Living

Location: Footbridges between Lyme Way and Brookfield Play Park

One bridge will remain open at all times

Suitable for pedestrians and cyclists

Essential maintenance for continued safe use

Please be advised:

• upcoming carriageway resurfacing works along the section of carriageway between the Asda Orbital Roundabout and Thamesdown Drive
• works are programmed to commence on Tuesday, 25^th November 2025, for three night shifts between 20:00 and 06:00.

Read more here

Temporary Parks & Open Spaces Operatives Wanted (x2)

We’re looking for two people to help take care of our Parks and Open spaces.

Join our team maintaining the Council’s outdoor spaces. You will handle all aspects of landscaping, horticulture, and grounds maintenance while working closely with the Parks & Open Spaces Operations & Facility Manager, our Lead Operatives, and a small team of operatives to uphold our Parish Council’s award-winning standards.

We are looking for individuals who take pride in their work, spot opportunities for improvement, and never compromise on safety. You will be trained to understand risks and follow best practices. You will help us deliver a community service which you can be proud of.

If you’re passionate about keeping our open spaces looking their best, we’d love to hear from you.

For an immediate start until the end of March 2026 – interviews will commence as soon as possible.

In return:

• Salary based on a scale point SCP5, £14.02 per hour, with an additional 12% uplift per hour to cover annual leave and sickness
• Potential to extend the contract period or lead to permanent employment after March 2026
• In-house training provided
• Full PPE provided
• A new Grounds Maintenance Facility to work from
• Small friendly team with lots of experience and knowledge
• Free parking

Make a difference in your community – apply today!

See the full job description here

Send your CV and cover letter to: Jason Watts, POS Operations & Facility Manager at: FacilityManager@haydonwick.gov.uk

A Heartfelt Thank You 🌺

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the beautiful commemorative displays across Haydon Wick this Remembrance season.

A special thank you to Swindon Big Knit for creating the stunning post box topper that has captured so many hearts. The hand-knitted figure of a serving soldier, standing proudly above a glowing canopy of hundreds of red poppies cascading into a moving sea of remembrance, is truly breathtaking. Each poppy, lovingly handmade by dedicated volunteers, carries its own quiet story—a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unity.

Last month, the group generously donated 200 hand-crafted poppies for sale to support the Royal British Legion. The remaining poppies from this donation have been beautifully incorporated into our parish remembrance display in front of the office, where a wreath and garlands adorn the blossom tree, and our tribute features a Tommy with a trailing poppy field. Poppies now mark every gateway across the parish—a united and visible tribute to those who gave their today for our tomorrow.

Thank you to every volunteer, every pair of hands, and every generous heart that has made these displays possible. Your dedication honours those we remember and brings our community together in a truly meaningful way.

Lest we forget.

The keys to Haydon Wick’s brand-new Grounds Maintenance Facility have been officially handed over, marking a significant milestone for the Parish Council and the culmination of three years of dedicated planning, consultation, and collaboration.

From initial concept to completion, the project has progressed through rigorous Council processes, with a dedicated Working Party guiding development at every stage and Full Council providing crucial oversight and approval. The new Facility represents a substantial investment in the Parish’s future, delivering a purpose-built space that will serve the community for decades to come.

Located at the heart of Haydon Wick, the Facility has been designed with both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability at its core. Solar panels crown the roof, demonstrating the Parish Council’s firm commitment to renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint of Council operations. The PV installation will contribute to significant cost savings whilst minimising environmental impact—a dual benefit that underscores the thoughtful approach taken throughout the planning process.

The Parish Council’s dedication to preserving and enhancing local ecology is demonstrated through the planting of new trees to replace those felled during construction, ensuring the overall greenery and ecological health of our community continues to flourish. This commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of green spaces remains a core priority for the Council.

The strategic location promises substantial efficiencies in both time and costs for years to come, enabling more responsive service delivery across the Parish’s cherished parks and open spaces. The Facility provides ample storage for tools and materials, with thoughtfully designed spaces that will support the team’s operational needs.

Cllr Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee, said: “It’s been tremendously rewarding to see the dedication and thorough process that has gone into bringing this Facility to fruition. This represents a remarkable investment in the provision of our parks and open spaces, and I’m genuinely excited to see both our team and the wider community reaping the benefits for many years to come.”

Cllr Vinay Manro Chairman of the Council added: “Our new Grounds Maintenance Facility gives our in-house team the space and tools to keep the Parish looking its best. It brings together six dedicated services, from grass and hedge cutting to play park care and street sweeping. The new workshop allows more repairs and maintenance to be completed on site, improving efficiency and supporting greener operations across the parish.”

The Parks and Open Spaces team have now had the opportunity to explore their new work home for the first time. The scent of fresh paint and new flooring filled the air as they walked through storage cupboards and workspaces designed specifically for their needs. The team staffroom has been furnished with repurposed office furniture donated by a closing business, second hand noticeboard adorn the walls, alongside repurposed tables and chairs that had been kept in storage for two years—a practical approach that extends the sustainability ethos throughout the building.

The Team’s delight was evident, with smiles all round as the long-awaited bespoke Facility became a reality after years of anticipation.

Plans are already underway to host an open event in the coming months, giving residents the opportunity to see the Facility for themselves. Residents can also take the opportunity to learn more about the vital work that happens behind the scenes to maintain the Parish’s beautiful parks and open spaces.

WHITE EAGLE OUTDOOR GYM OFFICIALLY OPENS WITH RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Haydon Wick Parish Council celebrates completion of community fitness facility

Haydon Wick Parish Council marked a significant milestone today with the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new White Eagle Outdoor Gym, welcoming local councillors, officers, and representatives from Harlequin Playgrounds to celebrate the completed facility.

The outdoor gym, which sits alongside the existing children’s play area and multi-use games area (MUGA) at White Eagle, has been delivered on schedule following extensive community consultation earlier this year.

Celebrating Local Partnership

Liam and Nikola Andrews, Managing Director and Director of Harlequin Playgrounds respectively, joined councillors and officers at today’s ceremony to view and try out the professional-grade equipment their team has installed.

The facility features a comprehensive range of equipment suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, including cross trainers, strength training stations, a calisthenics rig, and an accessible hand and pedal bike – all set on a distinctive black surface with green flecks for all-weather safety.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to officially open this facility and see it ready for our community to enjoy. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we listen to residents and work with local partners who share our commitment to creating excellent community spaces.”

Launch Party Planned for January

While the gym is now complete and accessible, residents are invited to a special launch party on the weekend of 10th/11th January 2026 (exact date and time to be confirmed).

The event will offer residents the perfect opportunity to:

• Meet the team behind the project
• Try out all the equipment with guidance
• Receive professional fitness advice
• Take home goodies courtesy of Harlequin Playgrounds
• Start the new year with fresh fitness goals

The launch party will provide a welcoming introduction to this free resource, whether you’re beginning a new exercise routine, maintaining existing fitness goals, or simply curious about what the facility offers.

Watch the Parish Council’s website and social media channels for confirmation of the exact date and time.

Community-Led Investment

The outdoor gym was approved in June 2025 after being voted the top priority through the Council’s Participatory Budget Community Choices Programme, following extensive consultation with residents through letter drops and public sessions.

The partnership with Harlequin Playgrounds, also based in Haydon Wick, has ensured local expertise and investment has remained within the community throughout the project.

For more information, visit the Haydon Wick Parish Council website or follow us on social media.

This half term, families can discover more of North Swindon as the Active Swindon Trails come to Haydon Wick!

You can pick up an Autumn trails leaflet with a map and instructions from the Haydon Centre, Swindon’s core libraries (Central, West, North, Highworth and Park) and the Haydon Wick Parish Council offices.  Residents can also download trail leaflets from the Swindon Travel Choices website.

The trail is one of three trails launched this autumn.  The other 2 trails are

The Fish trail – a loop around Coate Water

The Butterfly trail – a linear route along the Old Town Railway Path.

3 brand new trails will launch for the Winter season on January 1st 2026.