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Liz Matthews

Community Spirit with Festive Events at the Haydon Wick Haven and Memory Café
Community Spirit with Festive Events at the Haydon Wick Haven and Memory Café 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council has wrapped up 2024 with a series of successful community events, bringing together seniors and those living with dementia for festive celebrations that exemplify the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive community.

The Haven, the council’s dedicated group for residents, hosted two special December events designed to combat isolation and create meaningful connections. The month began with a Christmas Buffet and Quiz on December 2nd, followed by a vibrant Bingo and Festive Raffle session on December 16th. These bi-weekly meetups have proven to be a vital social connection for many members, supported by a convenient door-to-door transport service ensuring accessibility for all.

The Memory CafĂ©, specialising in support for people living with dementia and their companions, hosted particularly memorable events this month. On December 11th, participants engaged in creative Christmas crafts, decorating tree candle holders while enjoying performances by ‘Even More,’ who delivered a delightful mix of classics and traditional folk songs. The session also included important health initiatives, with NHS nurses providing COVID and flu vaccinations to community members and staff.

The Memory CafĂ©’s year culminated in a spectacular celebration on December 18th, featuring bellringers, a special visit from Father Christmas distributing community-donated raffle prizes, and an uplifting performance by the Arval choir. The event was enhanced by homemade treats and concluded with a Christmas meal at Toby Carvery on December 19th.

Both programs will resume in the new year, with The Haven’s first 2025 session scheduled for Monday, January 6th. The Memory CafĂ© resumes on January 8th. New members are always welcome to join either group.

 

Delivering Christmas Cheer!
Delivering Christmas Cheer! 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

“Haydon Wick Parish Council Successfully Delivers Annual Christmas Parcels to Senior Residents”

The Haydon Wick Parish Council has once again brought festive cheer to the community through its annual Christmas Parcel Scheme, successfully delivering 153 parcels to senior residents living alone in the parish.

On Saturday, December 14th, 2024, a dedicated team of councillors, staff, and volunteers came together to pack and deliver parcels containing festive food, toiletries, and essential winter supplies to residents aged over 70 who live independently.

The initiative, which begins each September, involves extensive coordination with local suppliers for sponsorship and donations, managing parcel applications, and organising 15 delivery routes. The Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to this year’s supporters, including Morrisons, Aldi, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Juniper Stores, Rialtas Business Solutions, Farm Foods, Asda, Haydon Wick Sea Scouts, Better Bargains Warehouse and local parishioners.  Special thanks also go to the wonderful volunteers who gave up their time to pack and deliver the parcels to residents.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of the Council, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative: “This annual Christmas Parcel project goes beyond simple deliveries. It provides an invaluable opportunity to check on our most vulnerable residents, we engage in conversation and connect them with other community events and support services. It stands as one of the most significant dates in our Council’s community calendar which we are fortunate to play a part in.”

The Council takes pride in its year-round community engagement through initiatives such as the Haven, the Memory CafĂ©, and Companions CafĂ©, which continue to enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster community connections.

Adding a special touch to this year’s parcels, 10-year-old Abbie from a local primary school won the Christmas card design competition with her creation of ‘Polly the Parish Penguin.’ As the winner, Abbie received merchandise featuring her design, including Christmas cards, a tote bag, tea towel and a stocking with a few extra goodies. Her card was placed inside the parcels, on behalf of the children living or attending school in Haydon Wick.

RCCG volunteer Adun Ikponmwosa reflected on the project: “Being part of this annual tradition is truly an honour. Bringing joy to our senior residents during the Christmas season is deeply rewarding and captures the true spirit of season”.

The Parish Council concludes another successful year of community service and extends warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all residents.

Can You Help?
Can You Help? 2333 1750 Liz Matthews
Are you passionate about supporting people living with dementia?
Do you have experience caring for a loved one with dementia, if so, we’d love for you to join our small team of volunteers at the Companion CafĂ©.
The Companion Café is a safe and supportive space created for the caregivers of people living with dementia. It offers a place for companions /caregivers to seek solace, compassion, and empathy. The Companion Café provides an opportunity for companions/caregivers to reach out for support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.
• Engage in meaningful conversation and activities with café guests
• Provide a supportive, understanding presence and assist with any needs
• Help with serving beverages, setup, and clean up.
• Work collaboratively with other volunteers, staff, and councillors.
• Demonstrated empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older adults
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the common challenges faced by those living with dementia
If you possess the above qualities and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia, we would love to have you join our Companion Café volunteer team.
This is a wonderful opportunity; the Companion Café provides a profoundly meaningful impact for both the caregivers it serves and the volunteers who contribute their time and compassion.
Interested? Contact Jo, the Memory Café Co-ordinator, at memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk or 01793 722446

Christmas Carnival – thank you for joining us!
Christmas Carnival – thank you for joining us! 2333 1750 Liz Matthews
Thank you to everyone who braved the rain and turned out for the Haydon Wick Parish Council Christmas Carnival! Despite the challenging weather and time change, our incredible community showed their true festive spirit with a spectacular light parade along Blunsdon Road, featuring 100 beautifully decorated and illuminated umbrellas.
What a magical sight it was, with stilt-walking angels, a fire-juggling entertainer, and Father Christmas himself leading the way! Special thanks to the Britannia Majorettes who kept everyone moving with their fantastic marching tunes.
The carnival atmosphere was made complete with food stalls, charity stands, a fun fair, and even Christmas donkeys delighting visitors throughout the evening. It was heart-warming to see so many people coming together and enjoying themselves despite the weather.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s carnival and making it even bigger and better! If you attended and would like to share your feedback or get involved in future events, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click here.
Thank you once again to everyone who helped make this event such a success – from the umbrella decorators, stall holders, performers and local business partners down to every single person who attended. You truly demonstrated what makes our community so special!
Take a look at some of the photos here.

Notice of Casual Vacancy
Notice of Casual Vacancy 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

Notice of Casual Vacancy
PARISH OF HAYDON WICK (HAYDON WICK WARD)

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a casual vacancy has occurred in the office of Councillor for the Parish Council following the resignation of Councillor Golam Choudhury on Tuesday 10th December 2024.

Rule 5(2) of The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules, 2006 now applies.

The rule allows for ten local government electors for the Haydon Wick Parish Haydon Wick Ward to request the Returning Officer to hold an election to fill the vacancy. That request must be made within fourteen days excluding dies non. The fourteen day notice period ends on 2nd January 2025. Requests must be made in writing to Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon Borough Council, SN1 2JH.

If a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy.

If a request to hold an election is not received during the permitted time period Rule 5(5) of the above rules will apply. The Parish Council must, as soon as practicable after the expiry of the fourteen-day period, co-opt a person to fill the vacancy.

This notice is dated 10th day of December 2024

Georgina Morgan-Denn
Chief Officer/Clerk to the Council
HAYDON WICK PARISH COUNCIL

 

Empathy in Action: Walking a Mile in Dementia’s Shoes
Empathy in Action: Walking a Mile in Dementia’s Shoes 600 438 Liz Matthews
🧠 Empathy in Action: Walking a Mile in Dementia’s Shoes 🚌
Our team recently experienced a powerful dementia simulation that completely transformed our understanding of this challenging condition. Using cutting-edge technology on a specialised dementia bus, we stepped into the world of those living with dementia – wearing special goggles, headphones, and sensory-challenging insoles – and were asked to perform everyday tasks.
The immersive training by @training2careuk and @homeinsteadswindon @homeinsteaduk wasn’t just an experience – it was an eye-opening journey that will directly improve our Memory CafĂ© and Companions CafĂ© services. It was also a great opportunity to network with other local organisations doing similar work in the wider community.
Key highlights:
– Ground-breaking sensory simulation technology
– Medical research-backed experience
– Networking with local care professionals
– Direct insights into dementia challenges
By understanding more, we can support better. Together, we’re making life brighter for those living with dementia. đź’™

Your Community Matters…Your Priorities in Action!
Your Community Matters…Your Priorities in Action! 8000 4500 Liz Matthews
Your Community Matters
Your Priorities in Action!
In 2022, we embarked on a comprehensive consultation to understand our community’s priorities. Now, we’re checking in to share our progress and seek your feedback on how we’re doing.
This week we’re featuring one of your priorities A clean and tidy place
**Community Update: Playparks Maintenance Progress**
We’ve been hard at work addressing your top priorities, including maintaining our local playparks. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve completed recently:
– Brookfield & KGV Play Areas: Damaged surfaces have been repaired
– Brookfield Hedge: Trimmed down to fence height, along with other nearby hedges
– White Eagle Hedges: Second trim completed last month, following initial cut in November
– Havisham & Gaynor Play Areas: Hedges cut by the team over 2 days
– Gaynor Play Area: Platforms on junior unit rebuilt with marine plywood
– Luna Play Area: New safer gate mechanism installed
– Bus Stop (opp. Skatepark): Old Perspex replaced with 2mm Perspex
– Lillian Play Area: Swing seats updated with new style
This is all part of our ongoing efforts to keep our parks and public spaces clean, green, and safe for the whole community.
Share Your Thoughts: Click here: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/consultation-hub/ to complete our short survey. Let us know if we’re meeting your expectations and if your priorities remain the same.
Spread the Word: Encourage your neighbours and friends to participate in this feedback process.
Your continued engagement is crucial in ensuring we’re delivering on what matters most to you. Help us develop a Haydon Wick we can all be proud of!
Together, let’s create a safe, clean, green, and caring Haydon Wick – your feedback matters!

Thank you to the Orbital Market
Thank you to the Orbital Market 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

A huge thank you to the Orbital Market for hosting us this weekend! 🌟

We had a wonderful day connecting with our community and are grateful for the opportunity to share information about our upcoming events, our future strategy and new initiatives. Many of the Councillors present spent invaluable time meeting with residents and discussing important community matters.

We were also delighted to be supported by our youngest councillors in training, who kept us on our toes throughout the day! Their enthusiasm is exactly what makes these community events so special.

The market provided the perfect setting for these valuable conversations, and we’re thankful for all the residents who stopped by to chat. These face-to-face interactions are what help make our community stronger.

We’re looking forward to more opportunities to engage with our community! Watch this space…👀

 

Your Community Matters…
Your Community Matters… 8000 4500 Liz Matthews
Your Community Matters…. Your Priorities in Action!
In 2022, we embarked on a comprehensive consultation to understand our community’s priorities. Now, we’re checking in to share our progress and seek your feedback on how we’re doing.
Your Top Priorities
  • A clean and tidy place: Clean streets and well-maintained open spaces
  • A kind and caring place: Fostering a supportive community environment
  • A green and sustainable place: Promoting eco-friendly initiatives
  • A safe and friendly place: Ensuring security and fostering positive relationships
How Are We Doing?
We’ve been working hard to address these priorities, and now we want to hear from you. Are we on the right track? Have your priorities changed?
Review Our Progress: Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing detailed updates on each priority area.
Share Your Thoughts: Click here: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/community-matters-survey-2024/ to complete our short survey. Let us know if we’re meeting your expectations and if your priorities remain the same.
Spread the Word: Encourage your neighbours and friends to participate in this feedback process.
Your continued engagement is crucial in ensuring we’re delivering on what matters most to you. Help us develop a Haydon Wick we can all be proud of!
Together, let’s create a safe, clean, green, and caring Haydon Wick – your feedback matters!

National Tree Week Celebration
National Tree Week Celebration 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

National Tree Week Celebration: Growing Our Green Legacy!

We’re branching out this week to highlight our incredible tree-planting achievements across the community!
🌱 Community Impact Highlights:
  • We’ve created Pocket Woodland Forests in Torun Way North and Grace Walk, transforming urban spaces into vibrant green havens.
  • Our ecological milestone: 1,300 trees planted at Tadpole Field through the Trees for Climate initiative, representing a robust 5-year commitment to environmental regeneration.
  • Blossom Park now serves as a poignant memorial, with cherry trees symbolizing hope and renewal in honour of Covid-19 victims.
🌿 Upcoming Green Initiatives:
  • A comprehensive Tree Survey is planned for 2025-2030, encompassing 12 Council-owned sites.
  • Our Parks & Open Spaces Team continues strategic tree maintenance through targeted pruning and border management.
  • This Christmas, we’re celebrating our living trees differently – instead of a cut tree, we’ll illuminate the Cherry Blossom at the front of the Parish Council office.
Weekend Response Update:
Our teams responded swiftly to weekend debris concerns. The Out of Hours Team and SBC Tree Teams were fully mobilised, addressing urgent inquiries. Today, our Parks and Open Spaces team continue clearing storm debris, though reports remain minimal due to our prompt weekend coverage.
Our trees are more than plants – they’re living monuments of community resilience, environmental stewardship, and hope for future generations!

Explore our latest news

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Haydon Wick Parish Council Strengthens Its Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

 Haydon Wick Parish Council Strengthens Its Commitment to the Armed Forces Community 1860 1392 Liz Matthews

Building a Stronger, More Resilient Community Together đź’™

 Building a Stronger, More Resilient Community Together đź’™ 2016 1512 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Through Children’s Eyes: Creative Ideas Inspire New Community Mural

 Haydon Wick Through Children’s Eyes: Creative Ideas Inspire New Community Mural 1600 1200 Liz Matthews

Summer Extravaganza 2026 – a Fantastic Day of Fun, Music and Community Togetherness

 Summer Extravaganza 2026 – a Fantastic Day of Fun, Music and Community Togetherness 766 540 Liz Matthews

Grounds Maintenance Facility Officially Opens 

 Grounds Maintenance Facility Officially Opens  2560 1707 Liz Matthews

What a wonderful morning at the Haydon Wick Haven

 What a wonderful morning at the Haydon Wick Haven 2048 2048 Liz Matthews

Goodearl Dog Park Grand Opening & Dog Show

 Goodearl Dog Park Grand Opening & Dog Show 1417 2126 Liz Matthews

Today at the Companions Café

 Today at the Companions Café 1100 1100 Liz Matthews

Proud to Support Our Local School Summer Fetes

 Proud to Support Our Local School Summer Fetes 1296 972 Liz Matthews
About Us

We are the Parish Council that wants to lead and develop our local community. We are self-aware and are committed to focussing on the urban issues that are important to the entire community.

Our Address
Haydon Wick Parish Council
Thames Avenue
Haydon Wick
Swindon
SN25 1QQ
Contact Us

© Haydon Wick Parish Council | Website by clearwater

Our thanks to Mark Weaving, Phil Jefferies, Rimpy and Shohini Dutta Kanungo for many of the photographs used across the website

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