community

Georgina Morgan-Denn
3 February 2023

News

Shouts of Higher! Lower! In Haydon Wick brings the community together for a night of fun

Shouts of Higher! Lower! In Haydon Wick brings the community together for a night of fun https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Play-your-cards-right-Jan-231.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 3 February 2023 3 February 2023

On Friday 27^th January 2023, Haydon Wick Parish Council hosted a ‘Quiz, Fish and Chips and Play Your Cards Right’ evening at the Haydon Wick Working Men’s Club. The event was delivered as part of the Council’s reducing loneliness and isolation programme designed to encourage members of the community to meet new people. The £5.00 tickets went on sale early in the New Year.

Fish and chips were supplied by Thames Avenue fish and chip shop, and thoroughly appreciated by all. The winning quiz team took away some lovely prizes. After the quiz had finished and everyone had eaten, the Haydon Wick version of Play Your Cards Right got everyone joining in and enjoying the fun.

Attendees from the Council’s event had this to say: “I felt a bit guilty because I am not lonely or isolated, but I met and chatted to a couple of people who were struggling a bit and then I realised that those people were glad to meet people who were a bit more outgoing”.

“I used to go into the office every day and that meant I could chat to people, now I work from home, I can go days without talking to anyone face to face. Tonight, a few of us who usually only chat on social media decided to come and we have really enjoyed it.”

Councillor Ellen Baker Lee Vice Chairman of the Council said “our reducing Isolation and Loneliness Programme has been really successful in bringing the community of Haydon Wick together. Residents are hearing about the events through word of mouth and the leaflet we delivered a few months ago. We hope to continue putting these events on as they’re proving to be popular and so beneficial to people who live alone.”

The Parish Council is always keen to hear from the community about how it can continue to deliver popular events for everyone to enjoy. If you have any suggestions that you think would be well received in the Parish, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Community Development Officer: events@haydonwick.gov.uk

Georgina Morgan-Denn
30 January 2023

News

Councillors Reject Swindon Borough Council’s (SBC) Independent Remuneration Recommendation

Councillors Reject Swindon Borough Council’s (SBC) Independent Remuneration Recommendation https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/haydon-wick-parish-council-logo-nov-2020.png 800 379 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 30 January 2023 22 February 2023

Haydon Wick Parish Councillors voted to reject the SBC’s Independent Remuneration Panel’s allowances recommendation of £1,757 for Councillors and £5,272 for the Chairman. They have traditionally rejected these recommendations instead increasing their allowances in line with the national agreed pay raise the Parish Council staff receive.

At the same meeting a proposal that Councillors receive the nationally negotiated staff National Joint Council’s agreed Cost of Living increase for 2022/23, which equated to a 7.67% increase, and would have been back dated to April 2022, was also rejected. Likewise, they rejected any increase in the next financial year 2023/24.

By rejecting these three proposals, Haydon Wick Parish Councillor allowances will remain the same as 2021/22, which are Councillors £884.00 per annum, and the Chairman £1,644.00 per annum.

The Independent Remuneration Panel’s Recommendations (Highest, Lowest & Haydon Wick’s)

Parish	Electors (Aug 2020)	Parish Electorate Band	% of SBC Allowance per band	Parish Cllr Allowance	Parish Chair Allowance
Central Swindon South	43,157	42,500-45,000	45%	£3,954	£11,862
Haydon Wick	18,248	17,500– 20,000	20%	£1,757	£5,272
Stanton Fitzwarren	173	0 – 2,500	2.5%	£220	£659

The Legalities

Recommendations for Parish and Town Councils in the Borough of Swindon in accordance with the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 are presented each year. The Borough Council has appointed an Independent Remuneration Panel who review the allowances for parish and town councils within Swindon.

Publicity When a parish or town council intending to pay allowances receives recommendations from the Panel it must ensure copies of the report are available for inspection and publicise a notice in a conspicuous place in the parish for 14 days stating:

• That it has received recommendations from the Panel

• Describes the main features of recommendations and amounts

• States that copies of the Panel’s report are available for inspection [Contact the Chief Officer clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk for further details].

Records of Allowances Parish and Town councils are required to maintain a record of the allowances paid and make a record available for inspection with reasonable notice.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
24 January 2023

News

Winter Welly Walk at Mouldon Hill Country Park

Winter Welly Walk at Mouldon Hill Country Park https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/welly-walk-2-1.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 24 January 2023 24 January 2023

‘Haydon Wick Parish Council teams up with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to open little eyes to the treasure that is Mouldon Hill Country Park’

Children of Haydon Wick Parish were invited along to Mouldon Hill Country Park on Saturday 21^st January 2023, along with their parents and carers, to join a guided walk around the country park to explore the winter landscape. Neil Pullen, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, gave each of the attendees a little bag of bird seed and a bird identification sheet, and the focus of the walk was colours and different bird species.

Cormorants, a white egret, coots, and mallard ducks were amongst the birds that the group spotted whilst on their adventure, as well as a lovely little visit from the winter robin. The children each played a game of Pooh sticks from the bridge behind the lake, which turned out to be a lot of fun, along with a lesson in skimming small stones on the ice.

Along with cold toes, the children took a lot away with them from this little exploration. Feedback from parents indicated that the children thoroughly enjoyed the walk, and the children liked spending the rest of the day keeping an eye out for other bird species landing in their gardens. The Council look forward to working with The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at future events this year.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
24 January 2023

News

Ponies Visit Haydon Meadow Pre School

Ponies Visit Haydon Meadow Pre School https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dinky.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 24 January 2023 24 January 2023

Haydon Wick Parish Council arranges for Therapy Ponies to Visit Haydon Meadow Pre School

Following their recent popular appearance at the Haydon Wick Memory Café in October 2022, the Dinky Ponies have been invited back for another visit to the Parish. This time round they will be enjoyed by the children and staff at Haydon Meadow pre-school, which is situated In Haydon Centre and Gym

During their last visit the children were able to see the ponies through the fence, but this time they got the chance to get up close and personal. Sarah, the owner of the ponies, brought along the lovely Georgie and Tinks who the children got to pet, brush, and pamper. The two ponies looked beautiful after each of the groups of children had visited them. They had lovely plaits and multi-coloured bows in their manes and tails.

The miniature Shetland ponies are used as therapy animals, and are often enjoyed in care home settings, where they trigger happy memories for residents. This time the Parish Council were excited they bought a smile to the children’s faces in an educational setting.

Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development Committee had this to say about the visit:

“As a horse lover myself, I think this was a wonderful opportunity to give children at the pre school the opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures. It’s a great chance for partnership working with our neighbours and sharing resources.”

Georgina Morgan-Denn
18 January 2023

News

Trespassing at Cliffords Meadow

Trespassing at Cliffords Meadow https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cows.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 18 January 2023 18 January 2023

The tenant Farmer at Cliffords Meadow who is grazing cattle and sheep, has recently caught trespassers pushing through the hedgerows and creating gaps in the stock fencing. Some of the trespassers have even let their dogs near the sheep, which is a serious concern for the livestock.

The tenant Farmer has spent a significant amount of time and money on trying to repair the damage caused and often has to retrieve the cattle and sheep from nearby streets as they have gone through the gaps.

The Parish Council is in contact with Natural England, the Land Agent and the tenant Farmer signposting potential grant funding information and improvements to secure the area.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
17 January 2023

News

Autumn and Winter Shrub & Hedge maintenance programme

Autumn and Winter Shrub & Hedge maintenance programme https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/QED-before-1.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 17 January 2023 17 January 2023

The Council has commenced its Autumn and Winter Shrub & Hedge maintenance programme.

Abbey Meads has been completed and the team is now working in Haydon Wick, Greenmeadow and Moredon area moving on to Haydon End and Oakhurst in the near future. These operations are being carried out by the Council’s direct labour force, who are working on an enhanced specification; this involves a substantial reduction of shrubs and hedgerows where possible.

This method of maintenance leads to more controllable re-growth, improved maintenance leading to less litter, less likelihood of structural damage to property and less potential for vermin to inhabit these areas.

The feedback from residents has been fantastic and is keeping up the staff morale as they continue through the programme.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
16 January 2023

News

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Yoga Programme

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Yoga Programme https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Poster.jpg 591 591 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 16 January 2023 16 January 2023

As part of its Reducing Loneliness and Isolation Programme, Haydon Wick Parish Council is delighted to partner with Rosetta Lorusso at the Council Offices in Haydon Wick, to embark on a 6-week introduction to yoga and mindfulness.

Rosetta has been teaching yoga for 15 years’ and was born in Swindon. She has a passion to share yoga to help others connect with the body, and focus the mind in a positive way. Sessions synchronise breath with movement in a creative, explorative flow of the self. Increasing self-awareness can lay foundations for a harmonious community.

The 45-minute classes will be held at the Parish Council Offices for six weeks starting on Monday 30^th January, starting at 4.30 pm, mats will be provided.

The yoga classes will be charged at £1.00 per class, with the full £6.00 payable in full by bank transfer at the time of booking.

For further details, and to book your space at all 6 classes please contact events@haydonwick.gov.uk or telephone 01793 722446

Georgina Morgan-Denn
19 December 2022

News

Christmas comes to Haydon Wick Memory Café

Christmas comes to Haydon Wick Memory Café https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/5-1.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 19 December 2022 19 December 2022

‘It’s lovely to see so many of our regulars with smiles on their faces, especially at this time of year”

Christmas came early to Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Memory Café on 14^th December 2022. Café attendees were greeted by staff and volunteers dressed in festive outfits, and cheerful Christmas music playing in the background. The room was warm and welcoming, courtesy of a sparkling Christmas tree and a backdrop image of a coal fire, surrounded with toys and wrapped presents.

To kick off the festivities, the café welcomed a choir from Haydonleigh Primary School, who entertained those present with their carol singing. Toddlers from the neighbouring Meadow Pre-School then popped in, bearing Christmas cards and chocolates.

The next activity was Christmas wreath making with seasonal foliage. The Parish Council’s talented Administrator demonstrated her creative skills by leading the session, and helped those present to create a festive garland, which they were then able to take home with them.

This was followed by our regular fitness instructor, who quickly warmed each one of the attendees up with some gentle exercises to Christmas music. Lin’s enthusiasm and festive play list brought smiles to all present.

Finally, we were delighted to have Father Christmas join the café – our thanks to Councillor Richard Hailstone for helping us again this year. The very talented Father Christmas provided musical accompaniment on his keyboard, while everyone sang traditional Christmas carols. Afterwards he handed out gifts and a raffle was drawn. This year’s raffle prizes were once again kindly donated by Parish Councillors and Council staff.

Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development committee said: ‘’ Haydon Wick is rightly proud of its award-winning Memory Café, and it’s lovely to see so many of our regulars with smiles on their faces, especially at this time of year. The Parish Council is always grateful for the support of its volunteers, who turn up at each café to support this valuable project.”

Georgina Morgan-Denn
19 December 2022

News

Christmas Parcel Project 2022

Christmas Parcel Project 2022 https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2-2.jpg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 19 December 2022 19 December 2022

This annual project is more than just delivering a Christmas parcel, it’s a way of checking in on some of our most vulnerable residents and gives us the opportunity to have a chat.

Haydon Wick Parish Council successfully delivered the traditional Christmas Parcel Scheme again this year, spreading festive cheer and goodwill to those residents in need across the Parish.

Councillors, Staff and Volunteers worked hard to pack and deliver the parcels on Friday 15^th and Saturday 16^th December 2022, to make sure the community project continued to help those over 70 years old, who live alone within the Parish.

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Vinay Manro said:

“This winter has continued to bring challenges for many. The Council is proud to be able to continue with this long-standing tradition in bringing some festive cheer and goodwill to some of those who are most in need within our parish. This annual project is more than just delivering a Christmas parcel, it’s a way of checking in on some of our most vulnerable residents and gives us the opportunity to have a chat. Most of all it’s reassuring for our residents to know there is a friendly face available should they need support”.

The community Christmas project delivered over 130 parcels to residents across the parish. The packages included festive food and other treats. The Council has been humbled by the generosity of its volunteers and local groups who come together every year to help with this project and would like to pass on their thanks to: Morrisons and the Redeemed Christian Church of God for their very generous donations.

Georgina Morgan-Denn
14 December 2022

News

Cliffords Meadow Update

Cliffords Meadow Update https://haydonwick.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1.jpeg 800 800 Georgina Morgan-Denn Georgina Morgan-Denn https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/86720b6552d1081447e5765e596ef00f25d359d874727de93ee6c522b559facc?s=96&d=mm&r=g 14 December 2022 14 December 2022

Residents overlooking Cliffords Meadow were delighted to inform us of the arrival of some new neighbours this morning, in the form of 200 sheep that have been placed in the adjoining fields behind the railway track. These are under the care of the tenant farmer who currently also has cattle in Cliffords Meadow and will be situ until March. We would like to remind everyone that Cliffords Meadow is private and should not be accessed by members of the public, whilst the number of cattle in there at present are small there are plans for more cattle to join the existing herd shortly. If you are out walking across the fields in the vicinity, please do also stick to the public footpaths and if livestock is nearby do keep your dogs on leads.

The Council continue to liaise with Natural England regarding the urgent repairs to the surrounding stock fencing, maintenance of the surrounding hedgerows and future maintenance plans in relation to Cliffords meadow.