Interview: Ben Morris - A young Swindon reporter with a bright future ahead of him with the BBC

By Jessica Durston

Ben, a 22-year-old man from Swindon born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, will be moving to London this September to pursue his career in journalism and broadcasting.

Already overcoming the odds set against his health and survival (he was given a life expectancy of two years when born), Ben has also broken further barriers by successfully earning his place on the BBC’s Advanced Journalism Apprenticeship Scheme 2023. There were around 2,000 applicants and 22 places.

He described what opportunities this apprenticeship could bring his way: “I will be working specifically with BBC News. I’m not sure what department I’m going to be put in yet – it could be anything.

“I’ll be helping to find stories, to film and edit etc. I probably won’t be able to be on-screen for at least the first year though.”

He added: “It’s a Level 7 apprenticeship - equivalent to a Masters Degree. After that, on my briefing, it says effectively ‘you’ll get a job at the end of this.’”

Before getting this big break, Ben studied Journalism at Winchester University, specialising in broadcasting. But journalism wasn’t always Ben’s original plan.

He said: “I originally wanted to be a doctor or a scientist, because I was determined to help cure my own condition, which sounds a bit pathetic

– plus I realised I wasn’t the best at Science at school. So then I was thinking about what other career sectors I had been exposed to, I thought about reporting, as I was used to having reporters around me a lot, and talking to them. I found I had a good idea of what people wanted to read in a story.

“I really played on the whole disability thing when I first started, as I wanted to get the representation for my condition out there. However, you start doing the stories and realise quickly that it’s not about you – it’s about the people you’re talking to, and writing about.

“It’s the journalist’s job to get the stories out there that wouldn’t normally be told – and if I can get disability representation out there at the same time, then great, but it’s not my main aim!”

Ben has also been working with local organisations to further hone his skills and gain experience.

He is currently working with the local radio station Swindon 105.5, and undertook some work experience with the Swindon Link team a few years ago.

Ben said: “I’m sort of like the dedicated teacher at Swindon 105.5 at the moment, and I’m helping out the station manager, Shirley Ludford. If a new trainee comes in, I help show them the ropes and teach them what they will need to know. I also do reporting and editing.

“I’ve found people won’t employ you within the journalism game if you don’t have previous work experience. It’s frustrating as if you can’t get any jobs, you’ll never gain the work experience. Swindon 105.5 are very accepting and just take people on.

“I think these local work experience/volunteering opportunities have really increased my passion for journalism.”

Counting down the months until September, Ben is now turning his attention to getting everything in order for his move to London. Although exciting, this move will not come without its own challenges for him.

Ben added:

“Accommodation is going to be a major issue as I can’t just go on RightMove.

“I’ve had to find specialist agents that deal with accessible accommodation.

“I need to find somewhere that is affordable and accessible at the same time which can be difficult. Transport to the BBC building needs to be accessible for my wheelchair too.”

Ben said this window of time until his move had also given him time to reflect.

“I think it’s quite interesting that the media and the press are interested in my story. If I could walk, I don’t think newspapers would give as much of a damn. I think through more disability representation, that will sort of fizzle out, but then would that in itself reduce the disability representation? It’s a complex question.

“I also had a bit of a moment the other night where I was questioning whether I was just approved by the BBC because I am disabled, or whether it was due to my skills. But then I thought, any publicity is good publicity, and that it may be a bit of both.

“And working with the BBC will give me the opportunity of a more hands-on approach to helping with disability representation.”

Business Profile - Just Shutters

Business Type - Design and install Plantation

Shutters

Established - 2006

Telephone number - 01793 378342

Website - www.justshutters.co.uk/swindon/

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

The beautiful world of Just Shutters plantation shutters has now come to Swindon with a simple mission: to offer elegant yet entirely practical shutters to homeowners and businesses in the thriving town and surrounding areas.

A company spokesperson said: “Often referred to as plantation blinds or shutter blinds, you can’t fail to notice these stylish shutters behind the windows of a few houses locally.

“Whether your design style is traditional or contemporary, Just Shutters have the design solution for you.

“The look is one thing – the usability is another thing entirely.

“Plantation shutters beat traditional curtains or blinds hands-down for practicality and life-enhancing benefits.

“Because they’re adjustable to almost any desired position, you can accurately position the louvres to regulate the light and temperature in your rooms

“In summer, they screen out harsh sunlight on oppressive heatwave days, keeping your rooms cool… and your soft furnishings and fabrics protected from fade.

“Meanwhile, in winter, they insulate against cold and draughts so well; they can reduce heat loss by up to 40%.

“Plus, of course, they allow a versatility in privacy, security and cleanliness that gives an important sense of serenity.”

The spokesperson added: “Thomas Cater, your local shutter specialist, delivers a friendly, professional consultative service.

“His fundamental design sensibility, and careful understanding and interpretation of what you want to achieve, ultimately result in the ideal shutter solution that will add style and value to your home.”

History of Just Shutters

Just Shutters was initially established as a family business in Dorset in 2006. Since then it has grown to cover many areas of the UK; today, they are known for being highly respected shutter specialists.

Swindon MD Thomas Cater, pictured above, is a dedicated and highly trained expert in the field. Just Shutters said: “With his meticulous attention to detail, you can rest assured that your shutters will be designed and installed flawlessly, leaving you delighted with your shutters for years to come.

“If you live in Swindon or the surrounding areas and are looking for high-quality shutters backed by Just Shutters’ lifetime guarantee, exceptional service, and expertise, then look no further than Just Shutters Swindon.”

Words by Jessica Durston

[Interview] Patti Boulaye OBE talks to the Link ahead of her upcoming Swindon tour date

Swindon Link’s Jessica Durston spoke to the exuberant entertainer Patti Boulaye about her ‘I’m Coming Out’ tour that will be visiting Swindon this June. Below is an excerpt from the full interview:

Considered a real doyenne within the entertainment field, Patti Boulaye OBE is back touring the UK with her new show.

‘I’m Coming Out’ features a plethora of Diana Ross’ most well-loved tracks along with some humorous comparisons between the veteran performer’s and Diana’s lives – told by Patti herself.

The lady of many talents kindly put time aside to talk to me ahead of her Swindon show.

The performing arts legend has turned her hand to everything – music, television, film, and theatre. She broke into the entertainment industry in the UK after moving from Nigeria in 1970, and has been performing since then.

She lives a happy life, still touring, with support from her husband and manager Steven Komlosy, who had his own illustrious career, representing Motown (and working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and more) in the UK.

In the full interview we also discuss the charity work the pair have been involved in, Patti’s devotion to supporting young people with their education and wellbeing, and what spirituality and faith mean to her - full article at swindonlink.com/lifestyle/ patti-boulaye-interviewmay-2023

I wanted to find out what music-lovers could expect from her upcoming Arts Centre performance. What makes this tour special, and why Diana Ross was at the forefront of Patti’s mind when putting her show together?

Patti explained: “It’s a fun show and is not just a Diana tribute performance. I will be performing tracks from Diana Ross, and the Supremes, and some of my own too. These shows on the ‘I’m Coming Out tour’ are about lifting people’s spirits. I like to involve my audience”

This show is not the first one Patti has put together in homage to another great artist. Before the ‘I’m Coming Out’ tour, she also did a show entitled ‘Billie and Me’ (paying her respects to Billie Holliday) and ‘Aretha and Me’ (for Aretha Franklin).

She recalled: “A few years ago now, my husband and I worked to get three health centres built in Nigeria and Cameroon. I set up a charity - Support for Africa - and the funding for the health centres came from my concerts at the Albert Hall, and from donors.

It took years, as it was just me working from my laptop, without a secretary. We also provided funds for Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale, to help build a school in Lesotho.

“Following this I decided to return to what I loved doing – my singing. I thought what can I do that is exciting for me and the audience? It all started when i wrote a show - ‘Billie and Me’ - where I would perform Billie Holliday songs and talk about her life.

“As Billie’s life story is really quite a sad tale, and some of her songs reflected this, I thought what can I do to balance this out and bring more joyous elements to it.”

Patti continued: “I then started writing funny stories and anecdotes, and comparing my life to Billie’s. It gave people a chance to get to know the real me, and about my life. Audiences loved it.”

So why Diana Ross this time? I was curious about

Patti’s connection with Diana and why her music is the backbone of this new tour. She told me she met Diana when she was 19 years of age, and had only been over in the UK for three years.

Aside from the fact that she and her husband love Diana’s poppy, upbeat, and catchy choruses, Patti added: “Michael Jackson used to tease me whenever I met him, and would sing ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ to me, and say that he was sure that if we went way back, I would be related to Diana Ross!

“Also when I did New Faces in 1978, Tony Blackburn compared me to Diana Ross!”

Patti’s Swindon’s Arts Centre date is Saturday 17 June at 8pm. swindontheatres.co.uk/ online/tickets-patti-boulayeswindon-2023