News

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

BEST offer young people in our community the best start in life
BEST offer young people in our community the best start in life 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

As part of the Council’s aim to reduce Loneliness & Isolation and to continue the fantastic Youth Development Programme, this year’s Easter holidays saw another fantastic set of free, enrichment sessions delivered by BEST- Be A Better You.

The sessions offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to try out a new sport that they may not have had the opportunity to trial before. Its heart-warming to see the sportsmanship, support and kindness that each individual shows to their peers throughout the sessions. As the age range varies from five years old through to sixteen, the older ones offer a great role model figure to the younger ones and all attendees seem to enjoy the mix of ages, abilities, and personalities.

Team games and mini football matches were played using a foam ball, which made it impossible to play with any skill whatsoever. These games caused fits of laughter and the scores were being exaggerated as everyone was finding it hard to score a real goal.

Attendees had a go at Tachiai and Kick Boxing which requires a lot of self-control. These demonstrations were followed with some fun ballet moves which again, had all attendees engaged and enjoying their time there.

As always, the boxing is something that is really enjoyed by all. The drills that the attendees learn during these sessions are becoming quicker and more controlled with each meeting.

Haydon Wick Parish Council has worked alongside BEST for a couple of years now and the sessions have seen lots of returning faces. The growth in confidence over this time from some of the attendees is amazing and really goes to show the amazing job BEST do to help guide young people in our community to have the best start in life and guide them away from some of the worrying issues we are facing in today’s society.

Operations Manager at BEST- Be A Better You, Craig Hiscock had this to say about the Easter enrichment sessions:

“It was great to get back into Haydon Wick parish to provide holiday activities again. BEST has seen record numbers of children attending the sessions. Everyone that attended had a great time and it is lovely to see the children laughing and enjoying their time with us. BEST is grateful for Haydon Wick Parish Council’s continued support”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Fantastic turn out for the Haydon Wick Easter Eggs-travaganza!
Fantastic turn out for the Haydon Wick Easter Eggs-travaganza! 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

The children of Haydon Wick Parish were invited along to meet the Easter Bunny on Saturday 8th April 2023. There was an air of excitement as families queued outside the gates of King George V Field. On the dot of 9.30 am, the gates were opened, and children flooded in to be greeted by the Easter Bunny, who was enjoying a swing in the sunshine.

 

The King George V Field event was the first of the egg hunts, and the second was at Voyager Drive play area at 11.30 am.

 

Over 150 children came along with their parents and carers. They hunted for a small, coloured egg, which had been expertly hidden within the play area and surrounding space, and then exchanged it for a chocolate egg and an Easter sticker. There were also 20 highly sought-after golden eggs, which earned an extra gift for the lucky finders.

 

And it wasn’t just the children who wanted their photos taken with the Easter bunny, some of the adults in the Parish joined in the fun and took selfies alongside the star of the show.

 

One family who came along had this to say:

“I just wanted to say thank you for hosting such a lovely event earlier today!
My daughter and her friend attended the 9.30 am egg hunt at King George V Field and had a thoroughly wonderful time searching for eggs and collecting their chocolate ones – the icing on the

Cake was meeting the Easter Bunny himself! So nice to have things like this happening in the local community and it’s much appreciated – well done to all involved!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council holds its Annual Parish Meeting & Community Networking Event
Haydon Wick Parish Council holds its Annual Parish Meeting & Community Networking Event 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council held the Annual Parish Meeting on the evening of Tuesday 28th March 2023 at the Haydon Centre. The two function rooms, which had been decked out with the Council colours of purple and gold, were provided free of charge by GLL.

It was an interactive evening of lots of prizes, and a lovely surprise for two Parish Councillors, who received awards in recognition of their long service to the Parish – a grand total of over 60 years combined. They were presented with a scroll, a bottle of wine and an engraved Parker pen.

The Council were presented with their Local Council Quality Gold Award at the meeting, which was attended by over 50 people. Guest speakers included Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and BEST – Be A Better You, who also jumped onstage to give an impromptu boxing demonstration.

Councillors, staff and members of the public were joined by volunteers from Haydon Wick community groups, including the Seven Fields Conservation Group and Seven Fields Park Run.

The three winners of the ‘Haydon Wick Heroes’ award, as voted on by the community, were presented with their framed certificates for their voluntary service, along with a box of Heroes chocolates. Project updates were received from The Tuesday Art Group, The Kelly Foundation, and the 1st Greenmeadow Guides and Haydon Wick Rangers.

Continuing with the golden them, there was a free raffle with a top prize of a huge golden Easter egg.

The formal meeting closed with the Redeemed Christian Church Gospel Choir singing ‘Amazing Grace.’

The evening finished with a community networking event, with people enjoying refreshments with a gold and purple theme, including some fabulous cupcakes embellished with the Council logo.

 

 

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Springtime Stroll at Mouldon Hill Country Park
Springtime Stroll at Mouldon Hill Country Park 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

‘Haydon Wick Parish Council teams up again with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to plant a tree at Mouldon Hill Country Park’

 Children of Haydon Wick Parish were invited along to Mouldon Hill Country Park on Sunday 26th March 2023, along with their parents and carers, to join a guided walk around the country park to look out for signs of spring. Neil Pullen, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, joined the Council staff to help with bird and tree identification and to educate and entertain with tales of folklore and natural history.

One of the highlights was planting a Horse Chestnut tree on the edge of the glade as a commemoration of King Charles’ upcoming coronation. Neil provided the children with some Wiltshire Wildlife Trust wildflower seed of the same species mix that the King uses on his own estate in Gloucestershire, which they scattered at the base of the tree. The children were also invited to design a plaque to go on the tree for the coronation.

The children took part in a scavenger hunt, with lots of Spring features to tick off their worksheets. Catkins, Periwinkle, and Red Poplar seeds were all on show, and the children each played a game of Pooh sticks from the bridge behind the lake, which turned out to be a lot of fun.

Along with wet toes from splashing in the many puddles, the children took a lot away with them from this little exploration. Feedback from parents indicated that the children thoroughly enjoyed the walk. The Council look forward to working with The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at future events this year.

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Haven offers a safe and warm space to chat and catch up with new and old friends
Haydon Wick Haven offers a safe and warm space to chat and catch up with new and old friends 1240 1754 Georgina Morgan-Denn

On Monday 13th March 2023 the Parish Council held its first ever drop in style community café in the Council Offices, Thames Avenue. Those that attended were met with a warm welcome and a safe space to talk and enjoy a hot drink and refreshments together.

This community style café, named ‘The Haydon Wick Haven’, acts as a hub for residents to talk about local issues that are important to them, get assistance with accessing online services and help with reporting problems to Swindon Borough Council and other external agencies.

Positive feedback from the first session has shown that those who came along really appreciated the opportunity to meet new people and felt less lonely and isolated. The Council has received some donations of board games, which will be available for people to use during the next session. Suggestions of knitting and crochet have been suggested for the future.

The Haydon Wick Haven runs on a twice-month basis and is likely to continue throughout the spring and summer months.

The next session is 11.00 am – 1.00 pm on Monday 27th March 2023 and the Council looks forward to welcoming some returning and some new attendees.

If you would like to come along or need further information, please email admin@haydonwick.gov.uk

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Annual Parish Meeting and Community Networking Event
Annual Parish Meeting and Community Networking Event 1240 1754 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Come along to the Annual Parish Meeting and Community Networking event on Tuesday 28th March 2023 6pm – 8pm in GLL Haydon Centre, SN25 1QQ

Celebratory refreshments and cake included.

 

  • Receive updates from your award winning Council
  • Watch the award ceremony for the Haydon Wick Heroes
  • Receive a demo from BEST – Be A Better You and listen to the valuable work they do within the community
  • Ask questions to the Swindon & Wiltshire Police Crime Commissioner’s Strategic Planning & Performance Officer (please submit these in advance to deputyclerk@haydonwick.gov.uk)
  • Listen to the projects completed under the community grants scheme
  • Hear about small steps we can all make to tackle climate change as a community
  • Hear some joyful hymns from RCCG Church
  • Network with other local community groups such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Seven Fields Conservation Group, Seven Fields Park Run, The Tuesday Art Group, Kelly’s Foundation, 1st Haydon Wick Guides
  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Colourful new safety surfacing soon to be installed at Village Green play area
Colourful new safety surfacing soon to be installed at Village Green play area 1220 838 Georgina Morgan-Denn

“The project should be completed by the beginning of the Spring for the parish’s children to enjoy throughout the easter holidays.”

 

Haydon Wick Parish Council budgeted for the resurfacing of wet pour safety surfaces in a selection of their play areas when setting the 2022/2023 budget. Some of the budget initially was used by the Council’s in house Parks & Open Spaces Team who carried out minor repairs and added artistic design to the surfaces using cleverly constructed homemade templates.

 

The talented team also carried out essential repairs and enhancements which have improved operational efficiencies. Improvements to Village Green Play Area were identified and presented to the Council but the project was too large for the in-house team. Budget was confirmed and the Council went out to tender in late November 2022.

After a robust scrutinising tender process and the final design and contract being approved at Full Council in February the order was placed with the contractor.

Vita Play was awarded the contract because of their innovative design, local area knowledge and proven quality workmanship as demonstrated in previous projects.  The new safety surface provides a colourful leaf pattern design that will be in keeping with the natural area. The new surface will also improve accessibility to the basket swing and swing units.

The project should be completed by the beginning of Spring 2023 for children to enjoy throughout the easter holidays. Progress of the of the installation will be shared on our social media and website so keep up to date by regularly checking our pages and website: www.haydonwick.gov.uk

Councillor R Hailstone had this to say about the project: “The new colourful safety surface will be a big improvement on the old bark surface and the playground will be easier to access with pushchairs and wheelchairs.”

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Public Consultation launched to gather views on a Public Works Loan funding scheme for a new Grounds Maintenance Facility
Public Consultation launched to gather views on a Public Works Loan funding scheme for a new Grounds Maintenance Facility 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Following the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 28th February 2023, Councillors of Haydon Wick Parish Council agreed to proceed with the build phase of the Grounds Maintenance Facility at Goodearl, Old Blunsdon Road. After due consideration and scrutiny of the robust tender process, the Council awarded the contract to Affleck Electrical Ltd due to its professionalism, continuous advice, previously working on the Design and Specification phase of the project and obtaining best value. The Council is looking forward to working collaboratively with them to develop this project.

 

The Grounds Maintenance Facility is essential in the continuation of delivering an enhanced grounds maintenance programme, which will only improve further with a dedicated space for the team to store its equipment and have access to quality work and welfare facilities.

 

Public Works Loan Consultation

To fund the project the Council needs to receive approval for borrowing from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to apply for a Public Works Loan of £768,590 over the borrowing term of 30 years for the building of a Grounds Maintenance Facility. The annual loan repayments will come to around £49,038. It is also intended to increase the Council Tax Precept for the purpose of the loan repayments by 3.34% which is the equivalent of an additional £4.18 a year. This will be subject to a Precept increase consultation which is available here: Grounds Maintenance Facility Public Works Loan Consultation.  Please respond by Friday 17th March 2023.

 

We hope that community will support the project and recognise how significant this development is for the future service provision delivered by Haydon Wick Parish Council.

 

If you would like to sign up to receive our regular email newsletters please visit: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/. In the meantime, if you have any questions, queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below.

clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk

 

 

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  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Another Fun and Successful Skate Jam event at Haydon Wick
Another Fun and Successful Skate Jam event at Haydon Wick 706 529 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Friday 17th February 2023 saw another fantastic action-packed skate jam held at Haydon Wick’s skate park during the half-term holidays. This event was the second of its kind since the skate park opened.

 

The Parish Council hosted the event in conjunction with ATB Skate Shop who provided the music snacks and various competitions.  Among the prizes handed out on the day were a skateboard deck, and scooter wheels and grips.

 

The popular event was well attended, and feedback has been very positive with everyone saying they want to see the event happen again.

 

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

 

“It’s great to see local young people enjoying the skate park and participating in such an enjoyable event. Skating and scooter riding helps young people keep active, build confidence, and stay active. The Parish Council hopes to hold more events like this at the skate park.”

  • Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council – Precept 2023
Haydon Wick Parish Council – Precept 2023 602 510 Georgina Morgan-Denn

Haydon Wick Parish Council has created a considered, balanced, and careful budget which proves the current cost of living rises has been at the forefront of the Council’s attention. Options have been explored and revisited, whilst watching the economy closely over the last three months. The deadline to submit the precept to Swindon Borough Council was extended by two weeks to ensure that the most accurate and up to date information was considered.

The Parish Council has also experienced significant rises in costs from external factors such as materials, fuel, insurances and personnel cost of living rises. Therefore, a standstill budget was not feasible. The Parish Council has also leased two new electric vehicles to help offset against its carbon footprint and reduce fuel costs, but in turn the utility costs have risen.

The Council has met in the middle and made cost savings on projected spend for this financial year, and where possible, reduced budget lines from next financial year. The Council has looked at ways of promoting its services and increasing its revenue, from letting out its meeting room to community groups, contracting out external grounds maintenance services to other parishes and local businesses, hiring out the community bus and selling advertising in the local parish magazine, which will help balance the budget and save further costs being drawn from the precept.

Building on its significant progress within the last twelve months, delivering the enhanced grounds maintenance programme, hosting an award-winning Memory Café, organising and running more than twenty successful community events and receiving a Quality Gold Award, which recognises that the Parish Council meets the highest standards set by the sector. This award means that the Parish Council has proven to be going above and beyond its legal obligations, leading the community and continuously seeking opportunities to improve and develop even further. Furthermore, Haydon Wick Parish Council is the first parish council in Swindon to be accredited at the Quality Gold level.

The Parish Council is also exploring options for the building of the proposed Grounds Maintenance Facility which will house the Parks & Open Spaces Team and enhance operational efficiency. This large scale project has been two years in the making and is vital to enable its in-house team to deliver the good standard of grounds maintenance that the community has grown to appreciate.

 

Recognising the mental and physical wellbeing these outside spaces provide for residents, the Council has committed to improved maintenance, enhancements and effective management of the playparks, allotments, and open spaces.

Chairman Councillor Vinay Manro said:

“To expand on the Parish Council’s success and continue to provide the best service possible the residents who live within the parish, some crucial decisions have been made to deliver a balanced and fair budget.

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s precept is still relatively low in comparison to other parishes of a similar size within the Borough of Swindon. This demonstrates that it has delivered a high level of service at best value. As recognised by the recent Quality Gold award.

Fortunately, prudent management of previous budgets stood us in good stead. The financial uncertainty that many of our residents’ face has been at the forefront of our minds as we set this year’s precept. At the Full Council meeting on 14th February 2023 the precept was agreed to be £108.68 per year which is an increase of £9.80 per year for a Band D property.”

The Parish Council hopes that residents recognise the value for money the precept of £108.68 per year represents, and the services this offers to all sectors of the community it represents.

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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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