"When starting, I have a vague sense of an intended outcome, but I begin working on a piece and just see who emerges. An angel, a devil, god or monster."

After studying Theatre Design and Illustration, Jim Pilston worked as an illustrator for many years. Over time, his illustrative work began to emerge as three-dimensional pieces. Using papier-mache and mixed media, he explored folklore and legend – both local and European. 
 
His style has now developed into a quirky and distinctive sculptural style, based on narrative and clever characterisation. The sources he draws on vary greatly but the stories, pictures, films and children’s television of his 1970s Cotswolds childhood are never far away. Jim shares some of his memories from family to school and beyond - all have contributed to successful pieces of art which now adorn the walls and floors of many homes worldwide.
 
The materials he uses are, almost entirely, sourced within a mile or two of his Stroud home. They are found materials that are repurposed and recycled. The paper is from the used paper recycling process, the structures are made from scrap wood and plastics, such as discarded estate agents signs and, in the main, the paints and varnishes are the incorrect mixes and “mis-tints” from paint manufacturers and DIY stores.

To see more of Jim's work and learn more about him : Jim Pilston Instagram    

If you have something you would like to just share or just chat about, please get in touch.

In this episode I talk with Cameron Cooper, who since he and I spoke can now boast an MBA in Comparative Education & International Development. This podcast reflects how Cameron, against some considerable barriers, has been prepared to extend his reach to beyond the boundaries of most people’s expectations and has scored several sixes along the way.  A really strong message for us all and I felt privileged to be getting the full story firsthand.   

Cameron has had a successful season captaining Yorkshire’s D40 Quest Team in the National County Competition and I am sure you will agree he should be proud of that alone!! YorkshireCountyCricketClub 

If you have something you would like to just share or just chat about, please get in touch.

In this episode, I'm joined by Andy Salmon, aka Sir Linkalot, who says that we need to put an end to expressions like 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check', 'Rote learning', 'Pyramid writing' and 'Just learn it!'. Sir Linkalot is an award-winning app that helps children of all ages and abilities learn any fact, cross-curricular, by using the extremely powerful yet underused technique, a mnemonic. Or, as Andy likes to call it, a link. 

Having presented to over 150,000 children and 30,000 teachers at 700 schools since 2008, he will be telling us that we need to get students involved in the learning process for three reasons: 1) It encourages them to use their imagination 2) It instils confidence that they can achieve in school and beyond 3) It makes them feel part of a community

Andy is currently talking to three major broadcasters about an animated TV show for young children based on Sir Linkalot that will sit nicely alongside phonics-based programmes like Alphablocks. 

To find out more  Sir Linkalot taster video

If you have something you would like to just share or just chat about, please get in touch.

Anita Frost is the Author & Founder of Green Bean Studios® located in Manchester. Over the years Green Bean have won several awards including being named one of Britain’s Top Black Entrepreneurs | Business Live 2024.

Anita leads a team of talented professionals who have come together to create precious moments for children and families through a fun, educational range of books, toys, games and other music/TV productions! 

Margaret and Anita discuss some of the lessons learnt from "no-tech" days for early-years children and the future of play, citing Play England who have launched a ten year strategy – an amazing mission worth everybody’s support.

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Max Wainewright has written dozens of educational books and software titles for children. His programs and websites have won a number of awards including BETT, ERA and Practical Pre-School Gold Awards. 

Max has led projects and created products for many companies and organisations including LEGO, Discovery Education, 2Simple (Max was a co-founder), The London Grid for Learning, Ladybird, OUP, Espresso and Hachette. He has worked as a school board Educational Technology Advisor and run teaching projects for the Ofsted. Max currently teaches Coding part-time in a London primary school. 

If you have something you would like to just share or just chat about, please get in touch.

After 20 years in the classroom teaching Business, ICT, and Computing to students aged 11–18, Chloe decided to take her passion for digital wellbeing and community support in a new direction. In 2024, She founded Cole Collective — a space dedicated to supporting local businesses with social media strategy and offering guidance to parents and carers navigating the ever-evolving digital world.

Through Cole Collective, she delivers practical workshops on managing screen time for children, helping families create healthier digital habits, and where possible, advocating for a smartphone-free childhood. She's passionate about bridging the gap between technology and wellbeing, ensuring both businesses and families feel confident and supported in the digital age.

If you have something you would like to just share or just chat about, please get in touch.