News

Georgina Morgan-Denn
16 October 2023

News

Parish Council’s toddler and parent trip to Jungle Kingdom

Parish Council’s toddler and parent trip to Jungle Kingdom https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4-scaled.jpg 2560 1906 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 16 October 2023 16 October 2023

“Max the Lion made this event even more ROARsome!”

On Monday 9^th October, the Parish Council ran its second toddler and parent trip to Jungle Kingdom Soft Play Centre in Swindon. The event was paid for by the Parish Council and organised as one of many to reduce loneliness and isolation within the Parish.

The trip started with the excitement of jumping on the Council’s community bus to drive to the soft play centre. Upon arrival, the children could not get their shoes off fast enough to get stuck into exploring and playing. It was lovely to witness the children make friends with each other, as well as parents and grandparents talk to one another about their parenthood experiences and share future fun locations to go with their children.

Managing to round up the hyper bunch ready for their lunch proved to be rather tricky. However, when everyone’s meals arrived, it was just the fuel they needed to carry on having fun after. The food was delicious, and everyone ate well.

Towards the end of the session Max, the lion came to say a special hello to everybody. He gave high fives, cuddles and calmly waved to those who were a little more bewildered by him. After loads of running, jumping, sliding, and climbing there were some very worn-out children and parents looking forward to nap time.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of the Council said:

“Its great to see so many people who may not be able access these facilities easily have the opportunity to come along, have a free nutritious meal and to let their children play”.

The Council is looking forward to planning future youth events and trips, so keep up to date by visiting the website and social media pages.

Never miss an update by keeping up to date with all the latest Haydon Wick Parish Council news and events by subscribing to our monthly email bulletin. To do this visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
11 October 2023

News

Meeting Calendar Update – trial period of bi monthly meetings introduced

Meeting Calendar Update – trial period of bi monthly meetings introduced https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/councillors.png 512 512 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 11 October 2023 11 October 2023

From November the Parish Council will commence a six-month trial to hold its formal Council meetings bi-monthly, with some exceptions as detailed on the table shown. 

At the time of writing the Parish Council had over 55 formal meetings per year. In addition to formal meetings, there is an extensive portfolio of Working Party meetings which are dedicated to progressing start/stop projects such as Play Area Refurbishments, Budget Setting and Wildflowers, Trees & Bulbs.

The meeting cycle was continuous, and the intensity represented a significant resource implication for the Clerks and other team members who must attend and/or contribute towards them. Not to mention the impact on the Councillors’ time too. Our most active Councillors were often attending several meetings per week. Also, there were times when, because of the quick turnaround, there was not sufficient time between meetings for stakeholders to provide the necessary updates to present to a meeting.

This trial period of reduced meetings allows more time to follow up on the meeting actions, have sufficient time to make the necessary investigations and prepare the reports for future meetings. Furthermore, as part of the trial all Planning & Highways matters will be discussed at Full Council.

The updated meeting calendar can be seen by clicking here.

If you have any questions regarding this trial period, please contact the Chief Officer: clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk

Georgina Morgan-Denn
11 October 2023

News

The Parish Council is excited to announce that it has a vacancy

The Parish Council is excited to announce that it has a vacancy https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/vacancy.png 652 496 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 11 October 2023 11 October 2023

The Parish Council is excited to announce that it has a vacancy for a

Youth and Community Development Co Ordinator

Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week), Job share considered.

SCP Band 13-17 (£24,948 – £26,845) (£13.71 – £14.75 per hour).
*NJC Pay Award Pending.

This exciting opportunity is for an experienced and confident Youth & Community Co Ordinator. They will support the Community Development Officer in continuing to deliver successful community engagement activities as directed by the Council’s Community Development Committee.

The role will be demanding, but highly rewarding, and best suited to an individual with some youth and community experience. You will be highly organised, have a proven ability to work with all sectors of the community, councillors and stakeholders. Having the experience to draw on you will have the confidence, drive, and ambition to make Haydon Wick a desirable place to live and work.

To download the Job Description and Person Specification, click here.

If you think this is the position for you, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter to Kate New at: CDOfficer@haydonwick.gov.uk

Georgina Morgan-Denn
28 September 2023

News

Successful Murder Mystery & Curry night helps to reduce loneliness and isolation in the parish

Successful Murder Mystery & Curry night helps to reduce loneliness and isolation in the parish https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-11.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 28 September 2023 28 September 2023

“The room was buzzing with the sound happiness, laughter and people enjoying the lovely meal…”

On Friday 22^nd September, the Council hosted a Murder Mystery & Curry night at the Haydon Wick Working Men’s Club. This follows on from a series of quiz nights and supper evenings that have taken place throughout the year in line with the Council’s commitment to reduce loneliness and isolation in the parish.

Tickets were a sell out and at 7pm the room filled with attendees, in groups and alone, joining together to enjoy an evening of murder so gruesome. Purton Amateur Dramatic Society performed their latest ‘Christina’ murder mystery act, which left people in the interval wondering who did the terrible deed.

Chennai Dosa arrived to serve their wonderful Indian street food to all attendees and actors and the room was buzzing with the sound happiness, laughter and people enjoying the lovely meal.

The raffle was drawn in the interval, and this saw lots of lovely prizes donated. Our lucky winners walked away with bottles of wine, sweetly scented candles, sweets and most importantly, chocolates! In total the raffle raised £103 for the Council’s chosen charities, BEST – Be A Better You and The Kelly Foundation.

As the rest of the evening unfolded, the audience were left with clues to try and decipher who they felt was the guilty party or parties. The actors and actresses distributed themselves amongst the audience, looking at the reasoning behind the team’s decisions. The winning team ‘Too Much Prosecco’ won prizes for their creative detective skills. The Council received some positive feedback about the event:

“It was lovely to come out on a Friday evening and do something totally different”.

“Wow the curry was delicious, thanks for a great evening”.

“I can’t wait for what the next event might be”.

Help the Parish Council choose next year’s Community Choices

In 2020 the Council launched its Community Choices initiative. This is where Haydon Wick residents provide ideas and suggestions for what to spend the Community Choices budget on. The community then vote, and the most popular choice(s) are delivered by the Parish Council in that financial year. For the past two years the community has voted for a programme of events to help reduce loneliness and isolation.

Residents are now being asked to submit suggestions of projects, activities, or events for 2024/25. To find out more about Community Choices project contact the Council’s Community Development Officer or visit the Council’s website: cdofficer@haydonwick.gov.uk / https://haydonwick.gov.uk/community-choices/.

Never miss an update by keeping up to date with all the latest Haydon Wick Parish Council news and events by subscribing to our monthly email bulletin. To do this visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
28 September 2023

News

Haydon Wick Haven

Haydon Wick Haven https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/haven-Mayor.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 28 September 2023 28 September 2023

“The café is part of the Council’s commitment to reduce loneliness and isolation in the parish.”

The Haydon Wick Haven was set up earlier this year continuing from the ‘Warm Spaces’ initiative as part of the Council’s commitment to reduce loneliness and isolation in the parish. The Haven accepts all residents to a warm and welcoming space for refreshments and to enjoy some quiet time or have a chat and meet new people.

Since the Haven began the numbers have increased from around six people to now when it attracts more than twenty regular attendees. The sessions are held fortnightly on Mondays from 11.00am – 1.00pm and they are really making a difference to all who attend with new friendships forming. This shows the project is working and helping the most isolated residents in the parish enjoy some company.

Over the past few sessions, attendees have enjoyed a trip to Hillers at Lechlade, visited the Council’s Sensory Garden at the Goodearl Leisure Garden site, or stayed inside to take part in some seated exercises, have an entertaining game bingo or take part in exciting quizzes.

On Monday 13^th September, Madame Mayor of Swindon Councillor Barbara Parry visited the Haven and joined in with the fun. The Haven’s wonderful attendees appreciated asking Madame Mayor lots of questions about her role in Swindon and the process she went through to become Mayor.

Some of the feedback from attendees is:

“What a lovely lady our Mayor is, I felt really privileged to meet her and share our morning with her”.

“I had a wonderful time and loved meeting Madam Mayor”.

“I enjoyed the Haven as I always do, and it was even more special because we got to meet our Mayor”.

“I look forward to every Haven. It brightens my day and I go home feeling so much better”.

Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development attends all the Haven sessions and shared how she proud she was about the service:

“It is wonderful to see how the Haven Café has grown. It can be very difficult for people who are alone, but there is no better cure for loneliness than making new friends. Just chatting with other people can have a huge positive impact on a person’s mood. The Haven offers lots of fun and laughter, with a variety of games and activities on offer each week, plenty of tea and biscuits, and the chance to go on some great trips. We would especially like to thank the Madam Mayor of Swindon Councillor Barbara Parry for her visit, we greatly appreciate her taking the time to visit us.”

Never miss an update by keeping up to date with all the latest Haydon Wick Parish Council news and events by subscribing to our monthly email bulletin. To do this visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
19 September 2023

News

Parks & Open Spaces Maintenance Programme Weekly Update

Parks & Open Spaces Maintenance Programme Weekly Update https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hedge-cutting.png 512 512 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 19 September 2023 19 September 2023

As part of the Council’s commitment to improve the communication with residents we continue to publish weekly updates on the Parks & Open Spaces Team progress.

Grass Cutting: Due to the wet weather and storms overnight on 17th September some of the areas remain too boggy to cut, so the Operatives have been deployed to hedge and shrub bed maintenance, until the schedule resumes back in Haydon End/ Taw Hill as soon as conditions allow.

Hedge & Shrub Bed Cutting: The Council has now deployed a tractor and side arm, which has been working in large priority areas such as Heaton Close, Bowls Club, Goodearl Field. The tractor and side arm will move on the schedule, continuing in Oakhurst and moving on to Haydon End/ Taw Hill in due course.

Tidy Up: Bins continue to be emptied three times per week in their entirety and two days a week for all priority bins near shops and on major footpaths. Where time allows, the team will work on other areas of work in the afternoons such as the daily work sheets

Parks & Projects: Assisting with community development projects, carrying out some maintenance on the Memory Café Sensory Garden and continuing to cut the hedges around the play areas.

To report any overgrown areas please call 01793 722446 or email on: tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
13 September 2023

News

Haydon Wicks Over 60s Afternoon Tea

Haydon Wicks Over 60s Afternoon Tea https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-Copy.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 13 September 2023 13 September 2023

“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this”.

Saturday 9^th September 2023 saw another fabulous, free event for over 60s in the community of Haydon Wick. The afternoon tea organised by Haydon Wick Parish Council was part of the Council’s Community Choices initiative where ideas are chosen and voted upon by the residents in the parish to deliver projects throughout the financial year. For the second year running, the community chose to focus on reducing loneliness and isolation in the parish, and this event did just that!

The afternoon tea was hosted in the Parish Council Offices on Thames Avenue and saw around 30 wonderful attendees join in for a fabulous afternoon. There were some faces which the staff recognised from the Council’s fabulous Haydon Wick Haven (every other Monday from 11.00am – 1.00pm) and the valuable Community Bus (daily service with subsidised fares), it also welcomed some new faces. The Council is looking forward to welcoming them back for more exciting activities and events which they have to offer.

The beautifully decorated room was set up with vintage chinaware and table clothes. There was lots of lovely food available, from sandwiches, to cream cakes and freshly prepared scones with clotted cream, jam and fresh fruit. It was satisfying to hear snippets of the conversations shared between old and new friends, of lovely stories about passed loved ones, childhood memories, upcoming trips and funny tales of past experiences. Some of the lovely quotes from attendees were as follows:

“We don’t want to leave; we’ve had such a lovely time.”

“We have put the world to rights today, we’ve spoken about everything.”

“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this.”

As always, the event was well supported by Councillors and other wonderful volunteers, who helped to set up, pack away and look after our residents. The Council is proud to see the impact these events are having on this targeted community. They are helping with their mental health and wellbeing simply by giving them a change of scenery for the afternoon, offering tasty cakes and lovely company for a good old fashioned chin wag!

Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development Committee at Haydon Wick Parish Council had this to say about the event:

“What a wonderful time was had by everyone who came to the Over 60’s tea on Saturday. This is always a popular event and is aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness in the older generation, so it was great to see everyone chatting and enjoying themselves. A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the event. The food as always was superb!”

Councillor Paul Park said these words about the event: “I was completely blown away with the work everyone had put in before we even showed up! And I am truly grateful to have such amazing people working for the parish”.

To keep up to date with upcoming events and news from Haydon Wick Parish Council, visit our website and follow us on social media. Alternatively, subscribe to the Council’s monthly news bulletin using the following link: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
7 September 2023

News

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Youth Summer Programme with BEST – Be A Better You

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Youth Summer Programme with BEST – Be A Better You https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-3.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 7 September 2023 7 September 2023

“Such a fantastic time was had by all children of this year’s youth Summer Programme, and what a better way to end it than with a delicious Domino’s pizza!”.

During the summer holidays, the Parish Council funded weekly enrichment sessions with its regular partner and charity, BEST – Be A Better You. This is the Council’s third year of working with BEST who provide engaging and exciting youth activities during the school holidays. The Council is delighted to report that this year has seen a consistently high number of attendees to each session and each one reportedly had a thoroughly good time.

During the sessions the group was split into two and involved activities such as improving football skills, ball control, coordination and confidence, boxing, Jab, Jab, Run (Duck, Duck, Goose) to full on football matches. Each child got involved and greatly improved during the programme.

The final session was held at the Parish Council’s open space at Trent Road Playing field where local Domino’s Pizza at Taw Hill generously provided discounted pizzas as a special treat for all the hard work the young people put in over the summer.

Neil Tustin, FA Football Coach and BEST Youth Mentor had this to say about the programme:

“All children need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them. That’s exactly what we do here at BEST- Be A Better You. Especially through football – this summer programme at Haydon Wick has been so rewarding, watching everyone smile and laugh.”

Craig Hiscock, Operations Manager at BEST – Be A Better You said:

“I just wanted to say thank you for another successful summer program of activities. The records show that we had 179 children attend the sessions and all enjoyed the activities that you fund. Haydon Wick Parish are always our most attended sessions, and every single child enjoys them so much. We sincerely value the work we do with you and are very much looking forward to October half term.”

Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development Committee had this to say about our Summer Programme:

“It is fantastic to hear even more children have taken part in this year’s BEST summer programme and it is great to have received such positive feedback from both parents and the young people who have attended. We are very fortunate to have been able to partner with BEST again and we look forward to welcoming them back in October when they will be running a similar half term programme.”

The Parish Council has already confirmed the next enrichment programme with BEST due to take place during the October half-term. To find out more and to book on to the sessions follow our socials or visit our website. Never miss an update by keeping up to date with all the latest Haydon Wick Parish Council news and events by subscribing to our monthly email bulletin. To do this visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
31 August 2023

News

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s hosts first Vintage Tea Dance

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s hosts first Vintage Tea Dance https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/5fa1433a-9891-4d50-b571-2cc8a6651940.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 31 August 2023 31 August 2023

“Since the event the Council has received some heart-warming feedback from attendees, and this is what makes our events so important.”

Over the last few years, the Parish Council’s award-winning Memory Café has hosted numerous events for both the attendees of the Memory Café, other people living with dementia, their care companions and the over 60s living within the parish.

The aim of this combined vintage tea dance was an opportunity for everyone to come together to do something a little bit ‘different’. Guests were able to enjoy an afternoon of brilliant live entertainment, dancing, reminiscing and interaction, whilst tucking into a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Attendees were greeted by the Council’s Memory Café Co-ordinator and her wonderful team of volunteers. They had all come dressed to impress in vintage 50s wear which was mirrored by most of the attendees. The event was kick started with some wonderful dancing led by Erica Fowers from Swing Out Swindon and singing from the very talented Laura Sings. Erica was fabulous in getting everyone up dancing and learning some new steps. There were clearly some guests who danced many nights away in their past!

A local care company Abi Care brought along a few of their regular service users who thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, thriving in being in a different setting, meeting new people and sharing a cup of tea and cake reminiscing about the 50s. The style of music and dance became quite overwhelming for some as it triggered fond memories of sharing real tea dances with their loved ones throughout the years.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of the Council and Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development Committee both enjoyed attending the event and getting up on the dance floor. Councillor Ross had this to say about the event:

“For the older community, who may be feeling more isolated this was a great opportunity for them to meet new people. It was really uplifting to see everyone come together to dance, reminisce, and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and fun. Everything about it was fabulous, the venue, the tea and the entertainment. A what great dancing by everyone! A big thank you to everyone who attended and to all those involved in making the event such a success! “

During the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a delicious vintage afternoon tea with sandwiches, cream cakes and tasty treats. Some of the refreshments were also generously donated by Asda Orbital.

Since the event the Council has received some heart-warming feedback from attendees. Such feedback is why these events are so important as the Council’s Memory Café and similar services are helping residents to make those precious memories.

“We’ve had such a fantastic afternoon; Lorraine hasn’t stopped dancing”.

“This is one of the best tea dances I have attended, it was wonderful”.

“Thank you to Jo and her Volunteers. It was a nice little do”.

“This is a fantastic idea; we’ve loved the afternoon and you should definitely hold more”.

The Tea Dance was such a great success, the Council is going to plan an even bigger one next year.

To keep up to date with the Council’s upcoming news and events keep an eye on the website and social media. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the monthly News Bulletin with your email address using the following link: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

Georgina Morgan-Denn
28 August 2023

News

Parks & Open Spaces Maintenance Programme Weekly Update

Parks & Open Spaces Maintenance Programme Weekly Update https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hedge-cutting.png 512 512 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 28 August 2023 25 August 2023

As part of the Council’s commitment to improve the communications with residents we continue to publish weekly updates on the Parks & Open Spaces Team progress.

Grass Cutting: The Grass Cutting Schedule is currently five working days behind, due to the Team being required on other projects. They are currently cutting in Taw Hill/Haydon End/Oakhurst and will be moving to Abbey Meads by Tuesday 29^th August. Due to the warmer weather conditions, the growth rate has been slower and should allow the team to catch up on the cycle. Once the team has completed the cycle, the new timescales will be published on the website.

Hedges & Shrub Bed Cutting: The Hedges & Shrub Bed Cutting Schedule remains on track. The team will soon be completing the roadside shrub bed maintenance in Abbey Meads. They have made significant improvement over the last five working days in Oakhurst and will continue this week, prioritising crossings and the main routes to the local primary schools within the parish in preparation to return to the school in September. The tractor and side arm will be received from 12^th September for a period of three months which will aid the process greatly and generate little green waste that would normally require regular trips to the recycling centre.

Tidy Up: The bins continue to be emptied three times a week in their entirety and two days a week for all priority bins. In the afternoons, the team complete some of the actions outstanding on the daily work sheets which are sent by residents to tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk and can include a wide range of tasks. The team also water the parish boundary planters and conduct general grounds maintenance on the Council’s three Leisure Garden sites.

Parks & Projects: They have been helping with shrub bed maintenance around the play areas, whilst continuing with their main duties of play area maintenance and other duties like graffiti removal, litter bin repair and building repairs.

To report any overgrown areas either call the Head of Parks & Open Spaces on: 07598403789 or email on: tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk.