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To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re offering a range of relaxed, inclusive sessions designed to support wellbeing through connection, movement, creativity and community. Whether people want to be active, learn something new, meet others, or simply enjoy a calm, welcoming space, there’s something for everyone.

🌿 Monday 11 May – History, Movement & Connection

🚂 History of the Railways Talk & Tour
📍 Swindon & Cricklade Railway
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm

A sociable morning combining conversation, learning and gentle activity in a friendly setting.

What to expect:

• A warm welcome with a cuppa on arrival
• An engaging talk on the history of the railways
• A guided tour of the railway
• Information on getting involved, including volunteering opportunities
• Optional refreshments at the Railway Café to finish

(Being active, using skills and connecting with others can all support good mental health)

🚍 Community bus available (£2 return)
⚠️ Places are limited – advance booking required. Click here to book!

🏋️ Outdoor Gym Session with Frucifit
📍 White Eagle Outdoor Gym, White Eagle Road, SN25 1TN
🕡 6:30pm – 7:30pm

A no‑pressure outdoor fitness session focused on feeling good rather than performance.

✔ Expert fitness advice and demonstrations
✔ Personal exercise plan to take away
✔ Suitable for ages 18+

Expect fresh air, gentle motivation and a supportive atmosphere — no judgement, just movement that feels right for you.

Click here to book your space!

🎨 Thursday 14th May – Craft & Connect

🕡 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Alongside Mental Health Awareness Week, our regular Craft & Connect session is scheduled and continues to offer a relaxed, creative space to unwind, chat and connect with others.

📩 Get in touch if you’re interested in attending.

🛹 Saturday 16th May – Skate, Create & Socialise – For Young People

Sk8Jam – Mental Health Awareness Week Skate & Social
🕑 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Skate Park

A chilled afternoon of skating, creativity and good company, delivered in partnership with ATBShop.

What’s happening:

• Skate challenges and mini competitions
• BIG Art activities
• Ice cream van
• Information stands, including Owen’s World
• Space to skate, create, relax or just hang out

Local youth services will be present to share information about support available — no pressure, just opportunity.

Together, these sessions reflect our commitment to supporting mental health through community, choice and compassion — encouraging people to take part in ways that feel right for them.

Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the Great Crested Newt walk took place recently at Torun Way near Grace Walk, one of several newt pond sites within the parish. The Torun Way pond is a natural pond, while some of the other ponds in the area are man-made, created as part of a conservation strategy linked to the development of the area around 25 years ago.

These ponds are connected by green corridors, allowing newts to move safely between habitats. To reduce the risk of newts entering roads, special features called Newt Grieve Slabs have been installed. These guide newts toward safe tunnel crossings and prevent them from straying into hazardous areas. Some road slats visible on site are part of this protective system.

Although associated with ponds, Great Crested Newts do not live permanently in water; they return only to breed. During this time, females lay distinctive yellow eggs on aquatic plants, carefully folding leaves around them for protection. The surrounding terrestrial habitat is therefore just as important as the ponds themselves.

The ponds are currently being supported by funding from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, which aims to improve habitat conditions by selectively removing vegetation. This allows more daylight into the ponds, which is essential for supporting a healthy breeding environment. Swindon is notable for having the UK’s only Great Crested Newt “reservoir,” highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in the area.

Monitoring of the newt population is carried out using bottle traps placed in ponds overnight. These traps allow conservationists to safely count newts and assess population health. For example, 41 newts were recorded in the Torun Way pond on the previous night. Surveys are typically conducted between March and mid-June, with fewer traps used during warmer periods. A population of over 100 newts is considered strong.

The walk was led by Neil Pullen, supported by seven enthusiastic volunteers who are currently under Neil’s licence, to get their own licences to handle this protected species. All handling is strictly controlled under licence, and members of the public are advised never to handle newts.

The data collected helps inform future conservation strategies, including identifying suitable breeding locations and assessing the success of existing ponds. Torchlight surveys are also used to observe newt activity directly.

There has not been a formal management plan in place for the past 20 years, meaning efforts are now focused on restoring and improving the site. Future ideas include creating informative signage to raise awareness, explaining features such as the grieve slabs, and running more community events. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is also keen to collaborate with the parish to improve long-term maintenance and protection of these important habitats.