April 4, 2026

Cheltenham News & Events | All Things Cheltenham with Louise and Anna ( Love to Move ) & Katie Photography

Cheltenham News & Events | All Things Cheltenham with Louise and Anna ( Love to Move ) & Katie Photography
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Cheltenham can feel like a hundred different towns in a single week, and this one proves it. We start with the stories that shape day-to-day life, including the controversial return of a Cheltenham Racecourse car boot sale, a bungling burglar who got himself stuck mid break-in, and the green light for 171 new homes off Old Gloucester Road with a big chunk set aside as affordable housing. We also dig into the practical stuff that affects every journey, from fully funded M5 Junction 10 improvements to VOI’s new push to stop e-scooters being left across pavements and access points.

Then we zoom in on the parts of Cheltenham you might walk past without noticing. The Hare And The Minotaur sculpture on the Promenade gets named one of the UK’s best hidden artworks, sparking the question of what public art should be and who gets to decide. On the high street, we touch on new openings that signal changing tastes and confidence in the town centre, including Therapy Clinic on Cheltenham High Street and Mango arriving at Regent Arcade. Sport gets its say too, with a Cheltenham Town men’s result update and a big preview of Cheltenham Town Women’s crucial home match.

Two guest chats bring the heart of the show. Louise Roberts from the British Gymnastics Foundation and Anna Castillo from Parkinson’s UK explain Love To Move, a seated exercise programme combining music, movement and “brain gymnastics” to support mobility, cognition and social connection, including free Parkinson’s-specific online sessions and how locals can train as deliverers. We also meet Katie from Moments By Katie Mitchell Photography, who shares how she moved from army life into maternity, newborn and family photography, how she handles wriggly toddlers, and why she backs a local charity while building a “baby’s first year” journey for clients.

If you like smart local updates with real people and practical takeaways, subscribe, share the show with a Cheltenham friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us.

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00:00 - Intro and Cheltenham News

10:03 - Cheltenham Sport

14:32 - Guest - Louise and Anna - Love to Move

40:12 - Cheltenham Noticeboard

42:28 - Guest - Katie Photography

WEBVTT

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Hello, I'm Reg, your host, and this is All Things Cheltenham, your weekly roundup of local news, events, sport and community stories.

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Today is Sunday the 5th of April 2026.

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So let's get started.

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First off, let me wish everyone a very happy Easter.

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Now, coming up on this week's episode, I'll be chatting with Louise and Anna regarding Love to Move and also speaking with Katie and her photography business.

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But first off, as always, let's start with some local news.

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Now, the car boot sale could be making a return to Cheltenham Race Course, not without some controversy.

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A company has applied to Cheltenham Borough Council for permission to bring regular car boot sales back to the race course with plans to run events on non-race days for up to 28 days a year.

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However, despite the application still being under consideration, organisers have already gone ahead and held the first event, suggesting confidence that approval would be granted.

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The proposed site is an existing overflow car park used for decades during major events and would include temporary facilities like toilets and welfare units, all set up and removed on the same day.

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But not everyone is happy.

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Objections have been raised with concerns that a full programme of events is already being advertised, which some believe goes beyond what's currently being applied for.

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If approved, it would make it mark, sorry, the return of a longstanding local favourite with car boot sales previously held at the race course until 2014.

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It's been quite a few years since that last one.

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Now a bungling burglar in Cheltenham has ended up behind bars after getting himself stuck during a break-in.

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The man attempted to burgle a property but managed to trap himself while trying to get inside, turning what should have been a quick getaway into a failed escape.

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Police were called to the scene and quickly arrested him, with the incident highlighting just how badly the attempt burglary went wrong.

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He has since been sentenced and is now serving time in prison, bringing a rather embarrassing end to his attempted crime.

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It's one of those stories that sounds almost unbelievable, but serves a reminder that crime rarely goes to plan.

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And talking about plan, there's plans for a 171 new homes on the edge of Cheltenham have officially been given the green light.

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The development will be built on land off Old Gloucester Road, with the site made available through a partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council.

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At least 69 of the homes will be classed as affordable, including a mix of social rent and shared ownership, while the remaining properties will be sold on the open market.

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The scheme is being delivered by Bromfield flagship Life West and is part of a wider development in the area, which will eventually see more than 250 homes created when combined with earlier phases.

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As well as housing, the project will bring wider benefits, including more than a£2 million towards local infrastructure such as schools, transport improvements, and play areas, along with environmental enhancements like new trees and habitat creation.

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Works expected to begin in August 2026 with the first homes ready by winter 2027 and a full development due to be completed by 2029.

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It's another step in addressing Cheltenham housing demand, particularly when it comes to affordable homes for local residents.

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Now you have more residents, it means you need to get the roads sorted out, and there's been an update on the long-awaited M5 Junction 10 improvements.

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Now a major project aimed at easing congestion around Cheltenham.

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The scheme has now secured full funding, including a significant£71.5 million boost from the government, allowing the project to move forward.

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Construction is expected to begin in autumn of 2026 following earlier preparation work already underway.

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Once complete, the upgrade will transform the junction into a full access interchange, improving connections to West Cheltenham and support future housing and businesses growth in the area.

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As for completion, the project is currently expected to be finished around 2028, although timelines can shift depending on progress and conditions.

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It is a key piece of infrastructure for the town, but with construction still some time away, drivers may have a bit of wait before they see the full benefits.

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Now, e-scooper operator Voya, VOI, is taking action to tackle the issue of poorly parked scooters across Cheltenham and Gloucester.

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The company says its introduction sorry, the company says it's introducing new measures to encourage more responsible parking after ongoing concerns about scooters being left blocking pavements, access points and public spaces.

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As part of the changes, Voya is increasing the number of designated parking bays and improving in-app guidance to make it clearer where users should and shouldn't leave scooters.

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There will also be a stronger enforcement with users who repeatedly park badly facing fines or potentially account restrictions.

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This comes after feedback from residents, businesses and local authorities who have raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities, push chairs and mobility aids.

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Voya says the aim is to strike a better balance between offering a convenient transport option and keeping public spaces safe and accessible to everyone.

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It is a step in the right direction, but whatever it solves, whether it solves a problem long term, will likely depend on how well users follow the rules.

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I think it's not always necessarily the actual riders, because I have one of those parking bays near where I live, and I've seen them park there perfectly well, but I also think ki people, whether it's kids or adults or whatever, drunks, whatever, it doesn't matter, I think they knock them over and pull them out and so on.

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I think it's not necessarily the people that necessarily drive them all the time.

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I mean a lot of the time it probably is, but sometimes it's not.

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Now a striking Chattenham sculpture has been named one of UK's best hidden artworks, shining a spotlight on a piece many locals walk past every day of the week.

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The sculpture, known as the Hare and the Minotaur, sits on the promenade and features two unusual mythical figures, a hair-headed woman and a minotaur, seated together on a bench.

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Created by artist Sophie Ryder in the 1990s, this piece has long divided opinion, with some loving its quirky, surreal style, while others have found it more controversial.

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Despite that, it has now been recognized nationally as one of the UK's best hidden artworks, celebrating pieces that might not always get the attention they deserve.

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The sculpture has become something of a talking point in Cheltenham over the years, but the latest recognition suggests it's not just memorial, memorable, it's also a cultural significance.

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So next time you're walking down a promenade, it might be worth taking a second look.

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You could be passing one of the country's standout pieces of public artwork.

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So what do you think?

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Do you agree with that?

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Do you think it's a an eyesore?

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Do you think it's just another piece of sculpture?

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It's a bit over the top saying that, or do you really love it?

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A major new problems here with this one.

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A major new aesthetics clinic is opening in Cheltenham this week, bringing one of Europe's biggest cosmetic treatment brands to the town.

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Therapy Clinic, a leading name with more than 85 clinics worldwide, is launching its new location on Cheltenham High Street, marking it as the latest expansion in the UK.

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The clinic will offer a wide range of treatments, including laser hair removal, dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, and advanced skin treatments, all delivered by qualified medical professionals using the latest technology.

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The new site officially opens on Wednesday, the 8th of April, so next week, with bookings already open and early demand expected to be high.

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Customers will also be able to book free consultations, allowing them to discuss their goals and receive personalized treatment plans before committing.

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Located right in the centre of town, the arrival of therapy are aids to Cheltenham's growing health and well-being scene and reflects increasing demand for professional aesthetic treatments locally.

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Now, a major international fashion brand has officially opened its doors in Cheltenham.

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Mango has now launched its first ever Gloucestershire store at the region arcade, welcoming shoppers for the first time from yesterday.

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Now the Barcelona funded founded retailer is known for its contemporary design-led collections, with the new Cheltenham store focusing on its women's wear range, including clothing, footwear, and accessories.

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Until now, the nearest Mango stores were in cities like Bristol and Birmingham, meaning this new opening brings the brand much closer to local shoppers.

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The store also features Mango's latest Mediterranean-inspired design, creating a more modern, experience-led shopping environment inside the centre.

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Its arrival is seen as a strong boost to Cheltenham's retail scene, adding another big name brand to Regent Arcade and helping to attract more visitors into the town centre.

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So there we go.

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Have you been into the new mango store?

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I mean it's only been a day, but have you popped in?

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Do like a nice cup of tea?

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Or have you planned to go and visit it?

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Now on to some sport.

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Well, Cheltenham Town were beaten 1-0 away at Chesterfield on Friday with a first half goal proving the difference.

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The only goal of the game came midway through the first half when Will Dickinson finished from close range after a cross into the box.

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Chesterfield had the better of the game overall, enjoying more possession and limiting Cheltenham's chances with the Robins failing to register a shot on target.

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Cheltenham did try to respond in the second half, making a number of substitutions and pushing forward, but they couldn't break through a well-organised Chesterfield defence.

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There were a few late moments of pressure, but nothing clear cut, and the host held on to secure all three points.

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It's a frustrating result for Cheltenham who remain in the lower half of League Two table while Chesterfield boost their push towards the playoff places.

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Okay, moving on now to the Cheltenham ladies team, and it's the big one today.

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It's the big one.

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The Cheltenham Town Women FC as they take on hashtag United Football Club in a huge women's National League Southern Premiership clash.

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Now kickoff is at 2 pm at Catalane in Bishops Cleave, with gates opening at 12.30.

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Tickets are just six pounds for the adults and one pound for under 18.

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And you can pay on the gate.

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There's also a chance for the young supporters to meet the players after the match for photos and autographs because this is the last home game of the season.

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This is being billed as, I said at the beginning, the big one, and will be falling on Easter Sunday today.

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The club are really encouraging as many people as possible to come down to show their support.

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Now, ahead of the game, um, the manager Tom Davis shared his thoughts on the challenge against hashtag United.

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Yeah, a really high-energy side.

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Um, I don't think they're going to be too dissimilar to the side that we played what feels like an age ago now.

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But yeah, they're they're gonna be hiked inside, they're gonna press the ball really well with with lots of energy, and the Michael Lotford runs off the ball, and they're they're really impactful in terms of the way that they they transition.

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Um, but a side that are obviously looking to play at the same time.

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So, yeah, uh a good side.

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Um, they all are at this level, and it's important that we just keep focusing on us.

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We're we're developing, we're improving for the last few weeks in terms of the way that we want to play the game, um, which is exciting, and we've now just got to put in that kind of complete performance.

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And there's also been some club news this week with the goalkeeper Poppy Irvine recalled from her loan and returned to Birmingham City women due to injury.

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And here are the players Courtney Jones and Carla Norman reacting to that news.

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Oh, she's been great since joining us after Christmas.

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We're gutted to see her go, but obviously, uh when she gets called back, she's got to go back to blues.

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But we just want to thank her for all her efforts and commitment that she's done this season.

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She's been brilliant, and I wish her good luck for the future.

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Carly, obviously, a big game this weekend against Tash Tug.

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If we win it and results go our way, we'll all be mathematically safe.

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So, how big of a result will it be this weekend?

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Oh, massive game.

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Like, we're both obviously near the bottom, probably not where either team wants to be.

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So, three points is massive for us.

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Yeah, and how much will that build momentum things going into this only final two games of the season then?

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Yeah, I can't believe there's only two games left of the season, but um we're just focusing on solely on Sunday because it's such an important game.

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Um, make sure we get the points from it, and we're gonna prep the best way to do that.

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How do you guys best of luck for this week, Jenny?

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Cheers, thank you.

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So, if you're looking for something to do today, uh get yourself down to Catalane and support the team.

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A great atmosphere, a big game, and a chance to back your local side.

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And looking ahead, Cheltenham's next fixture after this will be away to Billaricky Town on April the 26th.

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So good luck to the Cheltenham Town ladies.

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Okay, just before we go on to our first guest of this week, after the next couple of weeks, the podcast is going back to its roots.

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Just me bringing you Cheltenham news, what's on, community updates, and local sport each week.

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See simply, consistent, and all about what's happening here in town.

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So there'll be no more guests or WhatsApp or have your say, but you can still get in touch.

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I'm not blocking everything, you can still get in touch via the website, social media, or of course, you can still email me on info at allthingscheltenham.co.uk.

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So if you've got something you want to say, if you're a business and you want to send a press release or anything at all to do with Cheltenham, send it to that email address.

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I look forward to hearing from you all shortly.

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Okay, let's go to the first guest of the week, or I should say guests actually, because I spoke to Louise and Anna, who are involved with a thing called Love to Move, and here's what they had to say.

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Okay, I'd love to welcome two guests on this episode.

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So it's Louise from the British Gymnastics Foundation and Anna from Parkinson's UK.

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So welcome both to All Things Cheltenham, and thank you so much for giving us your time and joining us here today.

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Hi, Britain.

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Hi.

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Thank you.

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Um, right, first of all, then I think the easiest thing to do is actually introduce yourself.

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So we start with Louise.

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If you'd like to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about what you do.

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Okay, um, my name's Louise Roberts.

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I'm the head of programmes for the British Gymnastics Foundation, and we are a charity that was established um 11 years ago now by British Gymnastics.

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So we're the partner charity of British Gymnastics, and we run several programs um which help people and communities most in need.

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Um, and this particular programme that we're here to talk about today is called Love to Me.

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That's wonderful.

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Okay, over to you, Anna.

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Hi, I'm Anna Castillo and I'm the physical activity program lead, partner from Two Key.

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Um, my role is to kind of oversee everything to do with physical activity, exercise, and sport, and to have the mechanism to help people get active and to live well with Parkinson's.

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Right, that's a very important thing because obviously it can be very sort of restricting from Parkinson's, that's for sure, from what I know of it.

00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:24.480
So definitely need to move about, that's for sure.

00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:32.399
So talking about move, the see the um program's called Love to Move, which I think is a brilliant title to be honest.

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But uh, between the two of you, do you want to explain exactly what love to move is?

00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:41.120
Um yes, I'll let one of you start.

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So um, Love to Move is a program that was established to help mainly older people in the first instance to move more, um, and it brings certain benefits.

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Um so when it was first established, it was designed for people living with dementia or Parkinson, and there were two or three test groups in Cambridgeshire.

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Um it's a seated exercise, and um, it involves music, singing, spoken rhyme, um the normal exercises that you might think um in a seated position that help with strength, coordination, and balance, um, but also things that help with cognition um and social engagement, and mainly people just have fun with it.

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So come out um with sort of brilliant feeling afterwards, and it increases uh you know, improves people's well-being.

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That sounds wonderful.

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So you say it helps movement and cognitivity.

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How does it help for for Anna?

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How does it help people who have Parkinson's then?

00:17:58.079 --> 00:18:04.160
Yeah, so um physical activity and exercise is hugely important for people with Parkinson's.

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Um, you know, research is starting to suggest that it is to be disease modifying, um, if at the the right level, but we are well aware that as people's um condition progresses, or if someone has been inactive, you know, have having high-intensity exercises is is difficult to do.

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So this keeps people moving, and that's absolutely fantastic because something's better than nothing, it keeps people going, and the fact that it has a cognitive element is fantastic because we do say part of Parkinson's is about exercise in the brain, not just the body.

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So you need to have that cognitive element that helps with that disease modification, so it just fits perfectly with what we want to do, and you know, we want to make sure that we have an offer for everybody, no matter what stage they're at in their condition.

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So it just is a fantastic opportunity for us.

00:18:59.119 --> 00:19:01.599
That's wonderful, and it sounds wonderful, you know.

00:19:01.759 --> 00:19:12.880
And ironically, genuinely, I took my wife to a therapist yesterday because she's got bad movement in her in her knees and she's got osteoarthritis.

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They they've said that's what it is, and he's given given her some sit-down exercises.

00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:19.279
I mean, just pure random.

00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:22.960
You mentioned sit-down, but I do like the idea of sit-down exercises.

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That's that's down my path as well, to be honest.

00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:30.960
And I assume the music and the other side of it is the cognitive side, I'm guessing.

00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:40.880
Yes, but also um we do exercises as part of the program called bilateral asymmetric pattern exercises.

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So that's where you're doing one thing with one half of your body and something different with the other side of your body, and you're doing it at the same time.

00:19:51.599 --> 00:19:53.599
I'll give you a go at it in a minute.

00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:57.359
And you'll take your head and rub your belly, isn't it, Job?

00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.400
That's one of those.

00:19:58.559 --> 00:19:58.880
Yeah.

00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:01.519
Exactly that, exactly that.

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And uh it's thought to help um fire up pathways between the neurons in the brain.

00:20:09.279 --> 00:20:19.519
So um it really helps with with cognition, and we've seen improved memory as well as a result of doing these exercises regularly.

00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:20.880
That's brilliant.

00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:23.119
So I'm actually intrigued.

00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:25.599
Obviously, it helps with Parkinson's.

00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:37.359
I mean, was love to move part where where did it who was it a sort of joint effort to start with, or was it something that started off and then one of you joined in and thought, hang on, this could be useful for other groups as well.

00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:40.559
How did how did it come about that you worked together?

00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.079
Ah, okay.

00:20:42.240 --> 00:21:19.359
Well, the the programme itself was designed and developed um because the head of the British Gymnastics Foundation uh went to a conference and saw um a gentleman called Professor Araki Tatsuo from Japan, who was presenting some exercises that um he had been working on in Japan, and they'd been doing some sort of academic research on the benefits of these exercises, and found that it was so impactful on the older generation that they actually put the program into every care home across Japan.

00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:25.680
So it was state-funded, um, so it was obviously showing massive benefits.

00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:42.240
Um we we took the program back to this country um and made it more um sort of the social side and the music more culturally um appropriate for for people living in the UK.

00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:54.400
And um and then tested it with with groups, as I mentioned, um two care homes, a community setting, and a specific group of people living with Parkinson's.

00:21:55.279 --> 00:22:07.519
So we so in the early days we know that the more the group with Living with Parkinson's, the more they did, the better they found their symptoms were increasing.

00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:26.240
And so some of them joined two or three groups, and they started going to the dementia group as well, just because the more they did, the better they felt, and the more functions they were able to sort of get back, really.

00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:42.880
So we um got together with Parkinson's UK because we wanted to provide our deliverers with more information about Parkinson so that they could better support the people they're delivering to.

00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:51.599
And so that's when we got together with Anna, and Anna thought, yeah, this is good, we'll we'll support this.

00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:55.279
We're very, very pleased to have them on board.

00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.640
That's wonderful.

00:22:56.720 --> 00:23:06.880
So it was just sort of you know started off from the doctor, and then you sort of took it and brought it over here, and like, okay, we can we can work with that, and it's just sort of spread since then, basically.

00:23:07.200 --> 00:23:08.400
That's brilliant.

00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:14.000
So I was gonna say who's it designed designed for, is it mainly with dementia or more wide-ranging?

00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:17.599
But I think you answered that question by telling me how you joined, basically.

00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:20.160
It works for everybody then, by the sounds of it.

00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:37.599
Yes, and um we we've had um various different adaptions that we've developed since it was first uh first um designed and uh specifically to help different cohorts of participants as well as we can.

00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:44.960
Yeah, because I'd imagine you have to adapt it according to what illness or what problem the person has.

00:23:46.240 --> 00:24:12.240
Well, we don't actually need to adapt much in the actual programme, but sometimes we will adapt the music because um people living with dementia might be um sort of losing some of their short-term memory and they might only remember older music, but people that aren't living with with that disease are probably wanting sort of more modern music.

00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:18.160
So we do have different playlists for different sort of age groups and different people.

00:24:19.200 --> 00:24:20.640
That's brilliant, that's brilliant.

00:24:20.880 --> 00:24:27.519
Anna, what kind of benefits have you seen from people taking part that have got um Parkinson's?

00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:39.839
Yeah, we we've had huge feedback, brilliant feedback um from people that Louise introduced me to um from the the sessions that uh that they've been delivering before we we developed this partnership.

00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:51.519
And it is that the the better movement that people will get from this, um, like we've mentioned about the cognition, you know, it helps with those pathways so memory can be better.

00:24:51.759 --> 00:25:00.960
So it's about that, that people are just then keeping a better well-being for longer, and that it's it's a sense of social as well.

00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:10.000
That's you know, the complexons can be quite isolating, especially as the condition progresses, um, and people will withdraw from social activities.

00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:18.319
So the fact is that this is also delivered online or or in person, so it means that people can still access it no matter what.

00:25:18.480 --> 00:25:28.240
So never mind that physical benefit, the the mental side as well, for that mental well-being about still being able to engage, is just fantastic.

00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:36.960
And because we are targeting this at people who may be uh slightly more advanced, it just means they can engage in society for longer.

00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:44.319
And you know, it's just it's a fantastic opportunity for them where normally the a person could withdraw.

00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:56.000
Yeah, I'd say it's important that if you are sort of at home and you're stuck at home, being able to do something online and seeing someone else like I am with you can make a massive difference if you're not talking to anybody.

00:25:56.319 --> 00:26:03.039
Yeah, I think you know, might be their own that social and element that they have all week is coming to their look to move sessions.

00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:09.200
So, you know, it's something that people look forward to, and and that's what they plan their week around and and everything.

00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:11.920
It's it's a great opportunity.

00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:13.599
Yeah, it sounds wonderful.

00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:17.680
And obviously, I didn't realise you could do it online as well as in person.

00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:24.559
And I'm guessing in person is it done at like community halls, doctor surgeries, or how is it places like that?

00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:26.480
All sorts of places.

00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:44.160
We've got deliverers uh delivering in care homes, um, yeah, community venues, um, memory cafes, um, libraries, churches, anywhere that they can find a space where people feel comfortable to go to.

00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:50.240
Um so we also have deliverers that go and do one-to-one sessions in the home.

00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:52.559
For people that can't leave the home.

00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:55.839
And we have the online sessions as well.

00:26:56.000 --> 00:27:09.519
We have um a Parkinson specific online session on a Monday morning, which is free for anyone to join if they just get in touch with us at the team at British Gymnastic Foundation.org.

00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:12.000
Wonderful, that is absolutely brilliant.

00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:15.359
That the fact you just said something there is really sort of important at the moment.

00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:21.200
You mentioned the word free, which I think for a lot of people is like ears prick up, then hey, free, what?

00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:26.000
Hey, because things are just so expensive at the moment, you know, so that's a that's always a good thing.

00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:31.279
Now you mentioned about the deliverers or something, the people that actually do this.

00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:36.559
I know when I mentioned what you're doing, I think it was last week's episode, I've done a sort of press release type thing.

00:27:36.799 --> 00:27:42.400
You are you you say that you know you're always welcoming new people to be deliverers and so on.

00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:44.160
Is there any specific requirements?

00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:49.599
Do you need special qualifications, or can you just apply and sort of be shown what to do?

00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:56.960
Yes, um, there's no um special qualifications that you need in order to come on the training course.

00:27:57.200 --> 00:28:02.880
We just ask that you have empathy, um, that is the main criteria, really.

00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:10.480
Um, and also that you're sort of happy and comfortable delivering to a group of people.

00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:21.519
Um, so you know, any sort of experience in delivering exercise or or working with older people specifically is is always a benefit.

00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:39.759
And the training course um mainly um we run them online now, so it doesn't really matter where in the country you are, but we are specifically sort of targeting the area that you cover um, which is I think why you received the press release.

00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:55.039
And um and we are looking for more deliverers because we don't have many in the sort of Gloucestershire and wider area, and we really want to be able to bring the program to more people in in that area.

00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:59.039
So we're looking for more people to come on the training course.

00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:02.000
It's um we we give you everything you need.

00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:15.759
Um, we've got a special Parkinson's module as well to learn more about Parkinson's and how to deliver Love to Move and benefit people more uh with the programme if they're living with Parkinson's.

00:29:16.079 --> 00:29:16.799
That's wonderful.

00:29:16.960 --> 00:29:19.599
So you cover every aspect in the in the training.

00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:24.160
So, you know, and I'm sure you know, during the training, if they have any questions they can ask and so on.

00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:36.880
So, any listeners out there, if you've got any anybody you know or if you'd like to get involved, I will have links in the description below and uh we will get in get in contact with them straight away because they would love to hear from you.

00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:38.480
I'm pretty sure about that.

00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:40.720
Now, do you know offhand?

00:29:40.799 --> 00:29:51.279
Because obviously I'm we're based in the Cheltenham area, if there's any sort of places that do this love to move in Cheltenham that you've organized, or is that something you still are sorting out?

00:29:52.559 --> 00:29:57.279
We are still hoping to get some more deliverance for the Cheltenham area.

00:29:57.759 --> 00:30:01.920
Um trained sort of nearby.

00:30:02.559 --> 00:30:15.359
Um and we are seeing if they have the capacity to deliver more uh sessions in the Shelton area, um, but nothing at the moment that I believe is open to the public.

00:30:15.599 --> 00:30:20.400
Um so we're we're hoping to get something going off the back of this.

00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:21.839
Well, that'll be brilliant.

00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:25.440
So if you do, let me know so I can let people know it's available sort of thing.

00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.559
That'd be great.

00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:29.359
Um now, either of you, Bill.

00:30:29.680 --> 00:30:33.599
Maybe we'll go sort of each of you, but um how uh where is it?

00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.319
I've lost it.

00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:38.160
Um have you any got any stories or moments that really have stood out?

00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:52.799
I don't know whether you guys have been involved with the actual training sessions where something sort of somebody's really made a major improvement or anything like that, or even something funny that's maybe been said or happened in one of the training sessions would be would be a bit of fun.

00:30:52.880 --> 00:30:55.920
So anyone anyone had an experience like that at all?

00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:58.000
There's always something funny.

00:30:58.160 --> 00:31:01.200
Every session you see is something funny happens.

00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:04.960
But um yeah, there's two things that I can think of.

00:31:05.119 --> 00:31:22.960
So uh when I first visited a session, when I first started working at the foundation, um I went to a care home in Liverpool, and there was a gentleman there, um, I think he had young onset dementia and possibly Parkinson's as well.

00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:31.599
And he had been in the care home for two years, and he'd stopped walking and he'd stopped talking.

00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:54.799
Um, and he came to the Love to News sessions, and after 12 weeks, I think I was there on the 12th week, um, and his loved ones came to speak to us and said he started communicating again, he started walking with a frame um and engaging with them for the first time in two years.

00:31:54.960 --> 00:32:02.000
So that's a big change.

00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:29.200
And um also on a more sort of specific Parkinson's um feedback, the group that originally um were doing the pilot, the Parkinson's group in Cambridgeshire, um there was all sorts of feedback from them saying one of them had been a cartoonist and he'd not been able to draw cartoons because of his hand tremors.

00:32:29.680 --> 00:32:41.279
Um and he um after doing Love to Move every week for a number of weeks, was um confident enough to get back into drawing again.

00:32:41.519 --> 00:32:49.119
Um and another gentleman said he was able to carry cups of tea up the steps in his boat again.

00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:56.400
So that was um, you know, that was just little little things that it benefited individuals.

00:32:56.480 --> 00:33:04.000
Um they were able to get back some steadiness and functionality that they felt they'd lost before.

00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:05.200
That's brilliant.

00:33:05.359 --> 00:33:09.279
That's brilliant, that's absolutely amazing to make such a change for someone's life.

00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:11.680
In something so simple as well, really.

00:33:11.839 --> 00:33:17.759
I mean, it's not the most complicated sort of system in the world, but something small can make a huge difference.

00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:18.880
It's really amazing.

00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:19.920
What about you, Anna?

00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:22.880
Have you got any stories to tell in that sense?

00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:25.759
Um, not good enough to move, I'm afraid.

00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:31.599
Um it's it's very new for us to be involved in the project.

00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:46.960
So we we have to have the opportunity to get along to any sort of because that's what this this pro program's all about, and this partnership is this that's what we're gonna start doing, is we're wanting to recruit instructors so we can deliver more sessions to people in Parkinson.

00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:52.000
So yeah, at the moment it's very much in its infancy, so um, yeah.

00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:55.519
It's you're learning as you go along, as they say.

00:33:57.440 --> 00:34:02.559
Now, Louise, you did say you were gonna test me on one of these pat your heads and rub your bellies.

00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:03.599
I'm gonna regret this.

00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:07.680
I'm so glad it's not I'm so glad it's not on video because I'll I'm being in trouble here.

00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:11.199
So go on then, give it give it give us a go.

00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:11.679
Go on.

00:34:11.920 --> 00:34:17.360
So I'm gonna try and explain it in detail for the listeners so people at home can have a go as well.

00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:28.079
So um with one of your hands, yeah, you can sort of point with your forefinger and draw a line up and down in front of you.

00:34:28.480 --> 00:34:29.039
Right.

00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:34.000
Got that going as big or as small as you feel you can.

00:34:34.320 --> 00:34:35.599
I'm okay there, that's fine.

00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.079
I've got that.

00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:37.039
Okay, all right.

00:34:37.119 --> 00:34:48.480
Stop that one, and then with your other hand, you're going to start at the top, pointing your finger, and you're gonna go down, out, and up like a triangle.

00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:54.639
So you're gonna go so down, out to the side, and then back up to the top again.

00:34:54.880 --> 00:34:55.280
Oh, okay.

00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:58.880
So yeah, so you're making a triangle with your other hand.

00:34:59.199 --> 00:34:59.519
Yeah.

00:34:59.679 --> 00:35:05.360
And then on the count of six, we are going to try both at the same time.

00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:10.800
So you've got to keep your left hand doing the stip and the right hand doing the triangle.

00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:11.440
Okay.

00:35:11.679 --> 00:35:13.920
So you're gonna start both at the top.

00:35:15.039 --> 00:35:23.119
One down to the bottom, two, three, four, five.

00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:28.239
I'm gone for both fingers shouldn't finish at the top.

00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:33.039
That you naturally want to go, both fingers want to go out at the same time.

00:35:33.119 --> 00:35:34.880
It takes a bit of concentration.

00:35:35.599 --> 00:35:45.599
It does, and then if you find one side easy, swap and do the stick with the other hand, and then you find that that the other one is more difficult.

00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:50.159
But just thinking about it helps the brain.

00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:53.760
Um, so it's like we call it brain gymnastics.

00:35:54.639 --> 00:36:06.960
Well, it probably gets the sort of the I'm not sure what they call it, the electricity of such we want to call it, sort of linking the cells together and reattaching them, that's what it is, because it's happening to do two different things at once, which it don't normally do.

00:36:07.199 --> 00:36:07.920
So that's right.

00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:09.760
You don't go around doing things like that normally.

00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:12.480
I'd imagine juggling's probably something similar, isn't it?

00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:15.760
Because that's a different reaction, you know.

00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:16.559
Yeah.

00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:22.559
Um things like playing the drums or or the piano, I guess, as well.

00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:32.079
Yeah, because that's different things with the different I could I've done piano lessons years ago, but I like the two hands I sort of decided no, no, the brain don't want to know about that.

00:36:32.159 --> 00:36:35.679
Uh I'm all right at one hand, and like do you want hand on the other together?

00:36:35.840 --> 00:36:37.440
No, makes a hell of a noise.

00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:40.559
So too much to do.

00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:46.400
So um, I was gonna ask where the sessions take place, but as there isn't any at the moment, I won't ask that because we haven't got any.

00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:49.679
So um apart from the online session.

00:36:50.320 --> 00:36:51.280
Oh, yes, of course.

00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:52.159
So talk about that.

00:36:55.920 --> 00:37:00.880
Are they on sort of I mean the Monday one we know is for Parkinson's, but is there other ones during the week?

00:37:01.039 --> 00:37:04.400
And if there is, where would they locate the information?

00:37:05.360 --> 00:37:13.280
Okay, so there is another one on a Tuesday for um young onset, either Parkinson's or dementia.

00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:18.559
Um, it's a bit more physical, a bit more ambulance, so there's some standing work in that one.

00:37:18.719 --> 00:37:18.880
Right.

00:37:19.119 --> 00:37:23.360
But the the Monday one is a seated version of the program.

00:37:23.920 --> 00:37:32.000
And anybody interested would just need to email us at the team at British Gymnastics Foundation.org.

00:37:32.400 --> 00:37:38.000
Um and we can get them in touch with the deliverer so that they can have a chat after the start.

00:37:38.880 --> 00:37:44.159
Okay, so you sort of it's not just an online that anyone can access, you've got to go through you first.

00:37:44.639 --> 00:37:55.519
Probably for general questioning and yeah, just to make sure that people are safe to participate and um you know, emergency contact numbers and so forth.

00:37:56.079 --> 00:37:57.280
Wonderful, that's great.

00:37:57.360 --> 00:38:05.360
Well, I'll say I'll put that all out when I um put this out so people can know where to contact and and send information if they want to get involved online.

00:38:05.599 --> 00:38:11.679
And of course, when you get some, hopefully some sessions around Cheltenham and we can get those mentioned as well.

00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:24.960
Now, before we we wrap up for today, um is there anything, Louise, you want to mention regarding the British Gymnastics Foundation or more to do with the Love and Move?

00:38:27.599 --> 00:38:36.400
A lot of people to visit the website to find out more about the website is British Gymnastics Foundation.org.

00:38:36.639 --> 00:38:56.480
Um, and there is um a specific page on the website for Love to Move, and it it will show people um how to become a trainer, um, although I think we've got a specific form and link from Parkinson's UK, um, which you will put out at the bottom of the podcast.

00:38:57.039 --> 00:38:57.679
Of course, yeah.

00:38:58.159 --> 00:38:59.280
Oh, yes, most definitely.

00:38:59.360 --> 00:39:05.440
I'll I'll put links to the British Gymnastics Foundation to any links at all that are needed for this.

00:39:05.599 --> 00:39:14.559
And Anna, um would you like to say anything regarding the Parkinson's side of things regarding uh love to move or whatever?

00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:32.079
Yeah, um, you know, just that if you've got loved ones or friends that are, you know, that that do have Parkinson's and they're not that keen on getting active, this is somewhere to really start because then you know it's not going in and you don't have to wear your libraries or anything like that for the gym.

00:39:32.320 --> 00:39:33.519
So definitely check.

00:39:33.840 --> 00:39:42.719
You know, I know sometimes this isn't for everyone, but we have a whole host of sports and Parkinson's, and you can find those on our website.

00:39:42.800 --> 00:39:49.840
We've got a course code lookup tool, um, and it gives you all this support and information that you have in your area on our website.

00:39:49.920 --> 00:39:53.119
So head to our website, you can find everything that you need for.

00:39:53.760 --> 00:39:54.880
That's absolutely brilliant.

00:39:54.960 --> 00:39:59.280
And as always, folks, I'll have the link to their website on the description as well.

00:39:59.519 --> 00:40:04.079
So thank you very much for joining us here on All Things Cheltenham, Louise, and Anna.

00:40:04.239 --> 00:40:07.920
It was lovely chatting to you, and good luck with your love to move.

00:40:09.599 --> 00:40:10.320
Thank you, Ed.

00:40:12.239 --> 00:40:22.960
Okay, we've still got the Cheltenham Community Notice Board, and I have to say a big congratulations to the Little Coffee Donut Stall because this is unreal.

00:40:23.039 --> 00:40:28.239
It's celebrating an incredible 20 years right here in the heart of Cheltenham.

00:40:28.559 --> 00:40:38.400
They've been here since 2005, they've been serving up coffees, donuts, and plenty of smiles on the high street and have become a real part of town's daily life.

00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:41.920
It's also great to see a local business stand a test of time.

00:40:42.079 --> 00:40:46.000
So here's the 20 years and many more to come.

00:40:46.480 --> 00:41:04.400
And I remember all I think the last time I did All Things Cheltenham when I was the social media, they asked me to um promote themselves, so I did the coffee stall, but I also do did the little roundabout they have, the kiddies merry-go-round they have in town.

00:41:04.639 --> 00:41:11.360
And of course, I made a video sort of of the merry-go-round, different angles and so on.

00:41:11.440 --> 00:41:13.280
And of course, I just couldn't resist it.

00:41:13.440 --> 00:41:14.159
I had to.

00:41:14.320 --> 00:41:18.000
I put the magic roundabout music to it, and it was great fun.

00:41:18.159 --> 00:41:22.559
So, congratulations once more to the team behind the little coffee donut stall.

00:41:22.639 --> 00:41:23.519
It's a lovely place.

00:41:23.599 --> 00:41:29.519
And if you haven't stopped there for a coffee or whatever and a donut, please do because they are a lovely family.

00:41:29.760 --> 00:41:36.000
Now, a great bit of community spirit I wish to share now, which is a young lad called Dylan.

00:41:36.159 --> 00:41:42.559
He is taking part on a 10-mile bike ride around Cheltenham to raise money for men's mental health.

00:41:42.719 --> 00:41:52.800
He's also going to be riding alongside his mum, Shiola, in support of the charity Brotherhood in Arms, which helps men dealing with mental health challenges.

00:41:53.039 --> 00:42:02.400
The ride's happening on Saturday, the 9th of May, with a 10am start, and it's all about raising awareness as well as funds for a really important cause.

00:42:02.559 --> 00:42:10.159
Now, if you'd like to support him, I will have a link to be able to donate to his GoFundMe page in the description.

00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:27.280
And if you want to find out more about the Brother in Arms, if you look back on my podcast list, you will see actually the Brother in Brotherhood in Arms was, I think, if memory serves me correctly, the very first guest I had on All Things Sheltenham.

00:42:27.599 --> 00:42:31.760
And talking of guests, let's move on with guest number two.

00:42:32.400 --> 00:42:38.559
And I spoke earlier in the week with Katie from Katie Moments Mitchell.

00:42:38.719 --> 00:42:41.360
Sorry, Katie Mitchell Moments Photography.

00:42:41.519 --> 00:42:44.639
Um, so let's find out more about her photography.

00:42:44.880 --> 00:42:50.079
Welcome, Katie, from Moments by Katie Mitchell Photography to all things showed them.

00:42:50.320 --> 00:42:53.360
Thank you for giving us your time and joining us here today.

00:42:53.599 --> 00:42:55.039
Oh, thanks for having me.

00:42:55.360 --> 00:42:57.039
That's no problem at all.

00:42:57.199 --> 00:42:58.320
You're most welcome.

00:42:58.559 --> 00:42:58.880
Right.

00:42:59.039 --> 00:43:09.920
For people that don't know Katie Mitchell photography, um, if you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself and uh a bit more about the photography, Katie Mitchell photography.

00:43:10.400 --> 00:43:14.800
Yeah, so Notice by Katie Mitchell photography was born after I have my little boy.

00:43:15.119 --> 00:43:32.960
I was in the army at the time, and I knew that that life wasn't compatible with my new kind of found family values as a mum, so and um yeah, I when I had him, I just had this surge of like, oh my goodness, this is what family is supposed to feel like.

00:43:33.039 --> 00:43:33.760
It's amazing.

00:43:34.880 --> 00:43:52.880
Um I was fascinated with pregnancy and babies, and it just I had one of those moments where I suddenly knew what I wanted to do, where I could combine my then hobby of photography with my new passion and help other families along the way to capture these moments that I was so passionate about.

00:43:53.199 --> 00:43:54.239
Oh, that's wonderful.

00:43:54.400 --> 00:43:55.440
That's absolutely wonderful.

00:43:55.679 --> 00:43:59.840
Now you mentioned you sort of discovered this as in you knew what you wanted to do.

00:44:00.320 --> 00:44:10.960
When you were pregnant, because your photography isn't what most people, I mean, there are obviously businesses out there that do what you do, but it's not the usual landscape photography, it's not the building photography.

00:44:11.119 --> 00:44:15.599
You photograph babies and pregnant ladies, I believe.

00:44:15.920 --> 00:44:16.239
Yeah.

00:44:16.400 --> 00:44:18.800
So um I've done all of that photography in the past.

00:44:18.880 --> 00:44:20.239
I've done a bit of everything.

00:44:20.320 --> 00:44:29.599
Um, when I first moved to Gloucestershire, um, I did a lot of portrait photography, just having fun, working with models and going to Gloucester prison and doing photoshoots in there.

00:44:29.679 --> 00:44:32.239
So I had loads of fun while I was pregnant.

00:44:32.400 --> 00:44:38.079
And it was only after having my little boy that I actually decided that this was going to be a proper career change.

00:44:38.159 --> 00:44:40.960
I never really imagined before that that it would be.

00:44:41.440 --> 00:44:41.760
Yeah.

00:44:42.079 --> 00:44:44.719
And I say, did you sort of, was it photograph?

00:44:45.039 --> 00:44:53.920
Did you photograph yourself or get your partner to photograph you while you're pregnant that suddenly you saw it and thought, oh wow, there's there's something there, or was it just it just came to you?

00:44:54.079 --> 00:44:55.039
You saw yourself in the mirror.

00:44:55.760 --> 00:45:00.559
I I had my little boy and I just knew I wanted to capture every moment that I could.

00:45:00.880 --> 00:45:04.480
Um and yeah, it just was one of those moments where it just clicked.

00:45:04.559 --> 00:45:08.719
And I think generally when people take photos of us, they're not the most flattering.

00:45:08.880 --> 00:45:17.760
Um, that definitely wasn't the thing that pushed me to it, but I've become very good at taking other people's photos so they actually like what they see.

00:45:18.239 --> 00:45:18.880
Yeah, yeah.

00:45:19.039 --> 00:45:27.199
So it was more the fact of photographing your little boy that you suddenly sort of got the spark and was like, hang on, hang on, this is fun.

00:45:27.360 --> 00:45:29.199
I enjoy this and I want to do it.

00:45:29.519 --> 00:45:30.960
Yeah, it just felt right.

00:45:31.519 --> 00:45:35.920
Yeah, it was one of those moments, those sort of magic moments, as they say.

00:45:36.320 --> 00:45:45.280
Um, so being you specialise in that, and obviously we know what drew you into it, but I've got to ask, because obviously, what ages do you do?

00:45:45.360 --> 00:45:51.679
Because you do all ages, I assume, but when you have young, obviously young babies, you put them down, they stay where they are.

00:45:51.920 --> 00:45:56.800
But if you get like a six-month to one year old, they're not gonna stay around in one place.

00:45:56.880 --> 00:46:00.320
How do you keep their attention and get them to smile at the camera?

00:46:00.639 --> 00:46:00.880
Sure.

00:46:00.960 --> 00:46:03.920
So I'm not expecting anyone to smile at the camera, first of all.

00:46:04.000 --> 00:46:05.440
There's no kind of pressure there.

00:46:05.519 --> 00:46:08.559
But with a newborn baby, it is, like you say, a little bit easier.

00:46:08.719 --> 00:46:15.920
They kind of do um snuggle up and stay asleep while you're working with them and posing them into the cute little poses.

00:46:16.079 --> 00:46:19.599
Um, but there's a very short window that you can work with to achieve that.

00:46:19.679 --> 00:46:21.599
So that's really within the first couple of weeks.

00:46:21.840 --> 00:46:27.039
Because after that, they kind of wake up, they up curl, and they become a bit more vocal occasionally.

00:46:27.840 --> 00:46:43.840
Yeah, as we as we get online, they just start moving, and that can be more challenging, but it's something that I don't know why I'm so good at it, but I'm quite good at capturing um even the most wriggliest of toddlers and uh and getting the best out of them.

00:46:44.639 --> 00:46:46.880
Yeah, it's like it's obviously a skill, you know.

00:46:47.039 --> 00:46:58.159
I've I've you know, I see you know, you sort of go around towns and that, and you see sort of photographers in booths, you know, having sort of special marquees up trying to get pictures of kids and they're fighting a losing battle.

00:46:58.320 --> 00:47:02.000
You can see it in their faces, you know, they are not going to win this.

00:47:02.159 --> 00:47:11.360
So I assume it's sort of fluffy toys, movements and and all sorts of things just to keep their attention aiming at the camera, unless you're not worried about them actually looking at the money.

00:47:11.519 --> 00:47:20.559
Well, no, it's more a case of just making them feel relaxed, like not make as soon as a parent or you are stressed or anxious, then the kids pick up on that.

00:47:20.639 --> 00:47:29.679
So a nice calming experience and giving them time to adjust to a new environment that they're not used to, then all of that helps them feel a bit more relaxed.

00:47:29.760 --> 00:47:39.440
And of course, with um kind of photos of kids on their own, then having the parents behind me giving them big smiles or making funny sounds that they know that they're not adult.

00:47:40.079 --> 00:47:41.840
There's a lot of that in the studio.

00:47:42.239 --> 00:47:45.599
I would yeah, I would imagine you've heard some funny noises over the over the years.

00:47:45.840 --> 00:47:46.239
Absolutely.

00:47:47.039 --> 00:47:52.159
Yeah, and uh I imagine you also had some rather unexpected experiences as well.

00:47:53.039 --> 00:47:57.599
Yeah, I mean I wear dark clothes when I'm working with babies for a reason.

00:47:57.920 --> 00:48:06.719
Because when they're uh when they're undressed um in studio because I'm posing them into the cute little poses with little wraps on and stuff, yeah, they can go to the toilet.

00:48:06.880 --> 00:48:10.079
Um they can bring up milk and all sorts.

00:48:10.159 --> 00:48:17.360
So yeah, it's uh unexpected things that can happen as a newborn program, but I'm I'm prepared for all of it.

00:48:18.000 --> 00:48:25.920
I was saying you've got to be it's like having a it's like having a young puppy, you sort of you know, you never know what they're gonna do from one moment to the next, you know.

00:48:26.239 --> 00:48:31.199
And how do you find uh expectant mothers when you're doing the pregnancy shots?

00:48:31.360 --> 00:48:40.800
Because I've I have looked at the website and seen different ones, the ones of outside, you know, in lovely apple blossom as it is this time of year, you know, with the flowing gown and things like that.

00:48:40.960 --> 00:48:43.039
Then you've also got the bare belly and so on.

00:48:43.280 --> 00:48:45.119
I mean, how do they how do they feel?

00:48:45.199 --> 00:48:54.800
Are they is it something they really they sort of when they see it, they really go, Oh my god, and get emotional, or is it like slightly sort of embarrassed, like really am I that big?

00:48:54.960 --> 00:48:55.440
Oh god.

00:48:56.000 --> 00:49:11.119
So I think um to take a leap of faith to book a maternity photo shoot can be quite a big deal because very few women in my experience feel on top of the world, and yes, I want to be photographed when they're um I get that, I really do.

00:49:11.280 --> 00:49:19.360
Um I was quite lucky in that respect because when I was pregnant, I felt more body confident, um which is unusual.

00:49:19.440 --> 00:49:25.039
I've met a few people like that, but I think I just I had a round body and I was allowed to have a round body.

00:49:25.360 --> 00:49:26.480
Oh, you're inside also.

00:49:27.760 --> 00:49:31.360
Um I could have extra you're not meant to do that, but never mind.

00:49:31.920 --> 00:49:40.159
Um I think um most women don't imagine that they could possibly look like the photos that I've taken of other women.

00:49:40.239 --> 00:49:42.719
They're like, oh, they're just models, like I won't look like that.

00:49:42.960 --> 00:49:50.079
But then those who actually do take the leap of faith of the book are always just like, oh my gosh, I can't believe that's me.

00:49:50.239 --> 00:49:54.800
And it's not like lots of Photoshop, it's not loads of editing or anything like that.

00:49:54.960 --> 00:50:01.039
It's just a combination of things that help mum feel relaxed is one of the hardest things when they first walk in.

00:50:01.199 --> 00:50:06.239
Generally, they're like feeling a little bit just nervous, awkward, or whatever, whatever.

00:50:06.480 --> 00:50:14.079
Um and then it's a case of lighting, posing, choosing the right outfit just to make sure that mum looks as good as she can.

00:50:14.320 --> 00:50:35.599
And also, I'll go into quite a bit of depth with families about what they actually want, um, and in terms of whether there's anything they're particularly self-conscious about because some people might not like certain bits, and I know to be able to work around those when I'm taking photos and accentuate the good bits, hide the bad bits, and uh and some photos that you do absolutely.

00:50:36.559 --> 00:50:38.320
Yeah, because it is a it is a skill.

00:50:38.400 --> 00:50:41.440
I mean, you know, I I do photography as a hobby, you know.

00:50:41.599 --> 00:50:46.079
But I'm the I mean I have got a camera, um, but it's always on automatic.

00:50:46.320 --> 00:50:49.679
And of course, my main camera is the phone in my pocket, yeah.

00:50:49.840 --> 00:50:53.920
You know, which is probably what most people these days use, you know, a majority of people.

00:50:54.079 --> 00:50:59.119
Um, I imagine you've got a little bit more of a higher level equipment than a than a phone camera.

00:50:59.519 --> 00:50:59.920
I do.

00:51:00.079 --> 00:51:02.639
I mean, the best camera is always the one that you've got with you.

00:51:02.719 --> 00:51:07.199
So if there's moments you captured, then it doesn't matter what it's on, as long as you've caught those moments.

00:51:07.280 --> 00:51:14.800
And I think when it comes to photographing our families and capturing those memories that are important to us, then anything goes at the end of the day.

00:51:14.960 --> 00:51:31.280
Um, however, yes, I do use professional kit, I use professional lighting, I've got my own studio, which I'm in right now, and it just gives you that extra level of control and creativity and be able to create the photographs that look really professional and beautiful.

00:51:31.599 --> 00:51:32.400
Yeah, yeah.

00:51:32.559 --> 00:51:37.039
Now I've I know you're basically you're you're on the border between Gloucester and and Cheltenham.

00:51:37.119 --> 00:51:42.639
You're not based in Cheltenham, but you said to me that a majority of your clients are Cheltenham oriented.

00:51:42.880 --> 00:51:45.280
Yeah, I'm not in London and Cheltenham clients, I'm in long level, so not.

00:51:45.679 --> 00:51:47.280
Yeah, you're sort of in the middle, you know.

00:51:47.519 --> 00:51:55.360
Um do you is most of your photography done in studio, or do you because I say I've seen shots of trees and outside.

00:51:55.440 --> 00:52:01.920
I mean, that can obviously be background you put on, but is do you do outside photography as well with the with the with the families?

00:52:02.239 --> 00:52:05.039
Yeah, I'm not um I'm not adding that in afterwards in photoshop.

00:52:05.920 --> 00:52:10.559
Um so the vast majority of stuff I do is in the studio, but I do head outdoors.

00:52:10.639 --> 00:52:23.119
Um generally there's a couple of times a year when I will head outdoors, and um if someone has a maternity photo shoot, then they've got the option of kind of upgrading their experience to include an outdoor element as well.

00:52:23.360 --> 00:52:34.239
But I kind of reserve my photo shoots outdoors for the autumn colours, the fessive flower fields and things like that, when you're gonna get the most spectacular back drops for your photos.

00:52:34.639 --> 00:52:38.159
Yeah, because I mean, you know, you you there's certain things you can control.

00:52:38.320 --> 00:52:40.880
Obviously, the weather on the day makes a difference.

00:52:41.039 --> 00:52:43.039
That so you've got to pick that right time.

00:52:43.119 --> 00:52:48.000
And as you say autumn, I mean, realistically, for photography, autumn is this bliss, isn't it?

00:52:48.159 --> 00:52:57.199
You know, and I mean, you know, unless you had someone that was when they get up very early and you have the early morning, there's that couple of hours, isn't there an hour of sunrise, and the same with the sunset.

00:52:57.440 --> 00:53:04.000
There's only you know, but when you've got autumn, you've got all day because you know the colours are amazing.

00:53:05.199 --> 00:53:07.920
At golden hour in the morning and in the evening.

00:53:08.079 --> 00:53:09.599
Um, I don't do a lot of that.

00:53:09.679 --> 00:53:12.159
There's photographers who go out and do that all day long.

00:53:12.559 --> 00:53:15.519
I prefer to work in the day when I'm not tired.

00:53:16.639 --> 00:53:23.760
Um and yeah, I work with families and kids, and I think it's just more manageable and easier to deal with if it's just in the day.

00:53:23.840 --> 00:53:31.840
And I think being in the studio really helps me provide a controlled environment that means I can get the best out of your photos, whatever the weather outside.

00:53:32.000 --> 00:53:35.920
But I am, of course, taking that risk a little bit with the uh outdoor moments.

00:53:36.000 --> 00:53:38.719
But I do it every every now and then for the uh special.

00:53:40.159 --> 00:53:46.800
Yeah, and I say if you haven't seen her website, folks, do go to it because trust me, the photos on there are spectacular.

00:53:46.960 --> 00:53:55.119
And I say, even the out-I mean, obviously the studio ones you can control the lighting and and all that, but the the outdoor ones are just as amazing in some cases.

00:53:55.199 --> 00:54:02.239
I think they're better because it's more natural, it's natural lighting, which don't matter how good you are with your lighting, you never can replace that, you know.

00:54:02.480 --> 00:54:06.880
I think there's a lot to be said for having the option.

00:54:06.960 --> 00:54:11.679
Um, because I I I like working with both, but the studio just makes things a bit easier sometimes.

00:54:12.000 --> 00:54:19.519
That said, not everyone's kids want to be contained in a studio environment and not you won't get the best out of them.

00:54:19.679 --> 00:54:32.159
Whereas the outdoors lets you go out as a family and just spend some time together, interact with each other, get lots of beautiful natural moments, and then if and when the opportunity arises, we can get those kind of more timeless family portraits as well.

00:54:32.320 --> 00:54:34.320
So we got the best of both worlds.

00:54:34.639 --> 00:54:35.119
Yeah.

00:54:35.360 --> 00:54:46.800
Now I've I noticed on your website, I didn't know whether it was just a short-term thing or whether you do it all the time, but it I noticed that you donate some money from photo shoots to charity, I believe.

00:54:47.039 --> 00:54:49.760
You is that something you've been doing since you started?

00:54:50.079 --> 00:54:52.000
Yeah, I think it's since the the very start.

00:54:52.079 --> 00:54:53.920
It's very early, if it wasn't the very beginning.

00:54:54.000 --> 00:55:00.000
But it was something that um family photography is a luxury at the end of the day, it's not something that everyone can afford.

00:55:00.159 --> 00:55:07.199
But again, when I had my little boy, I was just so passionate about motherhood and doing the best by this little boy.

00:55:07.360 --> 00:55:11.840
And I know there's so many other women, fit and parents, feel exactly the same.

00:55:11.920 --> 00:55:16.000
So I wanted to be able to do my bit, um, and not everyone could afford me.

00:55:16.159 --> 00:55:26.000
And I thought a small gesture of including um small amounts of£10 from each session goes towards a local charity.

00:55:26.239 --> 00:55:33.440
And initially I had three charities that I've worked with on a regular basis, but I've changed it up now so that every year I've got a charity of the year.

00:55:33.760 --> 00:55:50.400
So this year's charity of the year is Shine, um, who offer postnatal pressure and support um groups and artistic um workshops for mums who are struggling a little bit um after the birth of their baby, and it just seems like the most wonderful cause.

00:55:50.559 --> 00:55:55.840
So it sounds it sounds amazing, and also it's lovely to hear a business, you know.

00:55:55.920 --> 00:56:00.480
I mean, a lot of businesses do do that, and it's behind the scenes and you don't know about it.

00:56:00.559 --> 00:56:14.239
Um, but it's nice that you know you sort of mentioned it and given them a shout out, and you know, it helps, you know, and also it's it's nice for the people that are contacting you, knowing that a little bit of that money is going to a good cause, you know, and I mean you change it every year.

00:56:14.320 --> 00:56:19.920
So yeah, and I speak to my clients about it as well, and I say, right, who do you think is worthy of nominating?

00:56:20.159 --> 00:56:28.000
It was one of my clients who nominated them, and when I kind of looked into what they did, I thought, yes, this is this is the one for 2026.

00:56:28.639 --> 00:56:29.760
Oh, that's wonderful.

00:56:29.920 --> 00:56:49.360
Now, for people that know me, they know I I chat over Riverside, so it's a video format, and I can see behind you all your wonderful pictures on your wall in your studio, and you've you know, we're talking about family photos as in babies and and pregnant expectant mothers, but I can see behind there a family portrait, or is it my imagination?

00:56:50.079 --> 00:56:54.239
So you do family portraits as well, so mum, dad, kids, you do that as well.

00:56:54.480 --> 00:57:02.559
Yeah, so I mean, once once you come in and and use me as your photographer to capture those early moments, I'll be your photographer for life if you'll have me.

00:57:03.039 --> 00:57:05.119
Um shapes and sizes.

00:57:05.199 --> 00:57:26.000
Um and I get a lot of families who kind of um there's always an organizer in the family who brings people together, and um, they come to me to kind of get those big family groups traveling from all over the country as this kind of the opposite end of the scale where I work with 30 odd people in one group so that they've got a photo versus just a couple in the studio.

00:57:26.159 --> 00:57:29.280
So it's kind of about someone says, Can we take our photo?

00:57:29.360 --> 00:57:30.320
I'm like, How many are there?

00:57:30.480 --> 00:57:32.880
Like, come on outside, is that all right?

00:57:34.000 --> 00:57:37.039
Yeah, what's the most is 30 the most you've had in a photo?

00:57:37.599 --> 00:57:38.559
33, I think.

00:57:39.039 --> 00:57:46.480
Wow, and it was a worked out really well, and we had a lovely um canvas, I think it was at the time, and yeah, it was just beautiful.

00:57:46.880 --> 00:57:48.880
Wow, that is that's that takes a bit of doing.

00:57:48.960 --> 00:57:51.360
That's a big group of people to get them right, you know.

00:57:51.679 --> 00:57:58.239
I think that's where the military background comes in, kind of pull pe pull people into line and looking in the right direction.

00:57:58.559 --> 00:58:02.239
So you you obviously were um a training officer then, I assume.

00:58:02.960 --> 00:58:06.000
I I wasn't an officer, um, I was uh an NCO.

00:58:06.079 --> 00:58:17.599
Um so that means that I was kind of a soldier, um, but I did do one of my favourite times in the army was when I was a recruit training instructor, so helping civilians um and turn them into soldiers.

00:58:17.840 --> 00:58:20.159
So I would have met you.

00:58:20.239 --> 00:58:28.239
Well, I would have met you if I was if I was a bit younger, but uh when I went to join the military, that's who I obviously communicated with when I first looked at joining.

00:58:28.480 --> 00:58:32.480
But uh the he was turned around and he said, I've got good news and bad news.

00:58:32.960 --> 00:58:33.519
What's that?

00:58:33.599 --> 00:58:37.760
He said, Well, the good news is you've by you've passed the test without any problem.

00:58:38.159 --> 00:58:43.280
Bad news is you're gonna end up in Ireland because it was when the IRA and all that was happening.

00:58:43.840 --> 00:58:48.159
And of course he said, I'm afraid everybody that comes through here ends up in Ireland, it's as simple as that.

00:58:48.320 --> 00:58:52.000
Get through the court, get through the two or three years out there, come home.

00:58:52.239 --> 00:58:53.840
You'll have no problems after that.

00:58:54.239 --> 00:58:55.280
But that was the the trick.

00:58:55.440 --> 00:58:58.320
It was coming home, was the trick because he said not many people do.

00:58:58.880 --> 00:59:00.000
So it was it was tough.

00:59:00.159 --> 00:59:00.719
It was tough.

00:59:01.039 --> 00:59:08.239
It's not a lifestyle for everyone, and it's uh no, it's definitely something, although it gave me an amazing career and so many opportunities.

00:59:08.559 --> 00:59:10.559
Um would I want that for my son?

00:59:10.639 --> 00:59:11.199
I don't know.

00:59:11.360 --> 00:59:23.920
It's it's uh it's it does give you the most incredible um life because you can go different places, but yeah, that I've experienced more than my fair share of friends being lost and stuff like that.

00:59:24.320 --> 00:59:31.519
So it's it's not a life call for everyone, but it gives you some incredible skills for life and it's really made me the person I am.

00:59:31.599 --> 00:59:38.960
So and I would I would assume being you enjoy photography, is that something you've enjoyed since you were a young kid, or is it yeah?

00:59:39.199 --> 00:59:42.639
So when I was a child, I was I was always taking photos.

00:59:42.960 --> 00:59:46.159
I was used to be able to send them away back in the day.

00:59:46.320 --> 00:59:46.639
Yep.

00:59:46.880 --> 00:59:52.800
Send them away to get developed, and they'd come back and I'd had like three photos and just one cut them out.

00:59:53.039 --> 00:59:55.519
Goodness me, we're going back a while now.

00:59:55.760 --> 00:59:59.920
Um so I always loved photography, it was always just a hobby.

01:00:00.239 --> 01:00:19.679
And when I was in the army, actually, when I was in Afghanistan, I came home from that tour and thought there were so many opportunities to capture impressive moments, and I just was a bit disappointed that I didn't have the camera with me, and it didn't really feel appropriate to be packing that at the time.

01:00:20.559 --> 01:00:29.199
Um, but I came home off the back of that tour, I think it was 2008, and I decided that I was going to learn how to use my camera off automatic, and it all started.

01:00:30.400 --> 01:00:31.119
Oh, wonderful.

01:00:31.199 --> 01:00:48.079
Well, I was gonna say, did you did you take the camera with you onto other sort of trips when whatever they may have been with the army and sort of not necessarily photographed what was going on, but the surroundings, the the you know, because obviously you get you do get time to do other things, you know, you're not always on duty.

01:00:51.360 --> 01:00:57.840
Oh no, did go to the Falklands and Cyprus and Ascension Island in the middle of the Atlantic and got some really cool photos there.

01:00:57.920 --> 01:01:01.760
So yeah, and I mean they're they're they're memories for you more so than anything else, you know.

01:01:01.840 --> 01:01:02.960
It's it's you know, it's like me.

01:01:03.039 --> 01:01:06.079
I just photograph around and you know, some things, you know.

01:01:06.239 --> 01:01:14.639
I remember we was on we went on our honeymoon and we'd done a cruise, and I had my camera, it was you know, my first sort of proper again on auto.

01:01:14.719 --> 01:01:24.480
I wasn't you know, I put it on fast speed, I knew about the sort of sports section, and I was there was a guy who was blowing, who was doing the fire eating and blowing out the big balls of fire.

01:01:24.719 --> 01:01:35.760
And I'm clicky, clicky, clicking, you know, got back to the boat and I put it the sim card in the in the laptop, and I got the perfect, complete ball of flame from his mouth in a shot.

01:01:35.840 --> 01:01:37.039
I mean, one in a million shot.

01:01:37.119 --> 01:01:39.280
I mean, you've got milliseconds to catch that, and I caught him.

01:01:39.360 --> 01:01:43.760
My camera weren't that fast, and I nearly cheered the whole boat heard me, I think.

01:01:44.480 --> 01:02:05.280
I'll tell you what, that that kind of links into some of the feedback that I get from clients, actually, is because um I'm really good at capturing those split second moments because sometimes, probably fairly often, parents are thinking, God, I don't know how that went because kids are unpredictable and not feel like they're playing ball and really excited about photoshoot.

01:02:05.360 --> 01:02:09.039
But again, I'll always lean into that and try and make it a bit of fun for them.

01:02:09.360 --> 01:02:16.000
But there's those moments that they are just there for a split second and good at capturing those.

01:02:16.159 --> 01:02:20.320
One of the things I do is a Santa's Grotto experience and every year.

01:02:20.480 --> 01:02:23.039
It's a proper Father Christmas experience.

01:02:23.280 --> 01:02:26.800
Come and meet Father Christmas, and I'll be there to capture all the magic.

01:02:27.039 --> 01:02:27.360
Oh.

01:02:27.920 --> 01:02:30.000
It's it's just the most wonderful experience.

01:02:30.079 --> 01:02:43.760
It gets amazing feedback, but that really is the time when you need to be ready with those split seconds because that run to cut off Father Christmas and then run away again is very short, and where the kids are smiling and stuff like that.

01:02:43.840 --> 01:02:47.599
It can be uh challenging, but that's where some of the magic really happens.

01:02:47.920 --> 01:02:58.480
Yeah, and I'd also imagine you've had it occasionally, because I've had this in a different format where you know they go through the door, they open the curtain, however you do it, and see him and run the other way.

01:02:58.719 --> 01:03:00.239
Oh, yeah, absolutely.

01:03:01.840 --> 01:03:04.800
Yeah, we've developed the experience over a number of years now.

01:03:04.880 --> 01:03:08.239
I think queer this will be year seven this year.

01:03:08.880 --> 01:03:21.519
Um so yeah, it's very well adapted to kids who who aren't so sure, and and we've where there seems to be very clear ages when it when it's fine and it goes downhill a bit and then it goes back up and they really start to enjoy it.

01:03:21.679 --> 01:03:36.079
So we are prepared for all of that, and we have we don't really bring him in anymore until the kids are in and settled, and that makes it so good to capture the over-the-shoulder moments when he first come in, the excitement or mum or whatever it is.

01:03:36.559 --> 01:03:41.440
Yeah, we uh an array of uh reactions from kids, let's say.

01:03:41.760 --> 01:03:44.880
And that's sometimes the best photos when they they're not expecting it.

01:03:45.199 --> 01:03:45.840
Yeah, yeah.

01:03:46.000 --> 01:03:46.159
Yeah.

01:03:48.079 --> 01:04:12.960
Yeah, well I've got uh uh an image of we had a photographer who was a friend of mine when I got married at the at the Queen's Hotel, and we had a party, and my niece um from my wife's family, I have no family, uh, we had little the little portable, you know, sort of ready, sort of 20 intimatic type, you know, cameras all on the table so people could take photos and you know, take them with them or whatever, and send us copies.

01:04:13.119 --> 01:04:17.039
But she picked one up and was using it, and she was seven.

01:04:17.519 --> 01:04:20.880
And my photographer got a picture of her taking photos.

01:04:21.119 --> 01:04:23.760
The only problem was she had it the one way around.

01:04:25.280 --> 01:04:30.079
Lots of selfies, she yeah, but the safe was right against your face, you know.

01:04:30.159 --> 01:04:33.039
So it was we did the picture was brilliant, it was hysterical.

01:04:33.360 --> 01:04:35.280
We were taking photos of him, but the wrong way around.

01:04:35.440 --> 01:04:35.840
I love it.

01:04:35.920 --> 01:04:45.280
Um, and as I say, with regarding the kids running away, I helped open a cinema in an area in Hollyhead that hadn't been open for like a whole generation, two generations.

01:04:46.639 --> 01:04:46.960
Was it?

01:04:47.039 --> 01:04:55.679
Yeah, oh wow, you'll see um and so they'd not seen as some of these you know, children not seen a cinema, you know, not the young ones, up to teenagers.

01:04:55.920 --> 01:05:08.239
But the younger ones, of course, most cinemas, as you know, you walk in, you open the door, and there's a staircase, and it's massive, and there's these big curtains, and and the amount of young ones that are parents that open that door and they'll be heading the other direction.

01:05:08.719 --> 01:05:09.760
Are you petrified?

01:05:09.840 --> 01:05:10.960
It scared the life out of them.

01:05:11.039 --> 01:05:12.079
It absolutely scared them.

01:05:12.159 --> 01:05:13.119
It was amazing, you know.

01:05:13.199 --> 01:05:16.880
They'd never seen nothing like it and didn't know how to deal with it, you know.

01:05:17.039 --> 01:05:21.440
But um as long as there's a constant presence there with kids, I think generally they're all right.

01:05:21.840 --> 01:05:22.639
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

01:05:22.719 --> 01:05:29.760
And I must say, the trick was, you know, because I've done Army, Air Force, and Navy, cadet force, you know, cadet training and so on.

01:05:29.920 --> 01:05:34.800
So I've got a powerful voice when I did it, and I've been in show business, so I my voice can be powerful if I need it.

01:05:34.960 --> 01:05:45.679
Um, it came in very handy at that point because, of course, the first time we had a load of kids in for a Saturday morning show, it was chaos until I shouted, got all their attention, and told them the rules.

01:05:45.840 --> 01:05:50.079
Because they'd never never knew what the rules were, they had no idea how to handle a cinema.

01:05:50.400 --> 01:05:53.599
My parents said to me afterwards, How could you do that?

01:05:53.840 --> 01:05:56.159
You shut up 200 kids with one word.

01:05:56.400 --> 01:05:56.880
How?

01:05:57.119 --> 01:05:58.719
We can't shut him up.

01:06:00.400 --> 01:06:02.400
As a just unexpected surprise.

01:06:02.559 --> 01:06:03.440
They weren't expecting it.

01:06:03.519 --> 01:06:04.559
That's why you do it.

01:06:04.800 --> 01:06:05.360
You know.

01:06:06.000 --> 01:06:07.199
So I've got to ask.

01:06:07.360 --> 01:06:08.559
There's gonna there's gonna be one.

01:06:08.639 --> 01:06:10.800
You you say you've had some unexpected things.

01:06:10.960 --> 01:06:14.159
So what has been one of your most memorable photo shoots?

01:06:14.719 --> 01:06:15.840
Oh, tough question.

01:06:15.920 --> 01:06:17.360
I've done thrown, yeah.

01:06:17.599 --> 01:06:18.800
Yeah, quite a lot now.

01:06:18.880 --> 01:06:25.280
I mean, Father Christmas experience is always memorable, um, because this you just never know how the kids are gonna react.

01:06:25.440 --> 01:06:30.400
And some of them absolutely adore him, and others just take that time to warm up.

01:06:30.480 --> 01:06:34.719
But I think that's one of the things I love about it is we've got the time to kind of ease them into it.

01:06:34.800 --> 01:06:40.719
And even if you think again that, oh that's gone wrong, that's terrible, we won't get any good photos out of that.

01:06:40.880 --> 01:06:44.320
Parents are always like, Oh my god, how did you do that?

01:06:44.559 --> 01:06:57.440
So yeah, even when everything goes wrong, I I mean I can't think of an ex a specific example that really just that general theme of surprise at how well it has gone.

01:06:57.679 --> 01:07:06.639
One of the things that I'm just working on this week, just writing out some um working on the website basically, and I was writing about my guarantee.

01:07:06.719 --> 01:07:09.760
So this is something that I've done ever since the start of my business.

01:07:10.000 --> 01:07:13.840
Um I've I've rebranded it, but it's called my happiness guarantee.

01:07:14.079 --> 01:07:29.679
So basically, if you come and you hate your photographs, which I would hope doesn't happen, but you come and you don't like your photographs, I would happily send you away and refund anything that you've paid because I don't want you to buy anything that you don't love.

01:07:30.400 --> 01:07:33.280
What I'm happy to say is that no one has ever used it.

01:07:33.360 --> 01:07:39.440
So in the eight and a half years now that I can work for it, no one has ever invoked their guarantee.

01:07:40.000 --> 01:07:52.400
Everyone, everyone loves their photos, even when those times when it's just it's not perfect, but those moments are still those moments, and they they're so sometimes relieved at how those pictures came out.

01:07:52.480 --> 01:07:59.360
And generally, surprise is a is a feature of of parents when they see their photos and delight.

01:07:59.679 --> 01:08:02.159
Yeah, there's that's the that's the important thing.

01:08:02.400 --> 01:08:06.239
Um, so you're sort of obviously you say you just funny enough.

01:08:06.320 --> 01:08:09.119
You so I said about restructuring doing part of your website.

01:08:09.199 --> 01:08:12.239
So what's next for the for your business this year?

01:08:12.320 --> 01:08:19.279
Have you got any sort of improvements or changes you are gonna give us a little snippet of, or are you keeping them all under your hat?

01:08:19.760 --> 01:08:37.359
Yeah, so something I've been working on for a little while is kind of behind the scenes, and it and it's I'm a bit of an overthinker, Rudge, so it's taken me a little while to get to this point, but I've been asking some of my clients about whether they would have appreciated a full baby's first year journey.

01:08:37.600 --> 01:08:41.520
Um answer that I've had is yes.

01:08:41.680 --> 01:08:49.760
So instead of because one of the things is that I'm passionate about is telling a story, so it's not just about have that one photo shoot and then you're done.

01:08:50.000 --> 01:09:00.319
You need cap your kids change so much in those professional weeks, and that's why a new production is so special, but they change so much over the years as well.

01:09:00.479 --> 01:09:12.399
So I'm passionate about capturing babies first year in particular, but then I also have introduced a family legacy, which is a way of making sure that you get those moments every single year.

01:09:12.640 --> 01:09:32.479
Um, you don't need a massive family factory, it doesn't need to feel like a big deal, but little check-ins each year to see how the kids are growing and make sure that it is a priority in your life because the vast majority of family clients I work with after those kind of early years are people who come to me going, Oh my gosh, it's been far too long.

01:09:32.720 --> 01:09:36.319
My kids, I need to do it now before they are grumpy teenagers.

01:09:36.479 --> 01:09:40.079
And in some instances, people are already grumpy teenagers.

01:09:40.239 --> 01:09:42.880
Um, but again, I'm good at working with those two.

01:09:43.840 --> 01:09:45.439
That's brilliant, that's brilliant.

01:09:45.520 --> 01:09:47.520
So that sounds all amazing.

01:09:47.600 --> 01:09:51.279
I don't know if you've got that set up yet, but obviously that's something for the future, if not.

01:09:51.760 --> 01:10:02.640
But if people want to actually book you for that, you know, presidency picture or for first babies pictures, how and where would they go to do that?

01:10:02.880 --> 01:10:09.359
Yep, so you can find my website, it's moments by katymitchell.co.uk, or you can find me on Instagram and Facebook.

01:10:09.600 --> 01:10:12.239
You can book some of the sessions directly on there.

01:10:12.319 --> 01:10:14.079
Some of them you might need to contact me for.

01:10:14.239 --> 01:10:16.319
So if you're not sure about anything, just ask.

01:10:16.399 --> 01:10:18.319
But yes, I'd love to chat to you.

01:10:18.479 --> 01:10:22.640
If you want to have a chat before booking to go over anything, then that's absolutely fine.

01:10:22.800 --> 01:10:24.560
Um, just give me a shout.

01:10:24.960 --> 01:10:26.560
That's absolutely wonderful.

01:10:26.640 --> 01:10:28.319
And it's been lovely talking to you.

01:10:28.479 --> 01:10:32.560
And you sound like you you really sound and really love doing what you do.

01:10:32.640 --> 01:10:34.399
It's it's it's a real passion for you.

01:10:34.560 --> 01:10:38.479
You know, you've been doing it so long as well, so that's also the thing.

01:10:38.640 --> 01:10:43.600
And I can see, I say, the I can see the images behind, and they all look very smiley, very happy people.

01:10:43.840 --> 01:10:46.239
So um, thank you so much for coming on.

01:10:46.319 --> 01:10:49.279
It was lovely talking to you, and good luck for the future.

01:10:49.520 --> 01:10:50.000
Thanks, Reg.

01:10:50.319 --> 01:10:51.199
All the best.

01:10:52.560 --> 01:10:54.000
Okay, there we go.

01:10:54.079 --> 01:11:00.159
It was wonderful chatting to all the guests this week and found out lots of great information.

01:11:00.399 --> 01:11:07.680
Now, normally, this is where I would have upcoming events for Cheltenham, but I'm afraid I have none this week.

01:11:07.840 --> 01:11:09.840
Not because there's nothing going on, there is.

01:11:10.000 --> 01:11:13.600
It's just I have had a really hectic week.

01:11:13.920 --> 01:11:19.920
My wife's had a lot of stress, and so I haven't had a chance to really sit down and find events for you.

01:11:20.079 --> 01:11:21.039
I really am sorry.

01:11:21.199 --> 01:11:24.319
We'll hopefully get back to normal next week.

01:11:24.560 --> 01:11:28.000
So that's it for this week's episode of All Things Cheltenham.

01:11:28.239 --> 01:11:29.199
I hope you enjoyed it.

01:11:29.359 --> 01:11:36.399
Obviously, if you do enjoy this, please follow or subscribe wherever you listen because that really helps the show get known.

01:11:36.560 --> 01:11:39.840
And I'll be back next week, same time, same channel.

01:11:39.920 --> 01:11:41.680
I've been wanting to say that for ages.

01:11:42.159 --> 01:11:46.159
Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next week.