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Liz Matthews

Temporary Parks & Open Spaces Operatives Wanted

Temporary Parks & Open Spaces Operatives Wanted 560 420 Liz Matthews

Join the team!

Temporary Parks & Open Spaces Operatives Wanted (x2)

We’re looking for two people to help take care of our Parks and Open spaces. The job involves all types of landscaping, horticulture work and general maintenance on land owned by the Council. As part of the team, you’d need to make sure work is completed properly and to a high standard. You’ll be working closely with the Head of Parks & Open Spaces, helping them to deliver a service that reflects the Parish Council Gold Award standards. Part of the role is also about finding ways to improve how we do things and make it all run smoother. Safety is a big priority too – you’d need to keep an eye out for any risks, carry out proper risk assessments, and always follow safe working practices. If you’re up for getting your hands dirty maintaining and improving our community’s great open spaces, then we want to hear from you.

These seasonal roles are starting Tuesday, 7th May and ending Friday, 2nd August 2024.

Interviews will be held on Friday, 26th April 2024.

Apply now for this temporary opportunity with Haydon Wick Parish Council. Email your CV and cover letter to: Dave HuntHead of Parks and Open Spaces Team at: POSTManager@haydonwick.gov.uk

Click here to read full details

Inclusive Play in the Spotlight!

Inclusive Play in the Spotlight! 640 480 Liz Matthews
Our very own Trent Road Play Park will be featured on ITV News next Thursday, 11th April at 6pm as an excellent example of inclusive play provision. 

The crew visited on Tuesday to film and interview Becky Maddern, founder of Benjamin’s Smiles and PiPA (Plan Inclusive Play Areas) Play Director. Becky, along with her son Benjamin and family, are advocates for creating play spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities.

Discussing the importance of inclusive play, Becky stated:
‘All children deserve and have a right to access and enjoy their local play park. As a parent to a child with profound disability I have first hand experience of what it feels like to see your child excluded from parts of society. We need to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of the design process when a play park is refurbished or a new play park is installed. With PiPA PLAY I am now working with councils across the UK and also want to ensure that change happens locally too so all children can enjoy their local play park’
We’re proud that Trent Road Play Park could represent the incredible work being done to make play more inclusive across the country. Every child deserves the chance to have fun, be active, and most importantly, feel welcome.
Let’s keep raising awareness and creating more spaces where all children can play together!
Be sure to visit King George V Play Area, Gaynor Close Play Area and Luna Close Play Area which have all recently been renovated to incorporate inclusive play.

The Great British Spring Clean – Challenge Accepted!

The Great British Spring Clean – Challenge Accepted! 1167 875 Liz Matthews

Councillors in Haydon Wick rose to the challenge of the #GreatBritishSpringClean, organising community litter picking events across the parish over three weekends. Their efforts paid off as volunteers collected over 20 bags of rubbish from nine different areas.

This annual campaign by #KeepBritainTidy aims to spread awareness that protecting our environment is a responsibility we all share. Litter collected often includes items discarded years ago that are still causing harm today.

The good news is that by taking action and picking up litter, we can immediately improve the parks, streets, and green spaces we cherish.

If you want to do your part to protect local wildlife and our beautiful outdoor spaces, stay tuned for more litter picking dates coming soon.  Get involved and #KeepBritainTidy today!

Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Wednesday, 3 April 2024

Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Wednesday, 3 April 2024 640 480 Liz Matthews

Welcome to Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Egg-citing Easter Festivities in Haydon Wick

The Easter Bunny delighted children with two hopping good events on Wednesday, 3rd April. The fun kicked off at King George V Play Park, where 83 eager youngsters formed teams of Bunnies, Chicks, and Lambs for a special challenge – to find and return the most plastic eggs. After a spirited egg hunt, Team Chicks emerged victorious by collecting over 130 plastic eggs.

The festivities then bounded over to the play park on Voyager Road in Oakhurst. Despite wet and windy conditions, 55 children split into their Bunny, Chick, and Lamb teams to scour the area for hidden eggs. The youngsters showcased their manners, exchanging “please” and “thank you” with volunteers as they raced to return the eggs in record time.

It was a fabulous day with lots of community spirit! A huge thank you to the Haydon Wick Club for their kind donation supporting this event, our lovely volunteers, the Fox and Hounds for allowing easy access to set up, and our awesome Easter Bunny who hopped, waved, and starred in many photos.

An egg-citing Easter indeed for the children of Haydon Wick!

Click on the images below to see them in full resolution.

 

Haydon Wick Community Cafés Abuzz with Activity

Haydon Wick Community Cafés Abuzz with Activity 1920 1476 Liz Matthews

It’s been a lively week at the Haydon Wick community cafés, with residents coming together to celebrate Easter and engage in stimulating activities.

Easter Cheer at the Haven Café

On Monday, the Haydon Wick Haven Café was filled with the joyful spirit of Easter. Attendees spent the morning crafting delightful windchimes in the shapes of chicks, bunnies, and eggs. The café’s dedicated volunteers ensured a fun and well-organised event, assisting participants with refreshments and the assembly of their festive windchime creations.

This seasonal craft session provided a delightful opportunity to celebrate Easter while fostering creativity and community connections. The Haven Café continues to be a popular gathering place, with the next event scheduled for April 8th from 11 am to 1 pm, promising more enjoyable activities.

Midweek Melodies at the Memory Café

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Haydon Wick Memory Café was alive with the sound of music during a lively “Singing for the Brain” session. Attendees enthusiastically sang along to beloved classics like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Rock Around the Clock,” and “Always on My Mind.”

The engaging activities didn’t stop there. Participants also got their bodies moving during an energetic exercise session led by Lin, promoting both physical and cognitive well-being. The Memory Café continues to hit all the right notes, fostering engagement, socialisation, and a vibrant atmosphere for all.

These community cafés, organised by the Haydon Wick Parish Council, provide invaluable opportunities for residents to stay active, connect with others, and participate in stimulating activities.

April Half Term FREE Multi Sports Session, Thursday, 11 April 2024, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

April Half Term FREE Multi Sports Session, Thursday, 11 April 2024, 2.30pm – 4.30pm 1167 875 Liz Matthews

April Half Term FREE Multi Sports Session

Thursday 11th April 24, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

At GLL Haydon Centre Sports Hall (SN25 1QQ)

Come along and take part in lots of sporting activities.

Book your child’s place today!

Please complete the form below to request your child’s place at this event. Places are limited to 40 and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Children must be over the age of five. Priority will be given to those living in the Haydon Wick Parish.

For more information or to book your child on to this session, contact Sean at: communityandyouth@haydonwick.gov.uk / 01793 722446

Easter Half Term Multi Sport Session
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Parish Councillor Vacancy

Parish Councillor Vacancy 1167 875 Liz Matthews

Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor: Co-option Vacancy

Haydon Wick Parish Council is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a Parish Councillor and help shape the future of our community.

As a Parish Councillor, you will:

  • Represent the interests of the parish and the community
  • Influence important local issues like planning, environment, transport and community facilities
  • Work alongside community groups to improve the parish
  • Have a voice in how council tax money is invested in local services and amenities
  • Attend meetings, engage with residents, and make decisions that will have a real impact on the community.

It’s a rewarding way to give back and ensure our parish remains a vibrant, desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

If you are passionate about improving our community with a few hours (or more!) each month to volunteer, we encourage you to put yourself forward. Any qualifying Haydon Wick resident can become a candidate.

For more information on roles, responsibilities and how to get involved, contact Georgina Morgan-Denn, Chief Officer/Clerk at clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk.

Make your voice heard – Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor today!

Please apply through the form below:

Councillor Application
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Maximum file size: 8.39MB

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a UK/Commonwealth/Irish/EU citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Either live in the parish, live within 3 miles of the parish, work in the parish, or have lived/owned property in the parish within the last year

You cannot become a councillor if:

  • You have been convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of 3+ months in the last 5 years
  • You have been declared bankrupt
  • You are employed by the Parish Council

As a councillor, you’ll need to attend bi-weekly meetings (minimum 4 hours per month). And support working parties.

There are allowances available to cover travel/subsistence costs when on council duties.

To apply:
1. If possible attend the Annual Parish Meeting (26th March, 6-8pm) to learn more
2. Contact current councillors with any questions
3. Complete the application form above
4. Submit a cover letter explaining why you want to become a councillor

The council will vote on your application or invite you for a conversation.

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 8th April 2024

A Brilliant Time Was Had By All At Our Latest Fish & Chip Friday!

A Brilliant Time Was Had By All At Our Latest Fish & Chip Friday! 1600 1488 Liz Matthews

The fish and chips from Thames Avenue were a huge hit as always and a big thanks to Asda for generously providing delicious desserts too.

We had a blast with the entertainment from ‘Kiddley Divey’ with her interactive singing session keeping us occupied and energised all afternoon.

An amazing community event thanks to everyone who came out! Keep an eye out for details on the next Fish & Chip Friday coming in a couple months. You won’t want to miss it!

Join Us For The Great British Spring Clean

Join Us For The Great British Spring Clean 1167 875 Liz Matthews

Protecting the Environment is Everyone’s Responsibility

This year, #KeepBritainTidy is spreading awareness that the environment belongs to all of us. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from different communities are coming together to tackle litter – some of which has been present in our environment for decades.

Volunteers often find old litter that was dropped many years ago, but it’s still harming our environment today. As this litter slowly breaks down in our soil and water, it releases greenhouse gases, contributing to the climate crisis.

The good news is that anyone can make a difference by picking up litter. It immediately and visibly improves the environment where we live, work, and play. Most people who participated in last year’s campaign agreed that they felt they had made a positive impact on their local area and were part of a national movement addressing litter.

So, if you want to protect wildlife and the places you love this spring, join your Parish Councillors in the Great British Spring Clean.

#GreatBritishSpringClean Events in Haydon Wick

Date Time Meeting Place
March 15 12pm-2pm Voyager Drive Play Park
March 17 10am-12pm White Eagle Play Park
March 23 10am-12pm

2pm-4pm

Taw Hill, Park near Shops

Oakhurst, Outside Oakhurst School

March 24 10am-2pm

2pm-4pm

Mouldon Hill Car Park

King George V Play Park

March 30 10am-12pm

1pm-2pm

Haydon Wick Skate Park

Seven Fields Car Park @ Kennet Ave

March 31 10am-12pm Tawny Owl Car Park

Public Notice

Public Notice 1167 875 Liz Matthews

**This notice is on behalf of Swindon Borough Council**

Bridleway 6 in Haydon Wick behind Clary Road will be temporarily closed due to a dangerous bridge.

For safety reasons, the bridleway will be closed from March 14, 2024 for 21 days initially. After that, it may remain closed for up to 6 months or until repair work is completed, whichever is sooner.

Pedestrians should use the nearby footbridge as directed by signs.

This closure order is being made for health and safety reasons because of the unsafe bridge condition on Bridleway 6.

The extended 6-month closure, if needed, will start on April 5, 2024.

For more information, contact NetworkCoordination@swindon.gov.ukRead full notice here:

Bridleway 6 Haydon Wick

Bridleway 6 Haydon Wick TTRO notice

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