News

FOOTPATH CLOSURE NOTICE

FOOTPATH CLOSURE NOTICE 2560 2499 Liz Matthews
🚧 FOOTPATH CLOSURE NOTICE 🚧
 
The footpath between Elstree Way and Chatsworth Road will be temporarily closed from Monday 20th October 2025 for approximately 2 weeks to allow installation of a new footbridge.
 
📍 Alternative route:
Pedestrians will be diverted around Chatsworth Road and along Elstree Way. Temporary signage will be in place to guide you.

For full details click here.

Recycle Week is a reminder that what we throw away in our public spaces matters.  

Recycle Week is a reminder that what we throw away in our public spaces matters.   2560 1707 Liz Matthews
Each month, our team collects large amounts of bottles, cans, cardboard and plastics during litter picks across our parks, play areas and footpaths. These items are fully recyclable yet are too often left as litter or placed in the wrong bins in public areas.
Swindon Borough Council have said: “Analysis of the contents of Swindon’s black wheelie bins has shown that almost 52 per cent of what is thrown away could have been recycled. Over a quarter of this is food waste. This equates to around £2 million worth of recyclable materials being thrown away every year. If residents use their recycling boxes, bags and food waste caddies correctly, it would save the Council money and protect the environment.”
The same principle applies in our shared spaces. Recycling correctly in public areas reduces litter, saves money and keeps our community cleaner and greener.
We will continue to provide litter bins and carry out community litter picks. We now ask for your views. Do you feel additional bins or other measures are needed in parts of the parish to help residents recycle and dispose of waste properly?

Standing with Swindon’s Emergency Services

Standing with Swindon’s Emergency Services 1080 720 Liz Matthews

This month marked Emergency Services Day UK. It is a moment to recognise and thank those who protect and care for our community.

As a military veteran I know what it means to serve and to step forward when others step back. Our emergency services do this every single day. They go above and beyond for Swindon, often in the toughest circumstances, and their dedication shows the same spirit of duty and sacrifice.

They are the backbone of our town. They patrol our streets, respond to emergencies, fight fires, and provide vital care at Great Western Hospital. Their work touches every family at some stage in life and their commitment keeps us safe.

At Haydon Wick Parish Council we play our part in supporting their work. We maintain safe public spaces, keep footpaths clear, provide community defibrillators, install bleed kits, and share important safety information with residents. By working with our emergency services, we help ensure that Swindon remains a safe and supportive place to live.

Show your support and gratitude by following and engaging with their work:
👮‍♂️ Wiltshire Police https://www.facebook.com/SwindonPolice/
🚑 South Western Ambulance Service https://www.facebook.com/swasFT/
🏥 Great Western Hospital https://www.facebook.com/GWHNHS/
🔥 Swindon Fire Station https://www.facebook.com/DWFRSSwindonFireStn/

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT – A419/A417 MAINTENANCE

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT – A419/A417 MAINTENANCE 2560 2499 Liz Matthews

Essential bridge painting and road marking replacement on 19th September – 1st October 2024

OVERNIGHT CLOSURES ONLY – 8pm to 6am
This work prevents future water damage to bridges and improves road safety for all users.
 
KEY DATES:
Bridge Painting: Friday 19th – Thursday 25th September (A419 Burford Road to Spine Road)
Road Markings: Monday 22nd – Wednesday 1st October (Various A419 sections including White Hart Roundabout to M4 J15)
 
IMPORTANT:
✅ Roads open as normal during daytime hours
🚗 Follow signed diversion routes – NOT sat nav
📞 Contact number available at closure points for property access
⚠️ Some delays possible for property access during work hours

For full details click here.

Bleed Control Kits available 24/7

Bleed Control Kits available 24/7 2560 1706 Liz Matthews

PRESS RELEASE FROM: The Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown

A few weeks ago we donated two Emergency Bleed Control Kits to Owen’s World and they are now in place and available 24/7 when lives are in danger.  One kit is at the Haydon Wick Parish Council Office in Thames Avenue, Swindon, and the other is at the Croft Sports Centre in Old Town.

When an emergency occurs, blood loss is a very serious concern and time is paramount. A person can die in as little as three to five minutes. Having an emergency bleed control kit on the scene can help provide immediate care to the injured individual.

Our Rotary Club Secretary, Richard Goddard (in the picture), said: “Standing ready for any serious incidents, the Kits are in unlocked cabinets outside the Parish Council’s building in Thames Avenue and on an outer wall at The Croft Sports Centre so they are accessible day and night, for every day of the year.”

More information and more pictures are on our website here: Combating Knife Crime for a Safer Future

The Owen’s World charity was founded following the fatal stabbing of Owen Dunn on 4 December 2023 in Mazurek Way, Haydon End, Swindon.  Owen was just 18 years old and his death prompted a significant community response and his family and closest friends came together and launched Owen’s World.

More information on the Owen’s World website and where other Bleed Control Kits are sited

‘Choc-teaser’ Bingo and Quiz Night 2025

‘Choc-teaser’ Bingo and Quiz Night 2025 2139 2560 Liz Matthews
Get ready for the return of our mind-bending, laugh-inducing night of quizzical fun with a chocolaty twist!
We’re thrilled to announce the comeback of our ultimate charity quiz, proudly supporting our amazing charity partner the Kelly Foundation! This year we’ve added something extra sweet – chocolate bingo rounds for an evening full of Chocolicious fun and games.
📅 Friday, 10th October 2025 (World Mental Health Day)
🚪 Doors open at 7pm
📍 Venue: Haydon Wick Club, 10 Blunsdon Road SN25 1JD
This night isn’t just about flexing your brain muscles – it’s a chance to have a blast while supporting an incredible cause, with the added excitement of our new chocolate-themed bingo rounds. What better way to mark World Mental Health Day than bringing our community together for an evening of fun, laughter, and connection.
💰 Suggested donation: £5 per person
🍺 Licensed bar will be available to keep you hydrated throughout the night.
🎁 Amazing raffle prizes to be won! From pampering sessions and delicious meals to even a free MOT – there’s something for everyone!
Ready to put your knowledge to the test, try your luck at chocolate bingo, and have a night to remember? Complete the form via the link https://forms.office.com/e/G8UwZHNc49 to book your ticket, and we’ll contact you directly with payment details.
For more information or to secure your place, contact us at marketing@haydonwick.gov.uk or 01793 722446.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Macmillan Coffee Morning 2333 1750 Liz Matthews
☕ MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING – YOU’RE INVITED! ☕
Friday 26th September 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices, Thames Avenue, Swindon SN25 1QQ
Join us for freshly brewed coffee, delicious homemade cakes, and great company – all for an amazing cause.
EVERYONE WELCOME … come along and be part of our community spirit 💚
HOW YOU CAN HELP: 🍰 CAKE DONATIONS NEEDED
We’d love your homemade cakes, biscuits and treats to make this event extra special …If you can’t bake it, why not fake it – all edible donations savoury or sweet gratefully received!
👥 Bring your Friends, family, neighbours – the more the merrier
☕ Everyone’s invited… Even if you can’t bake, your presence and donation make a real difference
Why it matters: Your support helps Macmillan provide vital services to almost 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK – from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Every coffee, every cake, every conversation counts✨
Get in touch: 01793 722446 | admin@haydonwick.gov.uk
All proceeds go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support (Registered charity 261017)
See you there. Together we can make a difference 🧡

Celebrating Outstanding BMW Volunteer Commitment

Celebrating Outstanding BMW Volunteer Commitment 640 480 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council is delighted to celebrate the remarkable success of our Corporate Away Day partnership with BMW Group Plant Swindon, demonstrating the positive impact of corporate social responsibility within our local community.

First Initiative Success

Our partnership began on 27th May 2025, when BMW employee Andy Lovell dedicated three working days to supporting community improvement projects. Working alongside our Parks and Open Spaces Team, Andy contributed to comprehensive graffiti removal across multiple parish locations, post-maintenance clean-up operations, and general environmental improvements while bringing community spirit and positivity to every project.

The initiative generated such positive feedback that BMW Swindon Plant Director Roger Newman shared the impact through the company’s management structure, highlighting how the collaboration created meaningful change in our neighbourhood.

Expanding the Partnership

Following the success of the initial volunteer placement, BMW Plant Swindon identified a second opportunity during 26th-28th August, allocating two volunteers – Steven Boucher and Timoteo Nunes – to support our community projects.

These dedicated volunteers worked with our Parks and Open Spaces Team on an expanded range of activities including:

  • Comprehensive graffiti removal across parish locations
  • Painting pedestrian underpasses at multiple locations
  • Supporting tree planting initiatives at the GMF
  • Assisting with painting the parish office Large Meeting Room
  • Engaging positively with residents and community members

Community Impact and Personal Benefits

The volunteers provided consistent feedback about the importance of engaging with the local community and gaining a deeper understanding of the parish council’s vital role. Beyond the tangible improvements to our local environment, the volunteers shared that the experience positively impacted their mental wellbeing through exposure to new environments and opportunities to meet and work alongside community members.

Looking Forward

This successful partnership demonstrates the powerful impact of collaboration between local government and corporate partners. BMW Plant Swindon has identified that many of their associates live within the Parish of Haydon Wick and expressed enthusiasm for continuing to work with us on future projects.

Recognition and Thanks

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the BMW volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to improving our community, and to BMW Group Plant Swindon for their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Special recognition must also go to our Parks and Open Spaces team and officers who supported and facilitated both experiences, ensuring they were successful and beneficial to all residents of the Parish of Haydon Wick.

This partnership exemplifies how corporate social responsibility initiatives can create meaningful, lasting positive change in local communities while providing valuable experiences for volunteers.

Summer Extravaganza ’25 – What A Day!

Summer Extravaganza ’25 – What A Day! 2560 1707 Liz Matthews

🌟 Check out this compilation video and relive the excitement of our Haydon Wick Parish Council Summer Extravaganza! Hard to believe it was 11 days ago… 🌟

What an incredible day that was. The sun shone brightly as our wonderful community came together, and honestly, the smiles were everywhere across the field. Watching families, friends and neighbours celebrate together was exactly what this event was all about – pure community spirit at its finest! ☀️

From the joy on children’s faces learning circus skills to the laughter echoing from the fun fair, from our fantastic live music that had everyone moving to the amazing animal adventures that captivated young and old alike – every moment was magical. Our incredible volunteers truly made it all possible, creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere that you can feel just by watching this video! 🎪🎵

The generosity of our local sponsors and the enthusiasm of everyone who joined us turned a simple Saturday afternoon into something truly special. This is what makes Haydon Wick such an amazing place to call home! 💙

But guess what? We’re not stopping there! Save the date for our next big celebration…

🎄 FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER 🎄 When ‘Son of a nutcracker!’ It’ll be a Christmas Carnival! 🎅✨

Memory Café Cheque Presentation – from Rusland Cookery School & Highworth Masonic Lodge

Memory Café Cheque Presentation – from Rusland Cookery School & Highworth Masonic Lodge 852 639 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Memory Cafe received a generous donation of £400.00 on Friday 15th August, thanks to the collaborative efforts of John Bridgeman from Rusland School of Cookery and Chris Biggs from the Highworth Masonic Lodge. 

The donation stems from proceeds raised at John’s annual summer barbecue, where ticket sales were dedicated entirely to supporting the vital work of the Memory Cafe. John, who has been actively involved with the Memory Cafe, has previously hosted engaging activities including bread making and fairy cake decorating sessions for residents living with dementia and their companions. 

These hands-on activities have proven particularly beneficial for Memory Cafe participants, combining sensory elements with cognitive skills while evoking cherished memories from the past and childhood. Most importantly, they create valuable connection opportunities between residents and their companions – moments that can sometimes be challenging to achieve in day-to-day living. 

“The activities John provides are wonderful for our residents, offering a perfect blend of engagement that helps people living with dementia connect with their past while creating new positive experiences with their loved ones” said Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development Committee. 

John said “A worthy cause that I have had the pleasure of contributing to in a small way offering my skills as a Chef. I have seen the numbers grow with attendees proving it is a much-needed facility that is close to my heart having watched both my parents struggle during their time with us. As a Freemason we can offer support for this work to continue.” 

The generous donation from Rusland School of Cookery and Highworth Masonic Lodge exemplifies the power of community collaboration in supporting vital local services.  

This partnership demonstrates how local businesses and organisations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members. 

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Memory Cafe extends its heartfelt gratitude to John from Rusland School of Cookery and Chris Biggs from the Highworth Masonic Lodge for their continued support and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their families. 

The Memory Cafe provides a welcoming, supportive environment for people living with dementia and their companions, offering tailored activities, social connection, and vital support services to the local community. 

For more information about Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Memory Café, please contact: memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk. 

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