ONE WEEK LEFT FOR SWINDON TEENAGERS TO GET INVOLVED AND WIN SOME CASH!

There is just one week until the deadline for entering The Cotswold Challenge for teenagers in Swindon and the surrounding area – those who might have been about to take formal examinations if it wasn’t for the pandemic.

Teenagers who would have been taking GCSEs, A Levels or equivalents, are in yrs 11,12,13 (or equivalent) at school, college or undertaking apprenticeships, and who live or study within a 25 mile radius of Cirencester (centre of the Cotswolds) have until 9pm on Monday June 1 to submit their entries. 

“We are appealing to young people, their parents, grandparents, friends, even their employers to share this opportunity to showcase their talent by entering this contest by the closing date,” said one of the organisers, Swindon media consultant Fiona Scott. 

“We have had more than 140 entries across three categories – art & design; creative writing and enterprise & innovation. We would particularly welcome more entries in the latter category. Do you have an idea for the latest video game, the latest app, a product idea, a solution to problems around Covid19, cybersecurity or do you have a disruptive business idea which could rival the likes of Uber or Just Eat?...”

Among the judges for the enterprise and innovation category will be farmer Adam Henson, owner of the Cotswold Farm Park, author and BBC presenter. 

Adam said: “I’m very pleased to support this great initiative for young people at this difficult time. So much will be on their shoulders so this is a chance for them to try something for themselves. Hopefully there will be some great ideas, perhaps even something for our farmers who will need all the help they can get!”

Young people who meet the entry criteria from across Swindon can submit an entry for the challenge and there will be a first, second, third and fourth prize in each category of £500, £300, £150, £50 and runners up will get a book token. The Challenge launched in April and remains open until 9pm on Monday June 1. 

Young people who take part must live in the relevant area and for those under the age of 18 parental or guardian permission will be sought if they wish to participate. 

The prize money has already been donated in full by sponsors who are: 

• The Fred And Marjorie Sainsbury Charitable Trust
• Jeevan Thandi of Karhoo
• Timothy James & Partners, independent financial advisers 
• Jason Houghton, Salperton Park Estate, Cheltenham 
• The Fairford & Lechlade Business Club 
• Royal Agricultural University, Gloucestershire  
• The Paperback Shop, of Fairford
• Marion Whittaker 
• Author Kevin Wignall
• Meg Rivers Bakery, of Shipston On Stour 
• Suzannah Harvey, CEO of Cotswold Airport
• Kim Harvey of The MadHatter Bookshop, of Burford. 
• Nicky Godding, founder of Business & Innovation Magazine
• John Biddulph, of Rodmarton Manor
• Emma & Jamie Tuck of Bulldog Websites, of Swindon 
• Allison Murray of Allison Murray Design, of Eastleach
• Barry Jackson, of Aspire Academy
• Bettina Harvey of Hector & Queen

Details of the competition, the criteria for entry and the briefing pack are all available via the website www.thecotswoldchallenge.com

The Cotswold Collective, who have all donated their time free of charge to this project, are:  

Allison Murray – of Allison Murray Design which is an award-winning design agency based in the Cotswolds working with entrepreneurs and brand owners to create unique confident and creative branding. Clients include Lynwood & Co, Thyme at Southrop and Made by Bob. Allison, aged 54, lives in Eastleach, Gloucestershire. 

Chris Roberts MBE  - the founder of the Fairford & Lechlade Business Club and administrator for nearly 15 years, freelance journalist and facilitator, whose strap line is “I can make things happen!” Chris, aged 72, lives in Fairford.

Nigel Chute – of Chute Design. Nigel has been in the business of developing, protecting and exploiting new product opportunities for more than 30 years.   Besides his consultancy he has also successfully marketed his own designs and taken equity in start-ups.  He is an experienced mentor for enterprise in youngsters. Nigel, aged 59, lives in Cirencester.

Barry Jackson – runs Aspire Academy and his mission is to collaborate with business leaders, to develop programs to address the skills gaps for young people seeking work after leaving school/college/university. He offers group training  to young people whose aspirations are to thrive in an increasingly challenging job market. He’s the author of “Your First Job: How to Sabotage Your Career in 8 Easy Steps.” Barry, aged 72, lives in Churchdown, Gloucestershire. 

Fiona Scott – of Fiona Scott Media. Fiona is a journalist who has been in the media for over 30 years working in print and then in television. She also runs her own agency helping businesses raise their profile through the media, videography, animation and social media. Fiona, aged 54, lives in Swindon and one of her daughters has also missed out on her A’ levels due to Covid19. 

Judges for The Cotswold Challenge are: 

Art & Design:

Val & Martin Adamson, of The Sculpture Studio, of Stroud 

Lady Bathurst – the Right Honourable Countess Bathurst, also a former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire

George Butler – award-winning artist and illustrator specialising in travel & current affairs

Tracey Elphick – professional artist based at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester

Darrell Warner – award-winning artist and illustrator specialising in the medium of watercolour

Tessa Campbell Fraser – sculptor and wife of comedian and impersonator, Rory Bremner

Creative Writing: 

Paul Cornell – novelist, screen writer (including Doctor Who) and comics writer. 

Simon Kernick – thriller and crime writer, books include Relentless and Payback

Sarah Pinborough – writer of young adults and adult thrillers and an accomplished screenwriter. 

Kevin Wignall - thriller writer, his books include The Names Of The Dead and When We Were Lost 

Fiona Sampson - poet

Innovation & Entrepreneurial Thinking: 

Geoff Burch – business expert and public speaker 

Phil Duff – business management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the international equestrian market.

Nicky Godding – editor & founder of Business & Innovation Magazine

Suzannah Harvey – CEO of Cotswold Airport 

Adam Henson – farmer and tv presenter best known as a regular on the BBC series Countryfile

Caroline Summers – sales director of The Paperback Shop

Jeevan Thandi – founder of Karhoo, a digital software platform to connect taxi firms to big brands, organisations.

Verity Manners – co-owner of family run Wrag Barn Golf Club and Conference Venue, of Highworth and presenter on Swindon 105.5.