community development

What a wonderful morning at the Memory Café
What a wonderful morning at the Memory Café 1100 1100 Liz Matthews
We were delighted to welcome Admiral Nurse Dee, who gave a beautifully clear and heartfelt insight into the incredible work Admiral Nurses do, both out in the community and within the hospital. 💙
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Sharon Tyler, who led a lively and interactive session taking us back to the 70s — and what life was like right here in Swindon during that era. 🕺🪩 It sparked so many wonderful memories, stories, and smiles around the room. 😊
A truly special morning of reminiscing, connecting, and celebrating shared experiences. We love seeing our community come together like this. 🌸🤝

The next Memory Café is on Wednesday 22nd April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, at the Haydon Wick Bowls Club.

The Great British Spring Clean is back! 
The Great British Spring Clean is back!  2560 1440 Liz Matthews

🌼✨  The Great British Spring Clean is back! ✨🌼
13th – 29th March 2026 

The power of community spirit is unbeatable — and this year we need YOU more than ever! 💪🧤 

Haydon Wick Parish Council is once again joining @KeepBritainTidy’s nationwide army of #LitterHeroes for the 10th Great British Spring Clean. Together, communities have helped collect over 4.5 million bags of litter since the campaign began… and we’re ready to add even more. 🚮💚 

🏆 Our pledge for 2026:
We are aiming to collect 200 bags of litter across the Parish — and with your help, we know we can smash it! 

So, grab a friend, lace up your walking shoes, and help us show some love to the places we live, walk, play, and care about. Every bag makes a difference! 

🟢 How to get involved
✔️ Pick up litter bags from the Parish Council Office, Thames Avenue
✔️ Leave full bags next to any litter bin around the parish
✔️ Record your bag count and upload photos using our
Tap to Tidy form: #GBSC26 – Tap to Tidy Form – Haydon Wick Parish Council 

Please be safe: Check out our Litter picking safety guide below

📸 Make it count!
Your bag tally and photos help us track our Parish total and share the amazing impact you’re making. 

Let’s make this the biggest and brightest Spring Clean yet.
Thank you for helping keep Haydon Wick Parish beautiful. 💚 

VOLUNTEER LITTER PICKERS

What to wear:

YOU MUST AT ALL TIMES BE WEARING HI-VIZ VEST/CLOTHING

WE ADVISE WEARING SUITABLE GLOVES, SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR AND A WATERPROOF JACKET (a small bag with a few plasters and tissues in it put in a pocket would be a good idea)

 

DO NOT PICK UP ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AS OUR OPERATIVES WILL DEAL WITH IT:

NEEDLES/SYRINGES

EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN PICKING UP GLASS, IF IN DOUBT PLEASE PHONE THE OFFICE

PLEASE INFORM OFFICE AS WE HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO DEAL WITH THESE

DO NOT PICK UP DOG FAECES

PLEASE LEAVE BAG/S WHERE THEY CAN BE EASILY SEEN FOR OUR OPERATIVES TO COLLECT

ALTERNATIVELY, PLACE BY ONE OF OUR BINS OR AT YOUR PROPERTY FOR US TO COLLECT

 

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY:

  1. KEEP CLEAR OF ROAD EDGES AND WATERWAYS – DO NOT STAND IN CENTRAL RESERVATION AREAS
  2. WET LITTER CAN BE HEAVY, BE AWARE OF YOUR LIMITATIONS
  3. LET SOMEONE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND AN IDEA OF HOW LONG YOU WILL BE OUT
  4. IF POSSIBLE, CARRY A CHARGED MOBILE PHONE WITH YOU
  5. SHOULD YOU COME ACROSS A LARGE ITEM PLEASE INFORM THE OFFICE, DO NOT TRY TO MOVE IT YOURSELF
  6. WASH HANDS BEFORE EATING/DRINKING OR SMOKING
  7. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, GENERAL PUBLIC AND DOGS

 

WE HOPE YOUR LITTER PICKING GOES WELL AND WE THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING…. EVEN THE SMALLEST AMOUNT COLLECTED IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED

Parish Councillor Vacancy
Parish Councillor Vacancy 1167 875 Liz Matthews

Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor: Co-option Vacancy

Haydon Wick Parish Council is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a Parish Councillor and help shape the future of our community.

As a Parish Councillor, you will:

  • Represent the interests of the parish and the community
  • Influence important local issues like planning, environment, transport and community facilities
  • Work alongside community groups to improve the parish
  • Have a voice in how council tax money is invested in local services and amenities
  • Attend meetings, engage with residents, and make decisions that will have a real impact on the community.

It’s a rewarding way to give back and ensure our parish remains a vibrant, desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

If you are passionate about improving our community with a few hours (or more!) each month to volunteer, we encourage you to put yourself forward. Any qualifying Haydon Wick resident can become a candidate.

For more information on roles, responsibilities and how to get involved, contact Georgina Morgan-Denn, Chief Officer/Clerk at clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk.

Make your voice heard – Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor today!

To apply:
1. Attend at least one Council meeting before the co-option takes place on the 24th June 2025 (Council Meetings | Haydon Wick Parish Council | Calendar of Events)
2. Contact current councillors with any questions
3. Complete the application form above
4. Submit a cover letter explaining why you want to become a councillor

A panel will consider your application and invite you in for a conversation.

Closing date: 12th June 2025

Please apply through the form below:

Councillor Application
First
Last
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country

Maximum file size: 8.39MB

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a UK/Commonwealth/Irish/EU citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Either live in the parish, live within 3 miles of the parish, work in the parish, or have lived/owned property in the parish within the last year

You cannot become a councillor if:

  • You have been convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of 3+ months in the last 5 years
  • You have been declared bankrupt
  • You are employed by the Parish Council

As a councillor, you’ll need to attend bi-weekly meetings (minimum 4 hours per month). And support working parties.

There are allowances available to cover travel/subsistence costs when on council duties.

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 8th April 2024

Roundabout at Elstree Way – Green Space Update
Roundabout at Elstree Way – Green Space Update 640 480 Liz Matthews

Following recent safety works, the roundabout verge has now been cleared. Grass seed is being laid to help restore a tidy, green appearance.

Soon, a short hedgerow will follow. This will add structure, support wildlife, and keep the space looking cared for—without blocking sightlines or needing frequent cuts.

We know the area looked bare just after the shrubs were removed. But this is part of a wider plan to improve safety and reduce overgrowth. The old shrubs had become difficult to manage and were starting to block views for drivers and pedestrians.

The space will remain green, low-maintenance, and safe.

Thank you for your patience while the improvements are finished.

Cllr Steve Heyes

Vice Chairman of Council and Parks & Open Spaces

Haydon Wick Remembers
Haydon Wick Remembers 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

HISTORIC VE DAY CELEBRATIONS UNITE HAYDON WICK COMMUNITY

Weekend of Commemorative Events Culminates in Family Picnic Attended by 400 Residents

SWINDON, WILTSHIRE — Haydon Wick Parish Council successfully delivered a series of moving tributes to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, culminating in a family picnic at Mouldon Hill Country Park that attracted approximately 400 residents.

The commemorations began on Thursday, May 8th, with the raising of the VE Day flag at 9am, followed by an evening “Lights of Peace” event where residents placed candles and lamps in their windows while a special VE80 display was illuminated at 9:30pm, coinciding with beacon lightings across the United Kingdom.

“The community’s participation in the national Lights of Peace initiative was truly heartwarming,” said Councillor Leanne Stevenson, Vice Chair, Community Development Committee. “Seeing homes throughout the parish illuminated as symbols of remembrance perfectly captured the spirit of national unity and reflection that defined the original VE Day.”

The weekend celebrations continued with Saturday’s nostalgic family picnic at Mouldon Hill Country Park, which combined authentic 1940s experiences with family-friendly entertainment.

Event Highlights

Visitors enjoyed a full program of activities throughout the afternoon, including:

  • Nostalgic melodies performed by Swindon Brass
  • Traditional attractions from George Scarrott’s and Sons Fun Fair
  • Face painting by Mandie’s Magic Brushes
  • Vintage outdoor games that delighted children 80 years ago
  • Semaphore demonstrations from Semaphore demonstrations from 1st Greenmeadow Guides and 1st Haydon Wick Rangers
  • Refreshments from Nick’s Ice Creams
  • Authentic vintage train rides between Mouldon Hill Country Park and Swindon & Cricklade Railway stations

Many attendees embraced the historic theme by wearing 1940s-inspired outfits, adding to the event’s nostalgic atmosphere. Families spread picnic blankets across the park, enjoying both the scheduled entertainment and the simple pleasure of community gathering.

“In the 1940s, families gathered for simple pleasures that brought communities together during challenging times,” noted Haydon Wick Parish Councillor Adam John. “Our event honoured that tradition while creating new memories for today’s families.”

Community Participation

The multi-day commemoration showcased the community spirit that defines Haydon Wick. Residents of all ages embraced both the solemn remembrance of Thursday’s Lights of Peace and the joyful celebration of Saturday’s family picnic.

“Our commemorations honoured both aspects of VE Day – the reflection on sacrifice and the jubilation of peace,” noted Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of Community Development Committee. “By spreading our events across both the actual anniversary date and the weekend, we were able to create meaningful opportunities for everyone to participate.”

The Parish Council extends special thanks to all volunteers, staff, and councillors who contributed to the events’ success, as well as to sponsors Nick’s Ice Creams and Absolute Motor Care Ltd.

Looking Ahead

Following the success of the VE Day Celebration, Haydon Wick Parish Council invites residents to save the date for their next community event: the Haydon Wick Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, August 16th, at the NEW venue of Trent Road Playing Fields.

For more information about upcoming community events, please contact Haydon Wick Parish Council.

Easter Colouring Competition Winners
Easter Colouring Competition Winners 1920 2560 Liz Matthews
Congratulations to our amazing Easter Egg Colouring Competition winners, some of who collected their chocolaty prizes today 🎨 🐰 🍫
We’re absolutely blown away by everyone’s creativity – from intricate patterns to magical rabbits and stunning collages, each entry brought something special to the competition. The variety and imagination on display was truly impressive.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and put such wonderful effort into their creations. You made our Easter celebrations even more colourful and fun.
Looking forward to seeing what you’ll create in our next competition!

Egg-cellent Easter Youth Events & Activities
Egg-cellent Easter Youth Events & Activities 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council Easter Youth Events Round-Up

What a hoppin’ good time we’ve had this Easter season at Haydon Wick! Our youth events brought smiles, creativity, and chocolate to over 300 children across the parish. Here’s a look at all the egg-citing activities we hosted:

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza Our first event saw over 130 chocolate eggs hidden across King George V Play Park and Queen Elizabeth Drive Play Area. Perfect weather complemented the excitement as children raced in egg and spoon competitions, snapped photos with the Easter Bunny, and even challenged our hopping friend to a football match! Special thanks to our generous councillors for donating some of those delicious eggs.

🎨 Luna Play Park BIG ART Event Creativity flourished as families used unconventional painting tools like sponges, sticks, and cotton buds to create colourful masterpieces! From bugs and flowers to Spiderman, our budding artists transformed recycled event banners into an outdoor gallery that will remain on display until the end of the Easter holiday.

🐰 Easter Crafts Session Our craft sessions were so popular we added an extra one! Families worked together creating bouncy bunnies, wooden spoon characters, and adorable plate-and-cup chicks (all with googly eyes, of course!). The Easter Bunny even made a special appearance to check out the creative fun.

🍫 Chocolaty Finale We wrapped up our Easter celebrations with delicious edible creations! Children made Easter wreaths with pretzels, decorated cake pops, and created crazy chick biscuits. Everyone left with their chocolate goodies to enjoy (or share, if they made it home!).

A heartfelt thank you to Councillors Jackson, Manro, Park and Stevenson for their wonderful support throughout our Easter activities. Stay tuned for more half-term fun coming in May!

Great British Litter Pick – Love Where You Live!
Great British Litter Pick – Love Where You Live! 2560 1440 Liz Matthews
The power of collective action
#LitterHeroes unite! Haydon Wick Parish Council is proud to be part of the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign – @KeepBritainTidy’s #GBSpringClean.
In 2024, @KeepBritainTidy’s #LitterHeroes collected over 425,000 bags of litter. Together we can make the tenth #GBSpringClean in 2025 even bigger.
We have pledged to collect 200 bags of litter during this campaign. Can we count on you to show your love for where you live by helping us clean up the places and spaces we care about?.
Join us and help @keepbritaintidy mark its tenth #GBSpringClean – with more than 4 million bags collected since 2016 can you help us boost the big total? You can collect litter bags from the Parish Council Office. Please leave full bags next to litter bins around the parish and let us know where to collect them, email: tidyup@haydonwick.gov.uk.
Remember to take photos and send them to Liz at: marketing@haydonwick.gov.uk so we can share the positive effect your efforts are having in our community and to pledge how many bags you think you will be able to collect during the Spring Clean.
Thank you for your continued support #KeepHaydonWickTidy #KeepSwindonTidy @KeepBritainTidy #GBSpringClean.

🌳 Planting for Biodiversity in Haydon Wick 🌳
🌳 Planting for Biodiversity in Haydon Wick 🌳 2048 1536 Liz Matthews

I’m so proud of the incredible effort our community put into the recent tree planting event at Heaton Close, Haydon Wick, and while the sight of fresh green saplings is beautiful, the true impact goes much deeper.

This project was all about enhancing biodiversity — creating rich, thriving environments where wildlife can flourish. Every tree we planted will become a home for birds, insects, and small mammals, supporting vital ecosystems right here in Haydon Wick. By increasing tree cover, we’re also helping to strengthen local habitats, improve soil health, and promote the natural balance that keeps our green spaces vibrant and resilient.

But biodiversity isn’t just about wildlife — it benefits our community, too. More diverse green spaces improve air quality, reduce flooding risks, and provide peaceful areas for everyone to enjoy. These trees will grow into natural sanctuaries, offering shade, beauty, and a deeper connection to nature.

I want to say a huge thank you to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Swindon Borough Council, Great Western Community Forest for organising this event. And to every volunteer and resident who rolled up their sleeves to help plant so many trees. Your hard work is helping to create a lasting legacy of sustainability and biodiversity.

Let’s keep this momentum going! If you’re inspired to do more, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to get involved in future projects. Together, we can make Haydon Wick a leading example of how communities can support biodiversity and protect the environment.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

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Parish Councillor Co-option Vacancy
Parish Councillor Co-option Vacancy 1167 875 Liz Matthews

Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor: Co-option Vacancy

Haydon Wick Parish Council is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a Parish Councillor and help shape the future of our community.

As a Parish Councillor, you will:

  • Represent the interests of the parish and the community
  • Influence important local issues like planning, environment, transport and community facilities
  • Work alongside community groups to improve the parish
  • Have a voice in how council tax money is invested in local services and amenities
  • Attend meetings, engage with residents, and make decisions that will have a real impact on the community.

It’s a rewarding way to give back and ensure our parish remains a vibrant, desirable place to live, work and raise a family.

If you are passionate about improving our community with a few hours (or more!) each month to volunteer, we encourage you to put yourself forward. Any qualifying Haydon Wick resident can become a candidate.

For more information on roles, responsibilities and how to get involved, contact Georgina Morgan-Denn, Chief Officer/Clerk at clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk.

Make your voice heard – Become a Haydon Wick Parish Councillor today!

Please apply through the form below:

Councillor Application
First
Last
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country

Maximum file size: 8.39MB

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a UK/Commonwealth/Irish/EU citizen
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Either live in the parish, live within 3 miles of the parish, work in the parish, or have lived/owned property in the parish within the last year

You cannot become a councillor if:

  • You have been convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of 3+ months in the last 5 years
  • You have been declared bankrupt
  • You are employed by the Parish Council

As a councillor, you’ll need to attend bi-weekly meetings (minimum 4 hours per month). And support working parties.

There are allowances available to cover travel/subsistence costs when on council duties.

To apply:
1. Attend at least one Council meeting before the co-option takes place on the 25th February 2025 (Council Meetings | Haydon Wick Parish Council | Calendar of Events)
2. Contact current councillors with any questions
3. Complete the application form above
4. Submit a cover letter explaining why you want to become a councillor

The council will vote on your application or invite you for a conversation.

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 8th April 2024

Explore our latest news

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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
Contact Us

© Haydon Wick Parish Council | Website by clearwater

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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