music, film, conversations
For most people the idea of buying a puppy is a dream, but for people who want to be responsible dog owners - perhaps with full-time jobs, or young children - the reality is just not practical. A dog trainer in Stratton, however, seems to have found the solution - and a booming business: Crucially… Continue reading Living in puppy paradise: In conversation with Ian Daly – ‘What I do is unique’
"It’s like his gift" says Jasmine Aras - a mother from Wootton Bassett who is pursuing her dream of becoming an artist in memory of her son. Jasmine Aras, 34, has debuted a brand-new exhibition which she hopes will launch her dream of becoming a professional artist, thanks to her late son. Jasmine joined North… Continue reading Mother pursues life-long dream in memory of son
'How are you? How are you really?' - that's the double-edged question being asked to every man in Swindon as a new campaign looking to encourage men to speak up about their mental health launched today. A culture of toxic masculinity is being challenged with the launch of a new mental health campaign looking to support… Continue reading ‘We need to redefine masculinity’ – campaign launches in Swindon to get men talking about mental health
I love my job – I’m incredibly lucky to be that person who wakes up in the morning and is happy to go to work. Another perk of my job is meeting so many different people including musicians, artists, theatre directors, Jeremy Corbyn, Phill Jupitus, independent business owners, charity trustees and so many more. But,… Continue reading Travel: Happiest in the middle of nowhere
A former British Airways flight attendant is on a crusade to educate Swindon about a forgotten part of their community - transgender people. Janey P Templer-Milligan knew she was different when she was 11. At 64 she is an established Psychotherapist/Counsellor and LGB & Transgender Specialist. She wants to make sure that children growing up… Continue reading Counsellor prepares to launch Transgender People workshop across Swindon
By a chance encounter I met Australian-born yoga instructor, Jo Smith, at the relaunch of The Jericho Tavern last year. I had no idea that months later I would be seeing her again in the same room to try out one of her yoga classes. I know what you might be thinking, “who isn’t a… Continue reading REVIEW: Punk Rock Yoga at The Jericho Tavern
Since visiting Copenhagen last July, I have found myself completely captivated by the Danes’ lust for chic design, cool composure and aspiration to live well. Sent with love and well wishes, Meik Wiking graced Britain last year with the release of his best seller The Little Book of Hygge. The Little Book of ha-wha, you… Continue reading The Hype of Hygge
// "2017 will be better" they said // Do you remember when you first heard that Donald Trump would run for president? I remember throwing my head back with a laugh of disbelief thinking "Ha! Good one", and yet little did I know the joke of the century would become a morbid reality. After recently dosing… Continue reading The Trumps Turn Back Time
I had heard a few rumours and seen a few hashtags, but it wasn't until yesterday that I fully appreciated that the UK is currently losing their vegetables. The leading front runner of this campaign is the courgette, which has quickly established a #courgettecrisis and for good reason. Now while we can appreciate it's easy… Continue reading Courgette Crisis
// "Reality TV to me is the museum of social decay" - Gary Oldman // [If you watch reality TV, I can't promise you won't be insulted] First and foremost I feel I must confess that despite my distain for reality TV, I actually don't watch it, so you'll find little direct reference to programmes here.… Continue reading The reality of “reality TV”
c.dukes 