on the first floor of The Brunel, that happened on Free Comic Book Day too!
Independent Comic Shop is 15 – Johnathan Brown of the Incredible Comic Shop
Free comic book day
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
And when the business moved nine years ago to its current premises, on the first floor of The Brunel, that happened on Free Comic Book Day too!
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
Johnathan said: ‘Free Comic Book Day is a worldwide event. It’s always the first Saturday in May, and so this year on May 2, we’ll be celebrating that day. And then we can go on to celebrate our 15th anniversary in June too.’
Sources
Johnathan sources comic books and graphic novels, which are a compilation of the stories that have appeared in the comics from the United States. And, more often now than before, from Japan.
Superhero comic books from the likes of Marvel and DC are ever popular. While Japanese comic books are becoming more sought after by Johnathan’s customers – some of whom have been shopping with him since the business started.
Comic books cover every genre – including romance, crime, horror and sci-fi – so there is something for everyone.
The Incredible Comic Shop sells both new and second-hand books and graphic novels. What customers won’t find are the British regulars that sell in newsagents.
In its market days, Johnathan stocked about 10,000 comic books – now he stocks about half-a-million! He has five members of staff working alongside him, who are all as passionate and knowledgeable as he is. Troy stepped away from the business two years ago.
And Johnathan’s personal favourite? I named the shop after The Incredible Hulk, and I have always been a big fan. And I still read pretty much everything that comes out in comics.
A spokeswoman for The Brunel said: ‘We’re thrilled to congratulate Johnathan and The Incredible Comic shop on reaching this fantastic 15-year milestone. They’ve become a beloved fixture of The Brunel Centre and we look forward to supporting their continued success for many years to come.’
To find The Incredible Comic Shop, visit the first floor of Swindon’s Brunel Centre.
