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
Essential bridge painting and road marking replacement on 19th September – 1st October 2024
For full details click here.
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
🚪 Doors open at 7pm
📍 Venue: Haydon Wick Club, 10 Blunsdon Road SN25 1JD
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.
🌟 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! 🎅✨
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.

















