Fast moving, entertaining, funny and inspiring, Accidental Lives by Sylvia Holder and Lindsay Swan, to be published on 15 November 2024 by Black Spring Press, is a book about tragedy turned to triumph, ‘sliding door’ life changers, chance encounters and a glorious friendship. It tells the extraordinary story of how a young man’s tragic death in a poor South Indian fishing village led to the setting up of a charity, the Venkat Trust, which has transformed thousands of young lives.

Pre-war baby, natural rebel and boarding school survivor Sylvia Holder, who has spent much of the 60s and 70s working her way around the world between pitstops in London, meets Scots born Lindsay Swan, 13 years her junior, at a Johannesburg PR agency. Here their paths cross with unlikely characters from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to the Wombles and the Monkees.

Returning to London, Sylvia sets up a PR consultancy and is later joined by Lindsay. For the next 20 years, Holder Swan Public Relations – which bears more than a passing resemblance to television’s Absolutely Fabulous – handles an eclectic mix of clients. These take them on safari in Zambia, to Mexico’s Mayan ruins, Iceland’s volcanoes and the high rises of Hong Kong. At home, they publicise Chichester Festival Theatre, Hampton Court Flower Show and many more. Other celebrities making an appearance in their memoir include Roger Moore, Joan Collins, Elton John, Diana Rigg, Cliff Richard and Patricia Hodge, as well as members of the Rolling Stones.

“This book gives an entertaining and moving account of the adventurous lives of that fine duo, Holder and Swan, two fearless, funny and brave women. It’s a story of friendship and enterprise and extraordinary generosity, of triumph over tragedy, with some amazing anecdotes and an exhilarating sense of life lived to the full.”

Dame Margaret Drabble, author and fellow traveller to Zambia and India.

When not travelling the world, they hold court in their quirky London office, the original Chalk Farm farmhouse, thought to have been artist Walter Sickert’s studio. Their entrepreneurial sidelines include a City sandwich bar and PR training business. In parallel Sylvia builds an impressive property portfolio. Underpinning everything is the authors’ friendship, their shared delight in the absurd, sense of adventure, belief in the power of the possible and enthusiasm for making things happen.

“This is the story of a uniquely creative female friendship. Its fruit was a PR agency built for fun as much as money and a charity which has transformed the life of a poor Indian fishing village. Absorbing, amusing, moving and inspiring, here is a hugely enjoyable read. Dr Piers Brendon, historian, biographer, broadcaster and fellow traveller to Zambia and India.”

Aged 65, Sylvia retires to the south coast but things take an unexpected turn when Venkat, a poor Indian fisherman’s son she’d met as a skinny 12-year-old 15 years earlier and whom she’d sponsored through school and university, is tragically killed in a road traffic accident. Heartbroken, she returns to Kovalam, Venkat’s village near Chennai, and on impulse, pledges to bring education and a route out of the poverty of generations to the children of the 8000-inhabitant village, where free schooling is virtually non-existent.

That she knows nothing about India, education or charities and is 65 years old, is of no consequence to Sylvia, who sets about fulfilling her promise, working as always with Lindsay. The achievements are truly life changing: a state-of-the-art 1000 pupil higher secondary school, a 400-child sponsorship scheme and a university fund which pays the fees of 75 young people a year. Sylvia is now almost 86, Lindsay 72 but retirement never occurs to them. The book also reveals another friendship, the important one between Sylvia and JR, Venkat’s brother, who with great aplomb, manages the Kovalam end of the Venkat Trust’s work. Despite a 36-year age gap, different backgrounds, nationalities, culture, language and religions, they make a formidable team and their compatibility, affection and shared sense of humour lie behind the charity’s extraordinary success.

ACCIDENTAL LIVES How two intrepid women travelled the world, ran an unconventional PR company and set up a charity in India by Sylvia Holder and Lindsay Swan is published by Black Spring Press on 15 November 2024, £16.99. 204 pages plus 16 pages of pictures. Available for order at all good bookshops, and online at Amazon and Black Spring Press.

Royalties from the sale of the book will go to the Venkat Trust, www.venkattrust.org.uk

For Immediate Release
Laura I. Art Gallery Presents: I Am An Arktivist – A Transformative Fusion of Art and Environmental Activism

Barking, London – On 30th November 2024, Laura I. Art Gallery is thrilled to host I Am An Arktivist, a one-of-a-kind event merging art and environmental activism to inspire lasting change. Set to take place from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Barking Learning Centre, this impactful day invites the community to engage in creative action, sustainability, and dialogue on pressing environmental issues.

The event boasts an impressive lineup of esteemed guests and leaders dedicated to environmental advocacy, including Mayor Moin Quadri, Deputy Leader Saima Ashraf, and Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Climate Change, each sharing valuable insights into Barking and Dagenham’s ambitious vision for a greener future.

Featured Speakers & Highlights

I Am An Arktivist brings together experts across sustainability, recycling, conservation, and green urban planning:

• Neil Pearce, Head of Sustainability, Net Zero & Parks Commissioning, will discuss key green initiatives transforming the borough.
• Dilip Baishya and Sushant Bali will lead discussions on waste reduction, recycling innovations, and introduce a Zero Waste Living stall along with insights into ‘Buy Nothing New Month’ and an engaging five-minute clip from The Story of Stuff.
• Will Oliver from Thames21 will present on local river and green space conservation.
• Matt Scott from Thames Life will introduce the principles of permaculture and discuss local food forest projects.

Joining Organizations

Our event will host inspiring organizations at the forefront of environmental activism and sustainable living, including:

• Roding Rubbish: Showcasing impactful, community-led environmental initiatives.
• Vegan Society: Offering insights into the environmental benefits of plant-based choices and sustainable living.
• Keep Britain Tidy: Advocating for clean, green public spaces.
• Flow Happy CIC: Engaging attendees with resources on well-being through environmental sustainability.

Event Highlights

The Ark Exhibition – Curated by the talented Laimilija Zilyte and supported by The Legacy Assets Group and Cultural Partnership Group, this environmental art exhibit tackles critical issues like climate change, pollution, and sustainability, showcasing the powerful role art plays in driving environmental change.

Meet Noah the Mascot – Our beloved mascot, Noah, will be present to engage with guests of all ages, representing Laura I. Art Gallery’s commitment to sustainability and community action.

Interactive Workshops – Join hands-on, eco-friendly workshops, from upcycled art projects to creating personal pledges for environmental stewardship. These activities encourage community members to explore sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future.

Live Performance – Singer and songwriter Rebecca Daly will be bringing a melody of acoustic songs that speaks to the importance of climate change and Earth’s beauty.

Laura I. Art Gallery invites everyone—artists, environmentalists, families, and all who care about the planet—to join I Am An Arktivist. Together, we’ll celebrate art’s ability to inspire and drive change, making Barking and Dagenham a shining example of community-driven environmental action.

Event Details:
Date: 30th November 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Barking Learning Centre, Conference Room

London, UK — 31^st October 2024 — knus, a dynamic health tech company dedicated to transforming mental health peer support through innovative digital solutions, is proud to announce its acceptance into the highly selective School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) London Health Accelerator. This esteemed program, designed to empower social enterprises addressing health inequalities and healthcare challenges, will provide knus with invaluable mentorship, industry expertise, and access to a powerful network to accelerate the impact of its mission.

The London Health Accelerator, offered by the SSE in collaboration MedCity and the UK Governments UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is tailored for social enterprises focusing on improving healthcare outcomes. The Accelerator’s unique curriculum is crafted to address the specific challenges of scaling social impact in the health sector in underserved communities.

knus is a UK-based non-profit organisation offering a free, confidential mental health peer support platform. Designed to foster a supportive community, knus connects service users with trained peer support coaches who have lived experiences in mental health challenges. The platform provides a safe online space for people to discuss topics like anxiety, depression, addiction, and bereavement, among others. Volunteer coaches, guided by professionals such as doctors and social workers, help users access resources and emotional support. Access into the SSE London Health Accelerator marks a critical milestone for knus as it looks to broaden its reach and deepen its impact within the healthcare system.

knus joins a distinguished cohort of social entrepreneurs who share a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing community health. With the support of SSE London Health Accelerator, knus looks forward to advancing its mission of making healthcare more accessible, informed, and equitable.

About knus
https://knus.io

knus is a pioneering health tech company dedicated to empowering service users and transforming mental healthcare delivery through digital innovation. By focusing on service user centric solutions, Knus.io bridges the gap between technology and healthcare, enabling better-informed service user and enhancing health outcomes.

About the School for Social Entrepreneurs
https://www.the-sse.org/

The School for Social Entrepreneurs supports people from all backgrounds to tackle society’s biggest problems, with the vision of transforming lives and communities. Since 1997, SSE has empowered over 2,500 social entrepreneurs and social impact organisations in the UK and beyond.

About MedCity
https://medcityhq.com

MedCity is a life sciences cluster organisation for London, fostering collaboration in health, biotech, and medtech sectors to drive innovation, investment, and talent growth. Established by the Mayor of London, MedCity connects companies, researchers, and policymakers, supporting initiatives in drug discovery, medical devices, digital health, and data science. Its mission is to strengthen London’s role as a global science hub and improve health outcomes through partnerships and strategic support.

MD Logic Health®, a leader in science-backed health and wellness solutions, is proud to announce the official launch of its premium range of health supplements into Europe. This expansion marks a significant milestone in MD Logic Health’s mission to provide high-quality, effective health products to consumers around the world.

MD Logic Health® has consistently garnered immense support from the health and wellness industry in North America due to its unwavering commitment to delivering trusted, reliable, and science-backed supplements. The brand’s commitment to quality and proven efficacy has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field, making it a go-to choice for health and wellness professionals, biohackers and consumers alike. This steadfast reliability has not only solidified MD Logic Health® ‘s standing in the North American market, but has also fueled growing demand from consumers and professionals alike in Europe. Responding to this overwhelming demand, MD Logic Health® is excited to bring its proven best-of-breed supplements to the European market, continuing its mission to help enhance health and well-being globally.

“We’re proud to take this significant step into the European market, where the demand for high-quality health supplements continues to grow exponentially,” said Wesley Ramjeet, CEO of MD Logic Health®. “Our expansion reflects our dedication to meeting global demand for our products that are clean, pure, and deliver maximum nutrition to our consumers while minimizing environmental impact. We are excited to support the well-being of our future customers across Europe with the same commitment to excellence that has defined our brand in North America.”

The initial launch in the European market will include the following products:

Creatine + Electrolytes: Clinically proven to help boost muscle strength, power, and endurance, with added electrolytes for optimal hydration.

Liver Detox: Formulated with a precise combination of natural ingredients, including milk thistle, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, curcumin, and L-glutathione, to support liver function and enhance detoxification, helping the body efficiently eliminate toxins.

Marine Collagen: Sourced from wild-caught fish, this high-quality collagen supplement helps support skin elasticity, joint health, and overall vitality.

SmartBrain: A cutting-edge nootropic formula that enhances cognitive function, memory, and focus, supporting brain health and mental clarity.

Digestive Enzyme Complex: A comprehensive enzyme complex designed to help optimize digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and support overall digestive health.

Osteo Defend: Specially formulated to support bone health, maintaining bone density and strength—essential for active lifestyles and aging populations.

Methyl B12: An essential supplement for supporting energy production and neurological health, providing a bioavailable form of vitamin B12 that is easily absorbed by the body.

CoQ10: A potent antioxidant that helps support heart health and cellular energy production, essential for maintaining overall vitality and wellness.

Test Up: Designed to help support healthy testosterone levels, this supplement may help enhance muscle mass, performance, and sexual vitality.

Immuno Logic: Formulated to help immune defenses and boost resilience against seasonal illnesses.

MD Logic Health® products are developed with a focus on natural, high-quality ingredients, and are manufactured in FDA GMP-Certified facilities that adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The brand’s rigorous quality control processes ensure that each supplement meets the highest standards of Identity, Strength, Purity, and Compliance.

Consumers in the European Union will now have access to MD Logic Health® ‘s trusted products through premier online retailers and select physical stores, including bol.com, Kaufland, Galaxus, and Amazon Europe. This expansion reaffirms their commitment to supporting European customers and a promise of continued support and dedication to their health and wellness journeys.

About MD Logic Health®

MD Logic Health® is dedicated to delivering sustainable, reliable, clean, and pure products that maximize nutrition while minimizing environmental impact. Our mission is to empower individuals on their health journeys, providing the support needed to achieve optimal health and longevity. Our product line continues to expand, focusing on key areas such as brain health, beauty, performance, and a healthy biome.

Our commitment to excellence has garnered national recognition, with features on CBS, ABC, NBC, and CW. We invite you to learn more about our dedication to quality, passion for health and wellness, and commitment to education.

Connect with MD Logic Health®:

For more information, please visit MD Logic Health®.

MD Logic Health® Contact:

Jyoti Hardat, VP Marketing

jhardat@mdlogichealth.com | (877) 629-8711 x700

Drug education charity the DSM Foundation is delighted to announce that it will be on the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on Sunday, 3rd November, with the appeal then running for a week. Broadcast times are 7:54am and 9:25pm on that Sunday, and then again at 3:26pm on Thurs, 7th November. It will also be available on the BBC Radio 4 website and on BBC Sounds.

Normally the BBC Radio 4 Appeal is headed by a celebrity, but because the DSM Foundation was founded following the death of 16 year old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs caused by an accidental overdose of ecstasy, his mum Fiona will be the presenter. As the founder and director of the charity, Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE is perfectly placed to explain why and how the DSM Foundation delivers drugs education, and the impact that this has on young people and the adults in their lives – we hope you share our anticipation for how this campaign will raise awareness of the issues faced by young people when it comes to drugs, and raise valuable funds to support their safer decision making.

Grace McCormack, DSM Foundation Corporate and Community Fundraiser, commented: “It is a huge privilege for the DSM Foundation to be featured on the BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Not only will it raise awareness of the issues faced by young people when it comes to drugs, but also the work we do to support them to make safer choices, through all aspects of our provision including workshops for students and the adults in their lives, and the play that tells Dan’s story [‘I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die’ by award winning playwright Mark Wheeller]. We are grateful for the opportunity and hope it will raise valuable funds to support the drugs education work we do – and we are so grateful to the generosity of a group of supporters who have agreed to match fund £12,000 of donations that come in this way.”

Find the dates and times for the DSM Foundation’s Radio 4 Appeal by going to https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnc7/broadcasts/upcoming – the charity also has a dedicated webpage on the BBC Radio 4 Appeals website.

Information for editors:

The DSM Foundation is a drug education charity established in 2014 following the death of 16 year old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. His family felt that he simply hadn’t known enough to be able to make decisions that would keep him safe, and realized there was a huge gap in the resources and support available to schools, so set up the charity in order to spare other families going through what they had experienced.

The aim of the DSM Foundation is to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up to date and evidence-based information about drugs so they develop the skills to make choices that will keep themselves and their friends as safe as possible. To this end, the charity is currently working in almost 750 schools, colleges and community organisations with children and young people, and also provides workshops for parents and caregivers, and training for school and college staff – the two groups shown by NHS survey data as the most likely sources of information about drugs and alcohol sought out by 11-15 year olds. Educational settings are also able to access “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die”, a verbatim play by Mark Wheeller that was commissioned by the charity to tell Dan’s story in the words of his family and friends, through studying the work itself (sometimes due to it being a GCSE Drama set text on the Eduqas syllabus), or booking a Theatre in Education performance. Schools and colleges can also download age-appropriate, relevant, up to date and evidence-based drugs education lesson resources free of charge from the DSM Foundation website for delivery by teachers through PSHE/PSE provision.

For more information about the DSM Foundation, go to https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/.

Media enquiries about this press release or the work of the DSM Foundation should be sent to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dates: Friday, 9 May – Sunday, 11 May 2025

Location: Furnace Brook Fishery, Hailsham

We warmly invite you to join us at ReBreathe Festival 2025 – a sanctuary for those yearning to reconnect with themselves and nature. This coming May, amidst the tranquil beauty of Furnace Brook Fishery, take a step back from the everyday to embrace a weekend dedicated to stillness, mindful exploration, and authentic community.

From Friday evening to Sunday’s final sunset, ReBreathe offers a flow of experiences crafted for relaxation, presence, and shared purpose. Each day brings a new opportunity to pause, unwind, and simply be – guided by our belief that wellness thrives in open spaces and quiet places.

Your Experience Awaits

With your festival ticket, you’ll enjoy access to a curated programme of activities designed to nourish the spirit. Begin your day with revitalising yoga, explore nature’s wonders through mindful walks, and be moved by acoustic music beneath the trees. Discover more about our environment in talks with local ecological experts, engage in workshops that delve into sustainable practices, or unwind with a good book in our peaceful biochar and woodland zones.

Rooted in our commitment to sustainability, ReBreathe Festival fosters meaningful connections between people, nature, and mindful practices. Join us as we explore how to integrate wellness into our lives in practical, sustainable ways. Whether you’re taking a meditative walk, listening to local storytellers, or simply absorbing the beauty of the surroundings, ReBreathe is a rare chance to rejuvenate with intention.

Camping and Amenities

Your ticket includes access to our serene camping area, where we invite you to bring your own tent and basic comforts. For those seeking added ease, cosy accommodation upgrades are available at an additional cost. Kindly note, due to the sensitivity of the environment and lambing season, we cannot permit pets unless arranged in advance on a case-by-case basis.

As a natural site, Furnace Brook offers a rustic charm; however, certain areas may be less accessible due to uneven terrain. We’ll do our best to accommodate all, but we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving this serene space.

Join Our Journey

Reconnect with yourself, nature, and a community that celebrates creativity, well-being, and sustainability. Sign up now for early bird ticket offers, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest festival updates.

Be part of ReBreathe Festival 2025 and join a celebration of life, community, and intentional living. We look forward to welcoming you into this restorative experience.

For more information and tickets, please visit rebreathefestival.co.uk or email us at info@rebreathefestival.co.uk

ReBreathe Festival – Where Stillness Finds Community