News

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Haven
Haydon Wick Haven 640 480 Georgina Morgan-Denn

This week saw another happy Haven with a personal best of 17 attendees and rising. The attendees enjoyed playing bingo and both new people had brought beginners luck along with them as they bagged the prices of a delicious fruit bowl and a toiletries gift set.

The purpose of the Haven is to combat loneliness and isolation within the community and gives a safe, friendly, environment to meet new friends and enjoy each others company.

The next Haven is on Monday 11th September 11am – 1pm and our very special guest, the Mayor of Swindon,  Councillor Barbara Parry will be joining for tea and cakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick – Trent Road Play Area Refurbishment
Haydon Wick – Trent Road Play Area Refurbishment 2560 1600 Georgina Morgan-Denn

“The Parish Council works closely with accessible play area charities and school pupils to ensure accessible play has been incorporated into the fifth play area in the parish since 2020”.

An important strategic purpose in the Council’s Community Led Plan is to make play areas accessible for all. In this financial year the Council allocated £70,000.00 for the refurbishment and enhancement of Trent Road Play Area, in Greenmeadow, Haydon Wick.

The Council sets aside budget each year to maintain the 23 play areas in the parish to a high standard for all the community to enjoy. Last year saw enhancements to Luna Close Play Area in Oakhurst, Gaynor Close Play Area in Abbey Meads, and the wet pour safety resurfacing of Voyager Drive Play Area. The Council is passionate about eventually making all its 23 play areas accessible for all. It works closely with accessible play area charities and school pupils to ensure accessible play has been incorporated into the fifth play area in the parish since 2020.

The specification for Trent Road Play Areas was to tailor the needs of children with various disabilities including the provision of a basket swing, an accessible roundabout and numerous play panels. As much of the existing equipment at Trent Road Play Area was in a repairable and reasonable condition, the play area received an enhancement instead of a full refurbishment. Therefore, the specification was for a few new pieces of equipment and a cosmetic enhancement. Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission, and Greenmeadow Primary School were all tasked with reviewing the tender bids received from various play area design companies. They did this during a school lesson on raising awareness of disabilities and how small adjustments to everyday life can make a huge difference to those living with disabilities and their families. Greenmeadow Primary School also confirmed they are considering a fundraising activity to sponsor more equipment in the autumn.

During the review process pupils of Greenmeadow Primary school gave some heartwarming comments which really highlight the importance of accessible play for all.  “I could go on the roundabout with my sister who is in a wheelchair”. “That seesaw design is brilliant if you aren’t able to move like me”. “Some people can’t hear like us, so having sign language for us to learn is really cool”. “I love how colourful the play area is”.

Four tender bids were received from leading play design companies and scrutinised by the Council’s Play Area Working Party before a recommendation was presented to Full Council in July.

Wicksteed Leisure Limited won the tender for its innovative designs, utilising the budget giving maximum play value within the space due for enhancement and the provision of several accessible friendly panels. All members of the Council agreed that the design was very eye catching, captured over and above the original wish list and for a very competitive price. Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission and Greenmeadow Primary School were all very impressed with the winning design for Trent Road Play Area.

The Parish Council will be protecting its new asset with the installation of CCTV to ensure that the equipment is looked after well for years to come and to ensure that individuals and families using the play areas feel safe.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee said:

“I am really pleased to report that we have been able to refresh Trent Road Play Area this year. I will look forward to seeing the Play Area open with its new look very soon. I’d like to thank the local charities for their help with feeding back on the designs and for the pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School for giving the thumbs up on the current designs and giving us plenty of ideas for future play area developments. Wicksteed Leisure was the supplier of the current play area equipment, which has served its purpose for the last 30 years with minimal repairs and maintenance. The current equipment will continue to be used and be repainted to match the freshness of the upcoming refurbishment. The Council’s focus has been making sure there is something for everyone with refreshed equipment that can meet most accessibility requirements, so that these can be enjoyed for generations to come. It is anticipated that the refurbishment will be completed by the late summer/early autumn and will be opened by pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School”. This refurbishment together with having grass roots football club, AFC Haydon Vale, also at the site will really put Trent Road on the map for innovative play, sport and leisure activities”.

To find out the exact date of the play area opening please keep an eye on the Parish Council’s social media pages for more updates.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Grass Cutting Schedule 23-24 (last updated 2nd August 2023)
Grass Cutting Schedule 23-24 (last updated 2nd August 2023) 512 512 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Following on from our commitment to improve the communications about our maintenance services, we can confirm  the live grass cutting schedule has recently been updated. Click here for more information  [https://haydonwick.gov.uk/maintenance-schedule/]

We are working on a similar live document to communicate the Hedge and Shrub cutting schedule. This is not yet available as we are in the process of confirming some new machinery which will help to bolster the service and improve the turnaround times.

 

In the meantime, we can confirm that as of 3rd August we have 13 more working days left in Abbey Meads and then it will be completed. The Team will then jump straight to Oakhurst during the week commencing 21st August.

 

We will continue to prioritise areas such as school crossings, major footpaths, road junctions and areas where there could be a health & safety risk to the public.

 

We are also making improvement to how residents can report and track any areas they have reported need attention. An update on this will be published soon.

 

In the meantime kindly continue to report areas to Tidy Up for an interim tidy up prior to the scheduled cut: tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Football at Trent Road
Football at Trent Road 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

 

 

Statement from the Parish Council Chairman & Chief Officer

 

The Parish Council is currently in contractual negotiations with AFC Haydon Vale as the lease renewal terms were not agreeable to both parties. Throughout these negotiations the Parish Council and the Football Club have maintained good communications and have tried to arrive at a workable solution which balances the needs of the community alongside the continuation of grass roots football at Trent Road. At no stage has there been a suggestion to stop playing football at Trent Road.

 

The Council is committed to developing football in the parish with an initial £3,000 grant to the Football Club in June 2022 and subsequent favourable rental terms, both of which enabled the club to establish itself at Trent Road. The initial rental rate was introductory to assist the Club in their first year with a commitment to review annually.  Comparative rates at local pitches are much higher.

 

The ongoing use at Trent Road will be discussed and finalised at Tuesday night’s Parks & Open spaces Committee. Surrounding households will be informed of the Council’s decision on Wednesday providing all residents with a point of contact for any feedback.

 

The Parish Council actively supports grass roots football and activities for younger people and it is a priority in the Council’s strategy and community-led plan. The Council is keen to provide more investment but must balance the needs of all the community across the parish.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Annual Leisure Garden Competition
Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Annual Leisure Garden Competition 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

 

“Councillors and Staff enjoyed judging the beautiful and carefully cultivated Leisure Gardens across all three of the Haydon Wick Parish Leisure Garden sites”.

 

Each year, as part of the regular inspection process, all Leisure Garden plots are judged and entered into the Parish Council’s Annual Leisure Garden Competition.

The primary purpose of a leisure garden or allotment is to provide crops of vegetables, fruit, flowers, and culinary herbs for household use. Therefore, there is a wide range of criteria that is considered during the judging process, from environmental factors to aesthetics, quality of crops and sustainability.

Thursday 27th July 2023 saw the day of the competition judging. It was wonderful to be able to do this in the sunshine as unfortunately, it had already been delayed a few days due to inclement weather.

The judges visited a huge array of plots that had been well cared for, created lots of produce, beautiful blooming flowers with an abundance of bees and butterflies, and other wildlife that are so vital to our ecosystem.

Councillor R Hailstone, Chair of Parks & Open Spaces Committee had this to say:

“The judges found it difficult to choose between the top places due to the high standard of entries. This was particularly the case in, the ‘Best Beginner’ category where all the participants had achieved remarkable results in such a short time”.

The Council appreciate the hard work it takes to maintain a Leisure Garden and some of the plots obviously had lots of work and commitment into them – Council extends a huge well done to all of its plot holders.

After many discussions the First, Second and Third place prizes at each site (Rose Walk, Goodearl and Ventnor Close) were decided upon. This year also saw a new category of ‘Best Beginner’ which recognises the work that has been undertaken by a new plot holder since taking on their plot since October 2022.

The winners will be notified, and trophies and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Plot Holders Meeting, date to be confirmed.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Youth Summer Programme with BEST-Be A Better You has Commenced
Youth Summer Programme with BEST-Be A Better You has Commenced 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

The first enrichment session in the Council’s youth summer programme saw an action-packed two hours and lots of happy attendees. 

Thursday 27th July saw lots of familiar, excited faces coming through the doors of GLL Sports Hall for the first summer enrichment session with BEST – Be A Better You. It was so lovely to see so many regular attendees returning.

The group was split into two; half played football and practiced football skills, whilst the other half engaged with boxing skills and drills. It’s amazing to see that so many of the young people who attended previously have remembered some of the drills, and each time they come are progressing even further. After a quick snack and a drink, the groups swapped over and enjoyed the other sport. By the end of the session, everyone was beginning to slow down, after a manic two hours running around.

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

“It is so inspiring to see so many young people enjoying these sessions, in particular a child that came to last year’s Haydon Wick Summer Programme, who was so shy and nervous, has now gone on to play football at a grass roots club that I am part of, in his free time. BEST sessions are aimed at providing children with activities to keep them engaged, make new friends and be involved in sport to lead them down a healthy path and to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. The funding from the Council really helps us to reach as many young people as we can.

I am so proud to be a part of this amazing charity, that is helping so many young people achieve their dreams.”

The Council is really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the summer programme brings to the young people of Haydon Wick. Its not too late to sign your child up for any of the remaining free sessions. To do this, please contact Kate at: youthandcommunity@haydonwick.gov.uk / 01793 722446.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick’s Youngest Environmental Warriors
Haydon Wick’s Youngest Environmental Warriors 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

‘How incredible that Haydon Wick’s youngest generation are helping to save our planet’.

 

On Monday the 19th June, the Council staff had the pleasure of meeting a local childminder and four of her wonderful young people. The office was filled with excitement and chitter chatter as they got dressed up in their high visibility tabards and hard hats. Armed with bags, a hoop and litter picking sticks, off they set on a mission to keep Haydon Wick a lovely place to live and work and help save Planet Earth.

 

It is vital to teach our young people as early as possible the importance of looking after our environment. Not only for the enjoyment and well-being of the current population, but for the health and enjoyment of those in future generations.

 

Along with this, the wildlife certainly appreciates the hard work and dedication of volunteer litter pickers as they get to enjoy a safe a clean home. It is refreshing to see how enthusiastic these young people are about doing such a good job. Well done environmental Warriors!

 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer litter picker or would like to borrow some equipment to join in the tidy up mission, please contact Darry at: admin@haydonwick.gov.uk

Haydon Wick Parish Council commits to fundraising and supporting two local mental health charities in 2023/24
Haydon Wick Parish Council commits to fundraising and supporting two local mental health charities in 2023/24 1200 800 Haydon Wick

“The Parish Council is committed to helping the most vulnerable in its Parish.”

Haydon Wick Parish Council recently agreed to support two local mental health charities – The Kelly Foundation and BEST – Be a Better You, in their fundraising efforts this year and until the end of April 2024.  Throughout the next 12 months the Council will host a variety of fundraising events and activities to help raise funds for both charities. All fundraising events will be open to all and have the dual aim of providing a great community event whilst raising as much money for the good causes as possible.

The Parish Council is committed to helping the most vulnerable in its Parish.  They do this in many ways and not just in with this most recent decision to support these two important local charities.  The Council invests in its team to ensure that staff members are trained Mental Health First Aiders and Dementia Friendly. They are also continuing to deliver an inclusive programme of Reducing Loneliness and Isolation in the community with events such as the Haydon Wick Haven – a warm and welcoming coffee morning which allows residents to have a friendly chat, meet new people and discuss local issues with their parish council, popular community yoga sessions which are financially subsidised by the Council, as well as regular Mental Health Walks in many of the parish’s therapeutic parks and open spaces.

The Kelly Foundation is a registered charity set up to listen, understand and support individuals suffering from acute anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.  As a new charity, they have found it is extremely difficult to raise funding, as most formal funding bodies require at least two years track record (for understandable reasons) with accounts and outcomes. The charity supports individuals within the Parish and across Swindon all with a range of complex needs some emotional and some practical.

John Stooke, Chairman at The Kelly Foundation said; “We were delighted to learn that Haydon Wick Council has adopted us as a nominated charity for the next year. The income raised will be spent entirely on buying in specialist and additional support at heavily discounted rates, from the private sector, for individuals in distress. The Council’s support, in helping us to help others, is sincerely appreciated.”

BEST – Be a Better You is a registered charity that started in 2020 with a clear vision to provide a positive experience for young people with different social, emotional and mental health barriers. This is achieved through sports training and 1-2-1 mentoring, supporting the young people who work with the charity to lead successful lives. The Charity’s ethos is to support, deliver and guide a young person to be best they can be through sport and mentoring.

Craig Hiscock, Operations Director said; “The whole team at BEST – Be a Better You, cannot thank Haydon Wick Parish Council enough for their ongoing support and choosing us as one of their charities they will support from 2023 – 2024. We are a small local charity working with many children and young people at risk in Swindon. Any help we receive is greatly appreciated and funds raised for the charity go directly to supporting the young people. We have worked closely with Haydon Wick Parish Council since we began three years ago and value the relationship we have with them. We are really looking forward to attending and supporting the forthcoming events over the next 12 months.”

The Chairman of the Council – Cllr Vinay Manro had this to say to say about the partnerships; “I was delighted to see the support in nominating The Kelly Foundation and BEST by our Councillors for our chosen charities for this year. The Council cannot deliver everything on its own, and working with partners such as these enables us to deliver what our residents are asking for. The Council’s Community Led Plan is clear in its aim to make Haydon Wick a ‘Kinder and more Caring’ place to live and it hopes the community can see how hard their Parish Council is working to make this possible.”

Both charities will be attending the Council’s Summer Spectacular that takes place on Saturday 15th July 2023 at King George V Field, SN25 1HQ. The event is open to the public from 10.00am – 5.00pm and include a boxing and sport presentation from some of the BEST attendees as well as raising awareness of mental health issues in a dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing area of the event.  For more information about the event visit the Council’s website: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/haydon-wick-summer-spectacular/.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Summer Spectacular
Haydon Wick Summer Spectacular 429 290 Georgina Morgan-Denn
The Council is excited to announce the Haydon Wick Summer Spectacular
A fun family event with free entry that is being held at King George V Playing Field on Saturday 15th July 2023, 10am – 5pm
Bring some pennies for ice cream, stall purchases, cakes and other fun activities.
For more information, please contact Kate at:
youthandcommunity@haydonwick.gov.uk / 01793 722446
  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

ITT – Refurbishment at Trent Road Playing Field, Haydon Wick
ITT – Refurbishment at Trent Road Playing Field, Haydon Wick 512 512 Georgina Morgan-Denn

The Council is pleased to announce the Invitation to Tender for the refurbishment of Trent Road Playing Field, Haydon Wick is now live.

As aligned within its Community Led Plan and aim to make Play Areas accessible for all, the Council is pleased to be working with Mums on a Mission and Benjamin’s Smile once again to capture ideas and share experiences on this innovative new play area refurbishment project. The tender deadline is the end of June ready for scrutiny and approval at Full Council in July. Watch this space for more exciting updates!

Previously the Council has worked with both charities for King George V, Luna Close and Gaynor Close on accessible play areas. Luna Close recently featured in Sport England’s new active design code available on Sport England’s website. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the above play areas please do so.

To view the tender for the Trent Road Playing Field, click here.

Clarification Questions received from potential bidders:

  1. What is you preferred type of material for the new equipment steel or is timber acceptable? Steel is the preferred material; however, timber designs will be considered.
  2. Do you require wet pour across the whole are, or just the safety fall zones as in the existing play area, with tarmac around them. Wet pour around the equipment with tarmac infill.
  3. The tarmac footpath – is this to run approx. where you can see the worn path across the grass on the attached screenshot? That would be fine, the shortest point between the play area and the footpath.
  4. Am I right to assume that the vehicle access is on the far side of the field, from Severn Avenue? Yes, that is correct.
  5. With the proposed new area, are you looking for the area to be one complete rubber pad, or several pads with tarmac in between, or several pads with grass in between? Several pads with tarmac in between would be the preferred, however, innovative designs will be considered.
  6. Do you require an independent post installation inspection? No, this should be covered within the fee retention. The external play inspection company assessments will be done during the 12 month period, so any faults would be requested to be corrected before the retention is issued.
  7.  Do you require any seating? No. This is easy for the Council to install and purchase in the future if required. Focus the budget on new equipment / surfacing.
  8.  Can we extend the 750 word count to capture all the items we’d like to get across in the tender? Yes, word count can be extended to 1,250 words.

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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.

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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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