C2C Adult Care Award

February 25, 2024 by gill thomas

I was contacted recently by Michelle Lundie, Head of Partnerships and Communities at HIT Training. The photoshoot was for their Heroes Awards for those Apprentices and Employers who work with them and who have championed apprenticeships within the industry that they work in; in this case it was Adult Care.

The apprentice who was to receive the award was Beata Beevor. The shoot took place at the care home where she worked, The Order of St John Care Trust on Windsor Street in Cheltenham. Beata was aware she had won Adult Care Apprentice of the Year Award 2023, but had no idea she had also won a second award, Connect2Care Hero of the Year Award 2023. It was very touching to see how emotional she was, she was clearly overwhelmed by the recognition of all her hard work and caring nature.

The brief was fairly lengthy. `The company required two shots of almost every image, in both portrait and landscape formats. They also required multiple images with Beata in various locations within her work place, looking both at the camera and away. They also asked for multiple images of Beata with her awards, both together and alone, plus images of her with her colleagues and some of the residents she cares for. Below is a very small sample of images from the 72 I took in total.

I do many different commercial jobs all throughout Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, if you have something you would like photographed then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thanks.

Copsegrove Farm Feast

October 31, 2023 by gill thomas

Kate and Martin Banks own Copsegrove Farm in Bisley, Stroud. I have got to know this lovely couple very well over the past five years, having worked with them on many previous occasions, which include photographing the renovation of Gulliver’s Hall, Kate’s forest school activities, designing Kate’s forest school website, https://www.copsegrovefarm.com/ among other things. All of the photos from those shoots can be found on my website.

On this occasion, Kate booked me for 20 minutes to photograph Copsegrove Farm’s very first ‘Farm Feast’ - a community, long table style event celebrating all the glorious fresh food that the farm produces. Around fifty guests attended and I was booked to capture shots of the barn, food prep and arrival of the guests as they sat down to eat.

Susie Dent Book Reading

October 26, 2023 by gill thomas

Clockwise is a London based company that provides well-designed, contemporary private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms. In a total coincidence, I was actually at their office space in Cheltenham a few weeks ago taking a series of head shots for a drinks company. Small world! Click here to see the photos from that shoot.

On this occassion, Clockwise had booked me to cover a promotional event they were holding at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. Their star speaker was Susie Dent, most famous from Count Down. She was there to talk about all things words, her work and language. Whilst I was there to document the 40 minute long interview, I couldn’t help but listen to the conversation, which was really interesting.

The tent was relatively small, so felt quite crammed quite quickly. There was very little space to move around, but I found a great corner from which to get some nice shots that not only zoomed in on Susie, but also allowed me to get some wider shots of the room and audience. Below are just a few photos from the 51 that Clockwise received.

I do lots of different commercial jobs all throughout Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, if you have something you would like photographed then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thanks.

Cotswold Wine School

August 01, 2023 by gill thomas

I was recently contacted by Michelle Goodman, Director of the Cotswold Wine School, who was enquiring into hiring a professional photographer to take photos of a corporate event they were due to host.

The brief was on-brand shots of their wine experts at work. Capturing people having a good time and mingling, wine being poured, their experts talking with folks, etc. The images were to be used on social media and also in their brochures. The event was held in Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham.

If you have an event coming up that you require a professional photographer for then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thanks!

Sostrene Grene Store Opening

May 04, 2023 by gill thomas

International Danish retailer, Søstrene Grene, is the home of beautiful homewares and creative DIY inspiration at very affordable prices. I was hired for 90 minutes to take photos of the grand opening of their brand new store in Cheltenham, and what a busy occasion it was! There was a 4 piece orchestra, the town mayor, an interior designer from TV series This Morning! plus a massive queue stretching all the way back through the Brewery Quarter.

My brief was to capture natural shots of the crowds, the queue, shoppers, the interior, the check outs, plus of course the ribbon cutting and various group shots of staff and managers. Below is just a small selection of shots.

Raging Bull Launch Party

July 30, 2021 by gill thomas

Thanks to the pandemic, it has been over a year since I’ve covered any events. It was therefore great to be asked to cover the launch party of the new Raging Bull shop that opened in Gloucester Quays recently.

Ex-England international rugby star, Phil Vickery, is the owner of Raging Bull - a heritage rugby brand - and he’s ever such a nice chap as it turns out. The shoot began with some very special little people from a local charity that Phil supports - and they were very excited to meet their idol! We then moved downstairs to the shop floor for the official ribbon cutting, where the queue outside was full of people hoping to get Phil’s autograph. He was very patient and gave everyone his time. Personable, approachable and very down to earth, he even carried my camera case given I was 38 weeks pregnant. A real all round gentleman!

Cineworld VIP Evening

March 26, 2020 by gill thomas

Cineworld Cheltenham recently held a VIP evening to celebrate the new release of the eagerly anticipated film, Military Wives Choir. As part of the evening’s entertainment, they invited Innsworth Military Wives Choir to perform prior to the start of the film.

I was commissioned for 90 minutes to document the event, which would include shots of the setting, audience reaction and members of the choir. It was a really enjoyable event, and a great chance to meet some of these inspirational women and listen to their stories.

SNP

February 10, 2020 by gill thomas

A few weeks ago I was booked to cover a corporate event at Ellenborough Park with a company called SNP. They were hosting a team building event. It was a two hour job split between 5-6pm and 7-8pm. It began with a series of head shots of some of the members of staff before moving onto informal shots of the evening party.

Candlelit Carol Service

December 18, 2019 by gill thomas

I do lots of work for Winston’s Wish, a childhood bereavement charity based in Cheltenham. On this occasion I was asked to come and photograph their candlelit carol service, the first time they had put on such an event. What a special evening. The service opened with a speech from the CEO, followed by songs from the choir. A variety of speakers were invited up to the stage before refreshments at the interval. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his wife were also in attendance.

If you have an event coming up and would like it professionally photographed, then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thanks!

May Revels

July 26, 2019 by gill thomas

Oakridge School held its annual May Revels on Saturday 18th May. It was a fun, family friendly event that helped raise vital funds for the school.

There was a fantastic line up of activities, including go kart racing around the village green, welly wanging, worm racing, tug of war, live music, a reading corner, a petting area, a well stocked bar and a sizzling BBQ. There were also traditional crafts that included pottery.

Traditional wooden stalls decorated with colourful bunting were dotted around the village green, creating the feeling of a quintessential country fair. Delicious home made cakes adorned gingham table cloths, while other stalls sold plants, toys and books. There was a raffle and tombola, giant bouncy castle, stocks, hook a duck and face painting.

The petting area was a new addition to this year's Revels. There was a variety of different animals for children to stroke and hold including rabbits, chickens, lambs, stick insects and a tortoise.

The reading corner provided a cosy hub situated close to the bar so people could peruse and purchase at their leisure with drink in hand. Old library shelves stocked an extensive collection of pre loved books, while straw bales, deck chairs, bean bags and rugs provided a snug for chat and stories.

The bar was well stocked with traditional craft ales, ready made cocktails and a selection of gins. An extended bar and bistro ran late into the evening, creating a lovely chilled atmosphere. There was a fabulous line up of activities, and it was a real joy to photograph.

Townswomen's Guilds AGM

July 24, 2019 by gill thomas

Last month I was booked to cover the Townswomen’s Guild’s AGM. The venue was Cheltenham Racecourse. It was a full on day starting sharp at 7.30am. The shot list was extensive and there was a very special guest to photograph too: HRH The Princess Royal.

The day began with setting up shots of the stalls and stands followed by the arrival of the townswomen. Proceedings got underway with the main speakers introducing the banner procession, of which there were fifty plus, all of which required individual photographs. Guest speakers followed and voting commenced. HRH The Princess Royal made a speech and handed out awards, after which there was a break for lunch and a meet and greet. Proceedings resumed with further speakers and culminated in a short cabaret performance from the some of the townswomen.

It was a full on day, but extremely good fun and I met some lovely people. The highlight, personally, was of course photographing royalty. Very special.

Prostate Cancer Ball

June 06, 2019 by gill thomas

I was recently asked to cover a prostate cancer ball in Cheltenham. It was a charity event so I wavered my fee. I was booked for an hour to capture the arrival of guests and some mingling before they went into sit down for the meal and silent auction. There was a Prosecco bar on arrival, followed by canapés and the opportunity to enter the raffle. Everyone was dressed to the nines and I could see they were going to be in for a good night.

If you have an event coming up and would like to book something similar then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thank you.

Energist UK

May 30, 2019 by gill thomas

This is the second time I have been asked to photograph Energist UK. It was a very similar set up to before - I was booked for thirty minutes to take some informal photos of company employees enjoying dinner together. They had booked a private room at The Ivy, Cheltenham. Towards the end of the session they requested a couple of group shots.

If you have a company event and need some professional photographs then please get in touch using my contact page or send an email to info@mouseabouttown.co.uk. Alternatively, give me a call on 07983 465414. Thank you.

Lilliput Christmas Concert 2018

January 21, 2019 by gill thomas

It was lovely to be invited back to the Lilliput Christmas Concert. I’ve covered a number of these fantastic baby friendly classical concerts over the years and they never disappoint. To view the 2014 concert please click here, to view the 2015 concert please click here and to view the Summer 2015 concert please click here.

If you have an event coming up that you would like professionally photographed then please get in touch. I can price according to budget. Just get in touch using my contact page or give me a call on 07983 465414. Thanks!

Victoria Cross Centenary

September 21, 2018 by gill thomas

Last week I was booked to cover the commemoration ceremony to honour Lance Corporal Allan Leonard Lewis VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his acts of bravery during WW1. The ceremony marked the Centenary of this special event with the unveiling of a statue in his honour along with a very poignant service.

There was a big turnout as members of the public lined the streets and soldiers performed the guard of honour. The gorgeous sunshine didn’t last long, but despite the deluge of rain, (I don't think I've ever got quite so drenched on a shoot!) men, women and children stood united to remember and celebrate the achievements of this remarkable soldier.

Lilliput Concert 2018

April 26, 2018 by gill thomas

It had been a while since I was last at one of Kate Skeet's fabulous Lilliput concerts so it was lovely to be invited back on Monday and soak up the wonderful music along with all the other parents and children in the audience.

Kate was playing and did a super rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, which everyone joined in with. Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes was another hit! There was the usual clamour and chaos as the little ones danced, laughed and sang along. Really super to see them enjoying the music so much.

Babel Babies Italian Fiesta

March 16, 2018 by gill thomas

In March I joined my friends at Babel Babies for their second Fri-yay Fiesta! They had teamed up with Babel Bar in the Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, which hosted this wonderful event where families could relax, enjoy lunch with their friends, and practise a bit of Italian in a sociable setting.

The event began with a Babel Babies multilingual music family session at 11am, with songs and stories in languages from around the world aimed at parents with babies and children from birth to school age.

At 11.45am everyone sat down and ate lunch together around a long table. It was just like a convivial family gathering, with sharing platters of Italian cuisine, and everyone chatting about languages.

Cate Hamilton, founder of Babel Babies, invited me along to capture all the fun. I've worked with Cate on numerous occasions and her sessions are always vibrant and full of energy. That's what I try and capture in the photos. It was lovely to observe the little ones and see them engage so well with the music and the languages. It was even funnier watching them try some of the food that was served up afterwards!! Scroll down to see some of the highlights from the morning.

Babel Babies French Fiesta

February 28, 2018 by gill thomas

A few weeks ago I joined my friends at Babel Babies for their first Fri-yay Fiesta! They had teamed up with Babel Bar in the Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham, which hosted this wonderful event where families could relax, enjoy lunch with their friends, and practise a bit of French in a sociable setting.

The event began with a Babel Babies multilingual music family session at 11am, with songs and stories in languages from around the world aimed at parents with babies and children from birth to school age.

At 11.45am everyone sat down and ate lunch together around a long table. It was just like a convivial family gathering, with sharing platters of French cheeses, charcuterie, bread and olives, and everyone chatting about languages.

Cate Hamilton, founder of Babel Babies, invited me along to capture all the fun. I've worked with Cate on numerous occasions and her sessions are always vibrant and full of energy. That's what I try and capture in the photos. It was lovely to observe the little ones and see them engage so well with the music and the languages. It was even funnier watching them try some of the food that was served up afterwards!! Scroll down to see some of the highlights from the morning.

Mulligan's VIP Night

November 11, 2017 by gill thomas

I was recently booked to cover the VIP night of the new Mulligan's Adventure Golf Course that has just opened in the Brewery quarter of Cheltenham. It was a super fun night. I spent the first hour capturing the setting of the golf course and the remaining three hours photographing people in full swing, (excuse the pun) enjoying the different holes and tees. No flash was used in any of the pictures.

If you have an event coming up that you would like professionally photographed then please do get in touch using the form on my contact page. Alternatively please call me on 07983 465414. Thanks.

High School Prom

July 11, 2017 by gill thomas

Last Tuesday evening I was at Manor By The Lake for St Andrew's High School prom. I'm more accustomed to photographing weddings at this lovely venue in Cheltenham but it's always nice to get a job that's a little bit different.

If you have an event coming up that you would like professionally photographed then please do get in touch using the form on my contact page. Alternatively please call me on 07983 465414. Thanks.