I am immensely troubled by the horrific devastation and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country.
Haydon Wick Parish Council has a proud history of supporting those in most need regardless of crisis. The Government has not asked local authorities to receive refugees from Ukraine as things stand. But we will be ready to support those fleeing Ukraine however we can.
This Council extends its thoughts and prayers to members of the Ukrainian community and pays tribute to the incredible generosity the people of Swindon have shown in their personal efforts to support the humanitarian response to this crisis.
Here just some of the ways residents can show their support for Ukraine:
Donations
The easiest and most effective way to support the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is to make a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine appeal. The UK Government has also said that it will match every £ donated.
Donate safely on the DEC website https://www.dec.org.uk/
The DEC and other major charities are asking for donations of money rather than goods. Donating money allows international charities such as the DEC to procure what’s required on the ground, so it can be delivered to people more quickly rather than trying to transport goods from the UK to Ukraine.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
This bespoke scheme will offer a route to those who want to come to the UK who have someone here willing to provide them with a home. It will enable individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation and provide a route to safety for Ukrainians, and their immediate family members, forced to escape their homeland.
Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but there is a minimum expectation of 6 months.
https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
If you are worried about family members or relatives
See advice for British nationals who are in Ukraine on Gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have an emergency helpline number for anyone concerned about Ukrainian citizens: 07553 483628
Temporary visa concessions have been introduced for family members of British nationals who usually live in Ukraine. See UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals on Gov.uk.
Cllr Vinay Manro
Haydon Wick Parish Council – Chairman
Following the successful launch of the ‘@HaydonWick Your Community Matters’ survey, Haydon Wick Parish Council will be hosting a public consultation workshop on Wednesday 6th April 2022, to ask residents how they would like to influence the future of their community.
Leaflets advertising the survey and what the results will mean to the future of the community were delivered to over 10,000 homes across Haydon Wick at the start of the year. The survey was also available online, at community collection points and from the Parish Council Office.
With nearly 300 responses to the survey, the Council is now keen to meet with residents to delve deeper into what the priorities are, how they can influence the future and develop Haydon Wick together.
Chairman of the Council, Vinay Manro said:
“The next step is to review the results of the survey, discuss the priorities together and decide on the actions we need to take to make a difference. We want to turn those aspirations into actions on the ground. We are going to need the residents to help us. By attending our public consultation residents will be influencing the future for Haydon Wick and working alongside the Parish Council and other partners to bring about the changes we all want to see.
We have designed an innovative, fast-paced, action-planning workshop and by the end of the evening, we hope to have the foundation of a strategy for our community that will deliver real, lasting and positive change for the future.
I really do hope you can spare just two hours to attend this landmark event”.
To book your space at the community workshop event please CLICK HERE
Council sets budget to enhance open spaces management and community development programmes
Haydon Wick Parish Council has created a considered, balanced, and careful budget which puts community’s needs at the forefront.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent increased community use of the 24 parks and green open spaces within the parish has helped to shape the direction of budget setting. Recognising the mental and physical wellbeing these outside spaces provide for residents, the Council has committed to improved maintenance, enhancements and effective management of the playparks, allotments, and open spaces.
Building on a successful year which saw the refurbishment and opening of the skatepark and two large-scale complete refurbishments of accessible playparks, the Council has committed to ensuring employee training, equipment, and a new Grounds Maintenance Facility will enhance operational efficiency. It is hoped that the continued investment in the play parks and open spaces of Haydon Wick will offer residents the opportunity to maximise the health benefits for generations to come.
Chairman Councillor Vinay Manro said:
“We continue to improve our community activities, such as with the introduction of a Memory Café, a popular youth development programme and mental health provision. This year we will also see more events taking place to encourage all generations of our community to move towards a life without restrictions. Going forward we want to continue to support all our residents and we have carefully considered the cost of future activities when setting the budget and precept this year.
The budget has arrived from Councillors, who have asked and listened to residents, our Officers and robustly scrutinised by all members of the Council. To deliver everything the Council want to achieve, it was important to create a budget, which not only took account of the aspirations, but balanced the rising costs of living such as personnel cost of living rises, utilities, fuel and insurances.
Fortunately, prudent management of previous budgets stood us in good stead. The financial uncertainty that many of our residents’ face has been at the forefront of our minds as we set this year’s precept. At the Full Council meeting on 25th January 2022 the precept was agreed to be £98.88 per year which is an increase of £4.37 per year for a Band D property.”
The Parish Council hopes that residents recognise the value for money the precept of £98.88 per year represents, and the services this offers to all sectors of the community it represents. Through the expansion of service provision, increased community and youth development programmes, continued enhancement of the play parks and open spaces the Council continues to serve and develop the community.

On Saturday 19th February, Haydon Wick Parish Council held an afternoon tea party to thank the wonderful residents of the Parish who have volunteered in or contributed to the local community in the past year. The invitation list was exclusive, and included community bus drivers, litter pickers, community event organisers and Memory Café volunteers.
Haydon Wick Parish Council welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate it’s appreciation of the volunteers time, hard work and dedication that is put into improving the environment and developing community spirit.
@Haydon Wick Your Community Matters Consultation launches
One of the largest consultation events ever launched by Haydon Wick Parish Council has commenced, and all residents have been invited to have their say.
Leaflets advertising the survey to help shape the future community plan for the parish and what the results will mean to the community are being delivered to homes across the Parish this January.
The survey is available online, at community collection points such as Morrisons and from the Parish Council Office on Thames Avenue.
The Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, Councillor Vinay Manro said “we want to hear everyone’s views and make sure the community is in the driving seat and shaping its own future. This is such an important moment for our community for the residents to tell us what they want What do they value most about the community of Haydon Wick? What do we need to improve? That’s what we need to know – so we can make these our priorities for the future. I really do hope that everyone gets involved and has their say”.
The survey is now available online at: https://forms.office.com/r/mx5msgeWi5. All responses are completely confidential.
For more information, keep an eye out for the leaflet heading to your doormat soon.
For more information, please contact the Parish Council Office on 01793 722446 or email admin@haydonwick.gov.uk
Haydon Wick Parish Council successfully delivered the traditional Christmas Parcel Scheme this year, and spread festive cheer and goodwill to residents in need across the Parish. Staff, Councillors and volunteers worked hard to overcome any logistical challenges presented by social distancing requirements and ensured that the community project continued to help those that live alone, aged over 70 and live within the Parish.
Chairman of the Council, Councillor Vinay Manro told us: “This winter has continued to bring challenges for many, we were delighted to be able to continue with a 30+ year tradition in bringing some festive cheer and goodwill to some of those most in need within the parish.
Our community Christmas project delivered over 160 parcels to residents across the parish who live alone and are aged over 70. The packages included festive food and treats to help them enjoy the season.
I am very grateful to our Councillors, Staff and volunteers who banded together to pack the bags and deliver them out to our residents, along with all those who donated items.
This annual project is more than just delivering a Christmas parcel, It is another way for us to check in on some of our most vulnerable, have a chat, address any concerns, and most of all ensure they know there is a friendly face available should they need additional support”.
The Council is as always humbled by the generosity of its volunteers and community groups who come together every year to help with this project and would like to pass on their thanks to: Morrisons, ASDA, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God for their very generous donations.
The Council has received many welcome notes of thanks from recipients, including ‘To Haydon Wick Parish Council plus helpers, for the Christmas Parcel plus making Haydon Wick a ‘super’ place to live. A big thank you!’.
‘Substituting Christmas Greetings for Festive Donations…’
This year, Haydon Wick Parish Council made the decision to donate to the Swindon Food Collective instead of sending corporate Christmas Cards. Each year, the Council spends up to £200.00 on seasons greetings, however this year, funds were diverted to a greater cause.
Chairman of the Council, Councillor Vinay Manro said that “while we still want to send festive greetings to all of our contacts, we decided that a donation to the Swindon Food Collective would benefit members of our local community and we hope, make a real difference to someone’s Christmas”.
Over the last year the Swindon Food Collective has seen demand for their assistance increase in many areas with one zone particularly being the Haydon Wick and surrounding SN25 area.
For the full article, please visit: Haydon Wick Parish Council swaps seasons greetings for much-needed festive gift of food | Swindon Advertiser
The Council is delighted to be welcoming Father Christmas to Haydon Wick this year! Join us for our fabulous and fun Christmas Party on Monday 20th December.
CLICK HERE to book your ticket. A responsible adult must remain with the young person attending, but pleas only book a ticket for the young person attending.
🎅 Ages 7 – 10 years
🎅Party games and prizes
🎅 A surprise visit from Lapland….

The Parish Council is delighted to be offering a fun, free trip to Rockstar Climbing Centre on Wednesday 22 December. So, if you know someone aged 9 – 13 years old, and would benefit from this trip, please visit our youth page to book your free ticket and complete the medical consent form.








