News

A Beautiful Story of Community Kindness
A Beautiful Story of Community Kindness 1600 1200 Liz Matthews
We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of our community!
John, a beloved resident of our Parish, sadly passed away but left such a wonderful legacy. He used his amazing carpentry skills to create beautiful items for everyone to enjoy at the Memory Café sensory garden.
John’s daughter thoughtfully donated his table and chairs to our sensory garden, though they needed some tender loving care. When Paul, one of our dedicated volunteers, reached out on social media asking for help with sandblasting, the response was heart warming.
Booth and Son Ltd stepped forward without hesitation, offering to collect the furniture set, sandblast it completely, and give it a fresh coat of paint – all free of charge! We’re also incredibly grateful to Elmbridge UK who donated all the paint needed for this project.
It was such a special day when we placed the beautifully restored table and chairs in our sensory garden. They look absolutely wonderful – so bright and cheery.
We simply can’t thank you enough for your kindness. This is what community spirit looks like, and we’re so grateful to be part it. 💚
For more information about our Memory Café Sensory Garden contact: memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk

Exciting news for Haydon Wick residents!
Exciting news for Haydon Wick residents! 579 349 Liz Matthews
We’re working hard behind the scenes on plans for a new permissive footpath in Tadpole Field, off Tadpole Lane, Oakhurst. The Field is accessible at the rear of Minnow Close / Boatman Close, Oakhurst and leads through to the main road of Tadpole Lane near the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. The project has been designed to work harmoniously with the site’s existing features, utilising the natural greenery, rural location, boundary fencing and mature trees to create an authentic countryside walking experience right in our community.
Progress So Far
In recent weeks we have:
• Cut back the hedges and grass to create a desire line along the perimeter of the field
• Strimmed around the tree bases and inspected the trees planted through the Great Western Community Forest programme
• Created a gap in the fencing for easier access into the site
Next Steps
While we’re still in the planning phases and working through some ground condition challenges, we’re committed to creating a fantastic new walking route that will serve as a model for future community path projects.
This path represents our commitment to creating a more walkable, connected, and environmentally conscious Haydon Wick. Watch this space for updates as we move forward with this exciting project!
Have questions about the project? Contact us at tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk or call 01793 722446

All aboard the Haydon Wick Community Bus
All aboard the Haydon Wick Community Bus 640 480 Liz Matthews
Some of our dedicated Parish Councillors and Officers hit the road yesterday to visit play areas and scope out exciting upcoming projects around our wonderful community.
There’s nothing quite like getting out from behind the desk and seeing first-hand how we can make Haydon Wick an even better place for families and children to thrive.
This also gave the perfect opportunity to give a huge warm welcome to our newest team member, Councillor Jacqueline Ireland, who’s fresh perspective and enthusiasm are exactly what we need.
From play area improvements to exciting new initiatives on the horizon, there’s so much happening in Haydon Wick.
To learn more about these fantastic projects please contact hello@haydonwick.gov.uk or call 01793 722446 or stay tuned for future project update posts!

National Highways Notice – Road Closures
National Highways Notice – Road Closures 2560 1440 Liz Matthews

 A419/A417 Night Closures – July/August 2025

Essential road resurfacing work means overnight closures (8pm-6am) on various A419/A417 sections from 9th July to 21st August.

📅 Key dates:

  • 9-16 July & 21-26 July: White Hart to Turnpike
  • 23 July-4 Aug & 11-21 Aug: Turnpike to Spine Road
  • 24 July: Common head to White Hart
  • 5 Aug: Spine Road to Burford Road

Read more here.

Orbital Market – Saturday 28th June ’25
Orbital Market – Saturday 28th June ’25 2560 1920 Liz Matthews
Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat at this month’s Orbital market on Saturday 28th June 25
We had some great conversations and lots of useful feedback.
Here’s what we heard:
✅ Residents gave a big thumbs up for improved hedge cutting, weed spraying, and some recent tree work around Haydon End.
🎨 Lots of love for the outdoor art event held earlier this year in Oakhurst — great to see creativity bringing people together!
🍟 Questions came up about the McDonald’s planning application — we’re listening.
🧹 Many of you asked about the road sweeper schedule — we’re on it!
🕳️ Potholes were raised and have been passed on to Swindon Borough Council.
🗑️ Concerns about the bins at Greenmeadow shops came up again — noted!
🌧️ The underpass from Taw Hill was flagged for flooding — we’re looking into who’s responsible so it can be sorted.
🚌 Lots of interest in the brilliant Haydon Wick Haven activities and day trips — great to see such enthusiasm!
We also loved hearing what you think about the market itself. Your feedback really does help us get things done — so please keep it coming! 💬💚

Feel Good Friday
Feel Good Friday 2560 2560 Liz Matthews
This wonderful message from one of our Abbey Meads residents who has absolutely made our day.
We recently helped with some hedge pruning that seemed like routine maintenance to us, but made a real difference to someone in our community. What started as a simple call about an overgrown hedge helped a resident get their broadband installation sorted in time.
Our resident wanted to share heartfelt thanks to everyone involved – from our office team who handled the call, through to the grounds maintenance team who carried out the work.
They were particularly impressed with how pleasant everyone was to deal with, the speed of response, and the professional service from start to finish.
It’s a lovely reminder that everyday tasks can have genuine impact on someone’s life. Sometimes it’s not just about the hedge – it’s about helping someone stay connected.
In their words….”Thank you to everyone who made this happen. You truly are a credit to our Parish Council” 💚

Companions Café Update
Companions Café Update 1600 924 Liz Matthews
What a wonderful morning at our monthly Companion Café☕️
Today we were delighted to welcome Dee, the amazing Admiral Nurse. It is always such a pleasure having Dee join us – she brings a wealth of knowledge and all the latest information about support for people living
with dementia and their companions. 💙
We also had Right at Home join us, entertaining our residents living with dementia in this safe space. Right at Home devote their time to providing stimulating games, music and fun for residents living with dementia – bringing so much joy and engagement. ✨
Our Companion Café is all about YOU – the companion. It is your safe space to talk, share, and feel truly heard. Because we know that caring for someone with dementia means you need support too.
Thank you to everyone who joined us today, and a special thank you to Dee, for sharing her expertise. 🙏
Spaces like this remind us how important community support truly is. Together, we’re stronger. 🤗
For more information and to book your space, reach out to our Memory Café & Community Co-ordinator:
📧 memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk
☎ 01793 722446
Come to our Companions Café and be part of a caring community. Next Café: Thursday, 24th July

EDF Delay Leaves New Grounds Maintenance Facility Idle and Public Funds Wasted
EDF Delay Leaves New Grounds Maintenance Facility Idle and Public Funds Wasted 2016 1512 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council is calling on EDF Energy to take urgent action following a three-month delay in installing a three-phase electricity meter at the Council’s newly constructed Grounds Maintenance Facility on Blunsdon Road, Swindon.

The building is near completion and ready for use. However, essential systems—including fire alarms, heating, and security infrastructure—cannot operate without a functioning power supply. As a result, the Facility cannot legally or safely open.

EDF acknowledged the installation request in March 2025, and has repeatedly assured the Council that the matter has been escalated. Yet, to date, no confirmed installation date has been provided. Compounding the issue, EDF continues to charge a standing fee for a supply that has not been delivered.

Meanwhile, the delay is forcing the Council to lease external premises to sustain critical grounds maintenance operations, at an ongoing cost of over £1,000 per month—a burden carried by public funds. These operations include the Council’s grass cutting team, hedge and tree maintenance team, parks and open spaces staff, and the bin and tidy-up team, all of whom deliver daily critical frontline services to over 23,000 residents across the parish.

“This is a completed public facility sitting idle due to a preventable delay,” said Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council. “The longer this goes on, the more pressure it puts on our services and our budget. EDF must act before the situation worsens.”

A formal complaint has been submitted. The Council is also exploring the use of temporary power as a short-term workaround, but this would come at additional cost and complexity. The Council is therefore calling on EDF to urgently provide the following:

  1. A confirmed installation date within seven working days
  2. A written explanation for the prolonged delay
  3. A review and refund of standing charges applied during the non-supply period

“If this matter is not resolved promptly,” Cllr Manro added, “the Council will escalate the case to Ofgem and raise it publicly with other relevant bodies. This situation demands urgency and accountability.”

Haydon Wick Parish Council remains committed to opening the new facility as soon as possible and will continue to keep the public updated on progress.

Celebrating Outstanding BMW Volunteer Commitment
Celebrating Outstanding BMW Volunteer Commitment 2560 2051 Liz Matthews
What began as a standard request for a corporate away day has blossomed into an inspiring
story of community dedication, as a BMW employee Andy has transformed a volunteer opportunity
into a week of service to the local Parish Council and dedication to the community.

The volunteer was first introduced to the Parish Council by Councillor Leigh Jackson (who
also works as a Production Specialist at BMW) – to support local environmental initiatives
such as graffiti removal and post–maintenance clean–up across the parish.

However, what sets this volunteer apart is his unwavering commitment that has extended far
beyond the original brief. Rain or shine, the dedicated BMW worker has continued to show up,
tackling community improvement projects regardless of weather conditions. His reliability and
positive attitude made him an invaluable asset to the Parish Council’s ongoing efforts to
maintain and enhance local public spaces.

“His dedication has been remarkable,” said Cllr V Manro, Chairman of the Council. “He
consistently volunteered his time for essential maintenance work. When he arrived with cakes
on his birthday to share with the team, it really showed the kind of person he is – someone
who thinks of others even on his special day. We’re thrilled BMW’s initial corporate away day
program has generated lasting benefits for the local community, demonstrating how business
and civic partnerships can create meaningful change.“

The volunteer’s contributions have included:
• Comprehensive graffiti removal across multiple parish locations
• Post–maintenance clean-up operations
•General environmental improvements and tidying initiatives
•Bringing community spirit and positivity to every project

This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that can result when corporate social
responsibility initiatives evolve into genuine community engagement. The Parish Council has
expressed gratitude for BMW’s support and hopes that this example will inspire other local
businesses and individuals to consider similar community involvement opportunities.
To learn more about the Parish Council’s community volunteer opportunities contact the Deputy Clerk, HR & Services Manager on 01793 772446 // deputyclerk@haydonwick.gov.uk

Public Notice Update
Public Notice Update 2560 1440 Liz Matthews

On Behalf of National Highways: Major Maintenance on A419/A417

🚧 ROAD CLOSURE ALERT 🚧

Major bridge painting works coming to A419/A417!

📅 When: Night closures 8pm-6am from Sat 31st May – Thu 26th June

📍 Where: Marston Meysey & Commonhead bridges

🚗 Impact: Various sections closed on different dates

✅ Good news: Road fully open during day (6am-8pm)

🗺️ Diversions: Clearly signed alternative routes available

This essential maintenance will keep our bridges safe and extend their lifespan, preventing more disruptive repairs in the future.

⚠️ Planning a journey? Check before you travel and follow signed diversions (not sat nav!)

For updates: 📞 0300 123 5000 | 🌐 www.nationalhighways.co.uk

More information can be found here (Revised)

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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

 

 

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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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