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What a wonderful day of creativity, culture and community
What a wonderful day of creativity, culture and community 2560 1920 Liz Matthews
Today, families joined us for our Diwali-inspired half term activity sessions, bringing colour, creativity and plenty of smiles to the Parish Offices.
From designing our own vibrant Rangoli-inspired tissue paper patterns and decorating paper lanterns with an explosion of stickers, to carefully painting beautiful diyas, everyone embraced the chance to get creative together.
We were also incredibly lucky to experience the beautiful art of Mehendi (henna), with hands adorned in stunning traditional designs. A huge thank you to Srujana, who generously shared her skills and created beautiful henna patterns for participants throughout the day. Your time, talent and support helped make the event extra special.
A special thank you also goes to Cllr Sudha Nukana, who shared the meaning and traditions of Diwali with Haydon Wick residents, helping families learn more about the Festival of Lights and the values of hope, kindness and togetherness that it celebrates.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without delicious sweet and savoury treats, which provided the perfect way to round off each session.
Following the spooky chaos of this week’s Pumpkin Carving event, today’s calming crafts, colourful creations and cultural experiences were a wonderful way to continue the half term fun.
Thank you to everyone who attended and donated in support of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). Together, you helped raise over £80 for this fantastic charity.
Finally, a thank you to all the Councillors who attended and supported the event throughout the day. Your time, enthusiasm and commitment helped provide another engaging community activity for local families and demonstrate the Parish Council’s ongoing dedication to bringing people together through meaningful community events.
What a brilliant day of creativity, learning and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this Diwali-inspired celebration such a success. ✨
four boys showing their carved pumpkins, pulling faces.

What a spook-tacular morning!
What a spook-tacular morning! 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

Our Tricks, Treats & Pumpkins event was packed with creativity, laughter and just a little bit of organised chaos! 🎨🍪🎃

✨ 55 pumpkins carved ✨ 110 biscuits decorated (and we’re pretty sure some of them even made it home! 😋)

Over two fantastic sessions, residents got stuck into colouring, biscuit decorating and, of course, pumpkin carving. From adorable cats 🐱 to wonderfully spooky faces 👹, we were blown away by the imagination and effort on display.

Best of all, there were smiles everywhere you looked, with plenty of appreciation and gratitude shared between residents, staff and councillors. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make today’s event such a success. Every pumpkin was a winner, every biscuit was a masterpiece, and every participant helped create a wonderfully festive community atmosphere.

 

A Warm Finish to October at the Memory Café
A Warm Finish to October at the Memory Café 1206 1590 Liz Matthews
We wrapped up the month with a morning full of music, movement, and smiles.
Mitch joined us and sang all the old favourites, and it didn’t take long before the whole room was singing along. A few brave souls even got up for a dance together, which was a joy to see.
Lin led her seated exercise session, which got everyone nicely warmed up and ready for the rest of the week.
We also had a special moment when our Memory Café Coordinator handed out beautiful handmade poppies, lovingly made for our residents by her mum.  Such a thoughtful gift, and a lovely way to remember.
Thank you to everyone who came along and made the morning so special.
Come and join us next time. Everyone is welcome!
📅 The next Memory Café will be held on Wednesday 11th November, 10.30am–12.30pm, at Haydon Wick Bowls Club.
For more information, please get in touch:
📧 memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk
📞 01793 722446
   

SK8Jam Weather Challenge
SK8Jam Weather Challenge 2560 1920 Liz Matthews
Today’s SK8Jam got off to a fantastic start under beautiful blue skies, welcoming quite a few new faces to the skate park. It was great to see both familiar and first-time skateboarders and scooter riders getting involved, building confidence and trying out new skills.
Unfortunately, by midday the weather had taken a turn, bringing a downpour that brought the session to an early close. Despite the rain, everyone who attended enjoyed a great morning of skating, scooting, games and skills sessions delivered by the team from ATBShop.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the most of the dry weather while it lasted. And believe it or not… these photos were all taken this morning before the rain arrived!

Every Step Taken in Memory and Support
Every Step Taken in Memory and Support 1600 1200 Liz Matthews
On Saturday, staff and councillors from Haydon Wick Parish Council laced up their walking shoes to join Tracey Boxall and CALM’s sponsored walk raising awareness and funds for the charity – CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
What was originally planned as a 16-mile route was sensibly reduced to 9 miles due to the forecast storms, but the determination of everyone taking part never wavered. Setting off from The Village in West Swindon, the route took walkers through West Swindon, Rodbourne, Cheney Manor, Haydon Wick and Taw Hill before returning to a warm welcome at The Village Hotel.
Along the way, the team were grateful for the kindness shown by local businesses, with welcomed hot drinks and hospitality provided by The Shield & Dagger, The Tawny Owl and The Village Hotel ☕❤️.
The day was about so much more than the miles covered. We were humbled to walk alongside Tracey in memory of her son, Alex, and to support a cause that provides a lifeline to so many people facing difficult times.
During the closing thanks, Tracey shared that it costs around £4,000 a day to provide CALM’s vital support services. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, this walk has raised enough to fund two days of suicide prevention support, helping people across the UK access help when they need it most.
Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, encouraged and supported this meaningful event. Together, we have honoured Alex’s memory while helping others find hope and support.
You can read Tracey’s story and support her fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracey-boxall-9…
Haydon Wick Parish Council is proud to support Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) as its chosen charity for 2026-2027. Through fundraising, awareness raising and community engagement, we are committed to supporting CALM’s vital work in standing against suicide and helping people find the support they need during life’s darkest moments.
Learn more about CALM and the support they provide at www.thecalmzone.net
image of Magazine cover

The Winter Edition of Haydon Wick Living Magazine is here!
The Winter Edition of Haydon Wick Living Magazine is here! 720 540 Liz Matthews
Grab a warm drink and catch up on the latest community news, festive events, local achievements, and updates from across Haydon Wick.
Inside this issue you’ll find seasonal celebrations, community stories, project updates, and a look ahead to what’s coming up in the parish.
Please note that delivery of the magazine takes place over a number of rounds, so it may take a couple of weeks for copies to reach every household across the parish. If you’d like to read it sooner, you can access the digital edition online now.
Please note: It can take a couple of weeks for deliveries

Community Voices Help Shape Future SEND Inclusive Outdoor Provision
Community Voices Help Shape Future SEND Inclusive Outdoor Provision 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

Families, carers, professionals and people with lived experience came together on 7 October to help shape the future of accessible outdoor provision in the local area at Haydon Wick Parish Council’s SEND Consultation Brunch.

Hosted by Councillors Vinay Manro and Leanne Stevenson, the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for improving outdoor spaces for children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The event welcomed valuable contributions from Infinity Playgrounds, Harlequin Group, Mums on a Mission, Teamability, Uplands Trust, GLL Haydon Centre, SEND school staff, support workers and residents from Argyll House. The Parish Council would also like to thank Little Grazey for providing the brunch platters that helped create a welcoming environment for open and constructive discussions.

The consultation formed part of the Parish Council’s early fact-finding work to better understand whether there is a need for additional inclusive outdoor provision within the community and, if so, what that provision could look like. It does not represent a commitment to a specific project, site or funding arrangement, but rather an opportunity to listen, learn and gather evidence to inform future decision-making.

A key theme emerging from the discussions was the need for improved opportunities for older children, teenagers and young adults with SEND. Participants highlighted that opportunities for play, recreation, social interaction and wellbeing should continue beyond childhood, helping to reduce social isolation and support greater independence.

Attendees shared ideas about what a genuinely inclusive outdoor space might include. Suggestions ranged from integrated accessible play equipment and sensory experiences to nature-based activities, quiet spaces, accessible routes and facilities designed to accommodate a wide range of physical, sensory and developmental needs. Feedback also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where people of different ages and abilities can spend time together, rather than separating users into dedicated areas.

The consultation reinforced the importance of involving people with lived experience throughout any future stages of exploration and development. Families, carers, support workers and SEND communities highlighted the need for ongoing engagement to ensure any future proposals are informed by real experiences and practical needs.

Alongside discussions about a dedicated inclusive space, participants also highlighted opportunities to improve accessibility across existing parks and play areas, helping to create a more inclusive environment throughout the wider community.

What Happens Next?

The Parish Council will now continue gathering evidence and feedback from residents, families, SEND organisations, care providers and education settings. Further work will include exploring local needs, assessing potential locations, considering accessibility requirements, identifying possible funding opportunities and engaging with relevant partners.

Several locations have been identified for initial investigation and further discussion at the relevant Committee meetings.

Future engagement activities may include visits to local SEND care homes, discussions with SEND secondary schools and colleges, ongoing engagement with community organisations and further Community Led Action Plan sessions.

This ongoing work will help ensure that any future recommendations are evidence-based, financially sustainable, informed by lived experience and reflective of the needs of the community.

Residents who were unable to attend the consultation brunch can still share their views by completing the online survey:

For further information, please contact the Deputy Clerk, HR & Services Manager at deputyclerk@haydonwick.gov.uk.

Haydon Wick Parish Council would like to thank everyone who attended, contributed and shared their experiences. The feedback received will play an important role in helping inform future discussions and ensuring that any potential next steps are inclusive, proportionate and shaped by the community they aim to serve.

Haydon Wick Parish Council Backs Ambitious Tree Planting Project to Support Local Wildlife
Haydon Wick Parish Council Backs Ambitious Tree Planting Project to Support Local Wildlife 2560 1440 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council has approved plans to work in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) to apply for external funding that could see up to 45 new trees planted across the parish, alongside native hedgerows and habitat improvements to support Great Crested Newts and other local wildlife.

The proposed project aims to improve habitat connectivity between key green spaces in Haydon Wick, helping wildlife move more easily between breeding and feeding areas while enhancing biodiversity, increasing tree canopy cover and improving public open spaces for residents to enjoy.

If funding is successfully secured through the Great Western Community Forest programme, the scheme would deliver tree planting and habitat improvements across four locations within the parish, including Henchard Open Space, land near Orchid Care Home, The Chestnuts and Queen Elizabeth Park.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will provide ecological expertise and technical leadership throughout the funding application and project development process, working closely with Haydon Wick Parish Council to identify opportunities to strengthen habitats and enhance the local environment.

The Council has also expressed its commitment to involving the community in the project, building on the success of previous volunteer planting initiatives. Local schools, residents, youth groups and community organisations could all have opportunities to participate should the funding bid be successful.

Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, said:

“Despite living in an urban area, we are fortunate to have some wonderful green spaces on our doorstep. Protecting and improving them is important for our community.

“Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust offers an opportunity to secure investment, improve local habitats and involve residents and schools in creating lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.”

Councillor Leanne Stevenson said:

“Our green spaces support important wildlife, including Great Crested Newts, but we need to strengthen the habitats connecting them.

“Planting up to 45 new trees and native hedgerows will help create better wildlife corridors, increase tree cover and improve our open spaces.

“This is about protecting our natural environment while ensuring children and families can continue to enjoy these wonderful green spaces for generations to come.”

Should the funding application be successful, planting would be expected to take place during the 2026/27 winter planting season, with ongoing maintenance supported through the project funding and the Council’s Parks & Open Spaces Team.

Residents invited to donate unwanted bicycles to help local children this Christmas
Residents invited to donate unwanted bicycles to help local children this Christmas 1200 1200 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council is once again partnering with The Bike Shed to support its popular Christmas Bicycle Scheme, helping ensure more local children can experience the joy of receiving a bicycle at Christmas.

The Bike Shed, based in Old Town, has been running the initiative for several years, collecting unwanted bicycles, refurbishing them and distributing them to children and families who may otherwise be unable to afford one.

The scheme offers a simple way for residents to make a meaningful difference in their community while also helping to reduce waste by giving unused bicycles a new lease of life.

Following the success of last year’s collection campaign, Haydon Wick Parish Council has agreed to support the scheme again in 2026 by providing local drop-off points and coordinating collections on behalf of The Bike Shed.

The scheme proved a great success in 2025, with 22 bicycles donated by residents. Every bike collected was refurbished by The Bike Shed and gifted to children across Swindon in time for Christmas. The success of last year’s campaign demonstrated the generosity of the local community and the real difference a simple bicycle donation can make to a child’s Christmas.

Residents will be able to donate bicycles in reasonable condition that are suitable for servicing or repair. Donations will be accepted at the Parish Council’s Grounds Maintenance Facility, Old Blunsdon Road, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 24 November to 17 December, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Additional Saturday collection sessions will take place on 28 November and 12 December from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Councillor Leanne Stevenson, Vice Chair of Community Development Committee who proposed the initiative for a second year running, said:

“Last year, thanks to the generosity of local residents, we collected 22 bicycles. Every one was refurbished and gifted to a child in Swindon, helping make Christmas that little bit more special.
“We know there are bikes sitting unused in sheds and garages. This is a wonderful opportunity to give them a new home, reduce waste and bring some Christmas joy to local children.”

Councillor Vinay Manro, Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, added:

“Every bicycle deserves a second life, and every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and excitement that comes with owning one.

“For some families, a bicycle can be a significant expense, particularly at Christmas. This scheme brings our community together to support local families, reduce waste and give children something they can enjoy long after Christmas Day.

“I encourage residents to support the scheme again this year and help make a real difference.”

All donated bicycles will be safely stored before being transferred to The Bike Shed, where volunteers will assess, service and refurbish them before distributing them to children and families in need ahead of Christmas.

The scheme provides a range of community benefits. Refurbished bicycles help encourage children to be more active, build confidence and enjoy outdoor recreation while promoting healthy lifestyles and improved wellbeing. It also gives residents an opportunity to support local families directly while contributing to environmental goals through reuse and waste reduction.

By extending the life of unwanted bicycles, the scheme prevents perfectly usable items from being discarded, reducing waste and supporting the Council’s wider environmental objectives. Funding for publicity and associated costs will be met through the Council’s existing Climate Change budget, reflecting the project’s strong sustainability credentials.

Only bicycles will be accepted as part of the collection. Unfortunately, toys and other donated items cannot be received, and no home collection service is available. Residents are asked to bring their bicycles to one of the designated drop-off locations.

Last year’s campaign saw 22 bicycles donated, all of which were successfully restored and given to children in Swindon. Haydon Wick Parish Council hopes to build on that success in 2026 and is encouraging residents to check their sheds, garages and gardens for bicycles that could be transformed into a child’s treasured Christmas gift.

One unwanted bike could become the highlight of Christmas morning for another child.

Collection Details

Grounds Maintenance Facility, Old Blunsdon Road, Haydon Wick

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • 24 November to 17 December 2026
  • 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Additional Councillor-Led Collection Sessions

  • Saturday 28 November 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am
  • Saturday 12 December 2026, 9.30am to 11.30am

Update on Weed Management Across Haydon Wick and Swindon
Update on Weed Management Across Haydon Wick and Swindon 1100 1100 Liz Matthews

Residents across Haydon Wick can expect to see Swindon Borough Council’s weed treatment contractors working across Swindon in October and November. This follows confirmation that the Borough Council has finally appointed an external contractor to undertake spraying across the Borough.

The Borough Council’s programme, which is scheduled to run throughout October and November, follows delays in its procurement process that pushed the start of treatments significantly later in 2026. The Borough Council has advised that all areas of Swindon will be covered, with works expected to conclude by 20th November 2026, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.

In response to concerns raised by residents regarding the condition of streets and public spaces following delays to this year’s borough-wide weed treatment programme, the Parish Council took proactive action by arranging additional treatment within areas under its own control. While the procurement and delivery of weed treatment on the wider highway network is the responsibility of Swindon Borough Council, the Parish Council welcomes the appointment of a contractor under a new two-year agreement and hopes future treatment programmes will be delivered earlier in the growing season to maximise their effectiveness.

Chair of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee, Councillor Leigh Jackson, said:

“Residents rightly expect our streets and public spaces to be maintained to a high standard. Unfortunately, delays in Swindon Borough Council’s procurement process meant this year’s weed treatment programme started much later than anticipated. The Parish Council is not involved in that procurement process and had no influence over the timetable.

“Rather than simply wait, we took proactive steps to address concerns where we could by arranging additional treatments within our own areas of responsibility. We will continue to work constructively with partners to ensure residents see improvements across the parish.

“The late start inevitably raises questions about the effectiveness of treatments at this stage of the season, particularly as many weeds will already have seeded. However, we welcome confirmation that a contractor has now been appointed under a new two-year contract and look forward to seeing a better-timed programme delivered in future years.”

Swindon Borough Council has advised that treatment dates remain indicative and may change depending on weather conditions. A post-sweep schedule is expected to follow once treatment works have been completed.

Residents are encouraged to report any concerns regarding highway weeds directly to Swindon Borough Council and can follow Haydon Wick Parish Council’s media channels for further local updates.

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What a wonderful day of creativity, culture and community

 What a wonderful day of creativity, culture and community 2560 1920 Liz Matthews
four boys showing their carved pumpkins, pulling faces.

What a spook-tacular morning!

 What a spook-tacular morning! 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

A Warm Finish to October at the Memory Café

 A Warm Finish to October at the Memory Café 1206 1590 Liz Matthews

SK8Jam Weather Challenge

 SK8Jam Weather Challenge 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

Every Step Taken in Memory and Support

 Every Step Taken in Memory and Support 1600 1200 Liz Matthews
image of Magazine cover

The Winter Edition of Haydon Wick Living Magazine is here!

 The Winter Edition of Haydon Wick Living Magazine is here! 720 540 Liz Matthews

Community Voices Help Shape Future SEND Inclusive Outdoor Provision

 Community Voices Help Shape Future SEND Inclusive Outdoor Provision 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council Backs Ambitious Tree Planting Project to Support Local Wildlife

 Haydon Wick Parish Council Backs Ambitious Tree Planting Project to Support Local Wildlife 2560 1440 Liz Matthews

Residents invited to donate unwanted bicycles to help local children this Christmas

 Residents invited to donate unwanted bicycles to help local children this Christmas 1200 1200 Liz Matthews

Update on Weed Management Across Haydon Wick and Swindon

 Update on Weed Management Across Haydon Wick and Swindon 1100 1100 Liz Matthews
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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