As the title, Swindon Writing III, of this post suggests, there also exists Swindon Writing and Swindon Writing II. All of which, I’m pretty sure, have escaped my notice. And that’s my bad!
Well that is until, earlier this week, I attended the launch of the eponymous volume with my chum, Lis McDermot.It just so happens that Lis is a contributor to this third volume.
Front cover of Swindon Writing III
All three of these books are showcases of the work of local writers and are an Artswords project.
An eclectic collection
All three of these volumes represent a literary pick-‘n’-mix of poems and short stories. And they’re all interspersed with the photographs and drawings and paintings of Swindonians. They’re lovely things to dip in and out of. I always think one has to commit to a novel. Where these volumes are ideal for stuffing in your bag for a train or bus journey that might be just long enough to enjoy one or two of the pieces.
The above aside, and in all honesty, I have nothing more/different/better to add to the words of Eleanor Barker-White, author of My Name Was Eden. She said:
‘What better way to celebrate Swindon, our glorious town of open spaces, steam and magic, than by showcasing some of the talents of local writers? A thriving community of creative minds?
From our vibrant libraries to the compellingly diverse Artswords literary delights, this collection is a refection of Swindon and all those who live here. It will surprise you. And it may make you laugh or cry – and – hopefully – will inspire you too.’
Having had a dip into the latest volume I can concur it does all that.
The back cover of Swindon Writing III
About Artswords
Artwords is a programme of literature development activities. It partners with Arts Council England and Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon. It works with readers and writers in Swindon and its environs and helps the town to a place of good reading and creative writing.
The Prospect Hospice: together making every day count
The strapline on the sign at the edge of the Prospect hospice Swindon grounds couldn’t be more apt. Though I only realized quite how apt when the CEO, Jeremy Lune, gave me a tour in recent weeks.
Prospect Hospice Swindon – sign at the edge of the hospice grounds
Now, I’ve written on this blog about the health and leisure provision in Swindon from the inception of the GWR Medical Fund Society begun in 1847 to the opening of the Oasis in 1976. To my absolute chagrin, I had no idea that the Prospect hospice has been care giving in Swindon and its environs for almost as long as Swindon’s families have been diving down the Domebusters. I burst my right ear drum on those things. It’s never healed up. But I digress.
As it says on the Prospect Hospice website:
‘Since 1980, Prospect Hospice has provided the only dedicated end-of-life care service for people living across north east Wiltshire including Swindon, Marlborough and Royal Wootton Bassett as well as Fairford and Lechlade in Gloucestershire. We bring care, comfort and confidence, around the clock, every day of the year.’
Who knew it had been so long? Well not I that’s for sure. I’ve laboured under the impression that the hospice was only as old as the building housing it – and that didn’t come until 1995 with an official opening by Princess Anne. I’d not appreciated its history at all.
So the life-span of Prospect wasn’t the only thing I hadn’t appreciated. Not only did I think that the history of the hospice was only as old as its building, I also thought its activities were restricted to within those walls. But no – that’s far from so. In fact, the Prospect carries out extensive care services in the community. ‘We offer a range of services that have been developed to help you stay at home and support your sense of independence when you are living with a life-limiting illness.’
Indeed, if there’s one key message to convey about the work of the hospice we can put it into two words: person-centric. The hospice’s website again: ‘Our services help people cope by building their confidence and reducing their anxiety through advice, information and emotional and practical support. We do this by working alongside your doctor, community nurses and others to provide coordinated care.’
And another thing – the Prospect isn’t only about cancer. It also has patients dying from motor neurone disease. Indeed, some funding does come from the motor neurone association.
Show me da money
If there’s a second key message to get across – and there is – it’s that of funding. Where it comes from and how much. And so on and so forth.
I would forgive you for thinking that Prospect Hospice – as with any hospice – is funded by the NHS. But no. Hospices are the only area of health and care provision NOT in receipt of NHS funding. Who knew huh?
So where does the funding come from?
Well, three quarters of the hospice’s income is derived from donations and fundraising. The Prospect shops are a big source of income. They bring in something like £2.1million pa. And there’s £1.6 million in statutory funding.
Yet, despite the best efforts of such wonderful people as Aurelie there’s a gaping hole in what’s needed. So where I said earlier abut this wonderful thing that we have. Well we’re in danger of not having this wonderful thing. The Swindon Link magazine reports on this worrying situation.
The Prospect’s CEO, Jeremy Lune explained the situation to the Link, commenting how hard it was to say that the hospice is under threat and in urgent need of a lifeline.
‘ … It’s down to the financial challenges we face, as people’s ability to give is affected by the cost-of-living crisis, and the NHS funding, falls far short of what’s needed…
… We have reduced the number of beds in our inpatient unit to six, despite having room for twelve. This is devastating for all of us who strive to offer end-of-life care to everyone in our community. This decision, as hard as it has been, isn’t enough, as we still go into the new financial year with a £1 million hole in our finances – out of the £8.5 million it costs to run the hospice each year.’
That’s an excellent question. Well obvs you can donate, you can spend money in the Prospect’s shops and you can fundraise. But you can also write to your MP and tell them how important this is. To help you, Prospect’s CEO has put a template on their website for you. All you have to do is copy and paste it into your email client and off you go. You’ll find it here: https://www.prospect-hospice.net/supporter-email-to-mp/
It’s a staggering statistic that one in two of us will face some sort of cancer at some stage. That’s all you need to know about how vital the hospice movement is. Thus, this funding black hole is not so much a matter of life and death – as a matter of death and death – in all ways and all senses of those words.
So please. Write that letter. And then tell your friends!
This book, if you can get hold of it, is worth browsing.
40 years of the Prospect Hospice by Su Starkey
What I’m about to say now may well sound flippant – and I guess it sort of is – but at the same time it’s …. real … Anyone who knows me at all will know how very fond I am of a patio, a parasol and a ray or two of sunshine. And that’s exactly what the rooms at the Prospect Hospice have as you can see in this image from Su Starkey’s book. I was well impressed I can tell you.
On the day I visited the sun came out and patients in their beds and their families were out on their personal patios enjoying the sun and the views of the grounds. And it struck me then that surely, surely, surely there are worse places to die than this? I mean, of course we all want to die peacefully in our sleep. But we don’t all get that wish do we?
So we simply must not allow the support, the care, the love and the wonderful physical environment offered by the Prospect Hospice to disappear.
‘Since 1980, Prospect Hospice has provided the only dedicated end-of-life care service for people living across north east Wiltshire including Swindon, Marlborough and Royal Wootton Bassett as well as Fairford and Lechlade in Gloucestershire. We bring care, comfort and confidence, around the clock, every day of the year.
FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAMDEMONSTRATES COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THROUGH CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
THE FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAM SUPPORTS KELLY FOUNDATION
Financial adviser Dave Southby, who set up his own business a mere two years ago, has pledged to raise £2,500. He’s raising it for Swindon based charity The Kelly Foundation. All with the support of his team of course.
In his work, Dave often observes the profound effects of financial stress and anxiety on mental well-being. Collaborating with charities has been integral to his business since its start. He demonstrated this commitment last year by raising over £1500 for MIND.
Now he’s working with another local charity set up in memory of Corrie and Kelly Stooke.
Established in 2022, The Kelly Foundation provides comprehensive mental health support to anyone aged over the age of 18, in the Swindon community. There’s a staggering statistic that one in four people will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. So the Foundation’s mission to provide advocacy, counselling and life coaching is a crucial undertaking.
As financial advisers, we often engage with people experiencing financial stress and anxiety. This is why we’re trained mental health first aiders,’ said Dave.
FINANCIAL ADVICE TEAM SUPPORTS KELLY FOUNDATION – Dave Southby
Partnership
‘By partnering with The Kelly Foundation, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of local individuals. Individuals struggling with mental health issues in our community. This funding will be a direct contribution. It will provide 125 hours of essential support to individuals in need. That equates to twelve weeks of help for ten people.’
Operating at the Pinetrees Centre in Pinehurst, The Kelly Foundation has a commitment to supporting Swindon Borough Council’s health and wellbeing Strategy. It envisions a community where everyone can lead fulfilling and independent lives.
The Kelly Foundation
The Kelly Foundation’s formation stems from a tragic personal journey. A journey marked by the loss of Corrie Stooke, whose struggles with undiagnosed anxiety and depression led to his early death. Corrie’s sister, Kelly, inspired by her brother’s memory and her own encounters with mental health struggles, became an advocate for charities supporting individuals confronting similar adversities. But yet, in 2019, Kelly succumbed to her own inner turmoil, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and compassion.
Their legacy lives on through The Kelly Foundation. The charity seeks to bridge the gaps in mental health support services. Recognising the limitations of traditional avenues, The Kelly Foundation offers a holistic approach. It addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of mental health struggles. From financial pressures to relationship breakdowns, The Kelly Foundation provides tailored support. One that guides individuals on a path to improved well-being and resilience.
‘We’re delighted that Dave Southby has adopted The Kelly Foundation this year as a charity they wish to support. Our pledge to them is that we’ll spend every penny they raise on improving the lives of those in distress or depression. People who ‘the system’ may have bypassed, failed or even neglected’ said John Stooke. John is the founder of The Kelly Foundation and father to Kelly and Corrie.
As part of his efforts, Dave will undertake the Thames Path Challenge in September. This physical challenge represents his dedication to going above and beyond. Dave is going the extra mile to support mental health initiatives. And of course to make a positive impact in the community.
I’m excited to embark on this journey with The Kelly Foundation. To contribute to their vital work means a lot’ added Dave. ‘Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges.’
Dave is a partner with St James’ Place. He helps individuals, families and small business owners to manage their wealth in an effective way.
Calling all Swindon Artists. On 22nd April, Swindon Open Studios will be opening their online registration for artists to take part in this year’s event.
The annual showcase is celebrating twenty years since it began. And it welcomes new artists to join them each year, with well over 100 artists participating in 2023. The event itself will be taking place over the weekends of 21st, 22nd and 28th, 29th September. Then, artists will open their studios, homes and exhibition spaces giving visitors a chance to meet the artist to see where and how they make their art.
Calling all Swindon Artists – Swindon Open Studios
Karis Rose, who first participated in 2022 said ‘I couldn’t recommend SOS enough for all artists. No matter what level you are at, whether it be a full-time job, side hustle or hobby. I owe Swindon Open Studios a lot as I wouldn’t be where I am now without them, and I made friends along the way.’
A Q&A
Any artists who would like to know if Swindon Open Studios is for them are invited to join the committee for an informal Q&A session at 7pm on Thursday 2nd May, at Swindon Rugby Club. There, they will take some of the mystery out of how it all works. There’s no need to book – simply come along.
You’ll find lots of helpful information on the Swindon Open Studios website including:
Blogs from artists who have participated including Karis
A list of venues available if artists are unable to open their own studio or home
And a newsletter sign up to ensure you receive all the latest information.
We welcome applications from visual artists aged 18+ living or working within a 15-mile radius of Swindon.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Paralympian. Local paralympic gold medallist, Chris Hunt Skelley, has won a lifetime achievement award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards.
The announcement of the award, run by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation, came at a black-tie event held at Leeds United’s home ground, Elland Road, on 1st March.
The event saw eleven award presentations in total to celebrate achievements across disabled sport in Yorkshire. Chris (30) took home the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chris, who hails from Yorkshire and the Humber, says it thrilled him to attend the awards dinner in Leeds earlier this month. And to receive the honour.
‘It was wonderful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards. I’m grateful to the Yorkshire Sport Foundation for awarding it to me,’ said Chris. ‘I work hard at judo because I love it. And because it’s a privilege to represent our great country nationally and internationally. To receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from a foundation that does so much to promote inclusion in sport is a real joy. And I’d like to thank the Foundation for the honour.’
Lifetime Achievement Award for Paralympian – Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, courtesy of Steve Biltcliffe Photography.
Gold at the Tokyo Games
Chris won gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo and is on track to represent Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in Paris later this year. He’s also named as one of five paralympic ambassadors for Path to Paris. That’s a programme from Team GB and Paralympics GB. And he’s previously been named as a top ten sports personality on the Disability Power 100 List. Chris received an MBE in 2022.
The Yorkshire Sport Foundation runs the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards. It’s part of a network of forty-three Sport England National Lottery funded organisations across England. They’re responsible for connecting and influencing providers of sport and physical activity to increase the number and quality of opportunities for participation. The organisation promotes inclusivity in sport. It works across the region to help education around sport and access to physical activities for all groups. Chris says this is essential to encourage better inclusion across all sports and physical activity. He himself is an example of the positive effect that getting involved in sport can effect on a person’s life.
‘No one should feel locked out of an activity or a sporting ambition or that they might not be welcome because they have to navigate a particular condition or disability,’ says Chris. “It’s no exaggeration to say that judo has seen me through some of the most difficult and challenging times of my life. I owe so much to the sport that I don’t know where I’d be without it. No one should feel a barrier to something that can bring so much good to their lives.’
Ocular albinism
Chris is registered blind and lives with ocular albinism. OA is a rare genetic condition caused by the inability of pigment cells in the eyes to produce normal amounts of pigment. It results in visual disturbances such as blurred vision, difficulty with perceiving depth of field and sensitivity to bright lights. After hearing over again that there was nothing wrong with him, he finally received a diagnosis at the age of 19. That came when he travelled to the US to undergo intense testing of all his physical systems. He first took up judo at the age of 5 and has dedicated himself to the sport ever since. Chris took the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. He credits judo with putting him on a path to success. And says that moments like award wins give him the opportunity to see his achievements in a broader context.
‘I’ve made huge sacrifices over the years and missed out on a lot to carry on training. Putting judo first and always pushing myself further to do well is part of the discipline. As a result, you become very single-minded with your focus. Recognition such as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Disability Sport Yorkshire Awards feels a bit like coming up for air. I’m so grateful for the acknowledgement of success. But also to be able to show others living with disabilities that you can become exceptional in your chosen field. And that you don’t have to be held back because of the challenges you face. It’s a most important message to get out there.’
Chris is also winner of the UK Social Impact Award. He’s a sought-after speaker on the subjects of:
Building resilience
Living with a disability
And being a team player, as well as his own personal journey to becoming an elite athlete.
