I had the privilege of being invited to Freshbrook Church recently, where I met local residents at the Open House lunch club. This happens on the first Tuesday of every month and provides retired people with a chance to eat a freshly cooked meal together for just £2.50, and it was great to hear how much it means to people. Following this, I had a tour of the church's fantastic facilities and finished off by helping to pack boxes for…
The latest round of Community Grants and New Shoots Grants is now open. Local Community Groups can apply to grants of up to £1000 and can be used to support events/projects in Swindon, of which £250 can be used to support things like helping with running expenses or printing newsletters. For Swindon residents or informal groups who have an idea for a project which will benefit their local community, there is a New Shoots grant which has its own application…
I was really pleased to be able to attend the recent Pride of Swindon awards, which was held at the STEAM Museum. It's always a great pleasure to attend the event, as I always learn about the amazing things that are happening in the town and the huge commitment of Swindon locals to helping others and making real difference in their communities. I'm proud that the event was set up by one of my former Mannington & Western ward…
Believe it or not, 5th May will be an important date for some of those people who cause us so much grief, the ones who don’t know where their polling station is and just do not care who’s in charge in Euclid Street. They will be heading for the Arts Centre and the Central Library for the events of Day 4 of the Swindon Festival of Literature, which as it happens include conversations with two star comedians, Isy Suttie and…
Swindon residents have been invited to an important Hindu festival on the evening of Sunday 14th February. The Swindon Puja Committee has organized the third annual Hindu festival this Sunday to celebrate Saraswati Puja, an event devoted to the goddess Saraswati, at the Punjabi Community Centre, off of Cricklade Road. Last year’s event had more than 400 people attend and was deemed an overwhelming success. The religious element of the festival starts at 10am and will be formally opened by…
A new mural based on Doctor Who and Swindon has been completed at the Cambria Bridge Park. It celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Swindon Rail Works and local artist Ken White features. Well done to all involved, it shows what can be achieved when the council works with local community activists. Thanks to those at the Central Community Centre and the Mechanics Institute Trust activists.
The Ward Councillors for Walcot and Park North Emma Bushell, Abdul Amin and Steve Allsopp are holding a report back meeting on Wednesday November 18th at Buckhurst Community Centre (Walcot Dome) Burghley Avenue, 7.00pm-9.00pm. The Ward Councillors for Walcot and Park North Emma Bushell, Abdul Amin and Steve Allsopp are holding a report back meeting on Wednesday November 18th at Buckhurst Community Centre (Walcot Dome) Burghley Avenue, 7.00pm-9.00pm. At the meeting councillors will share progress on local issues with residents. It is also…
Why not put your general knowledge to the test at our fun Quiz night on the 21st November 2015 and enjoy a Fish & Chip Supper with a cash bar, in the company of friends, come as a team (up to 6) or join others on the night. Pre-booking essential and a deposit it required. Tickets are £10 per person and are available from Carol Heavens Why not put your general knowledge to the test at our fun Quiz night and enjoy…
This is a new idea to try to set up a two way conversation with residents help inform how best councillors and residents can progress local issues and concerns. It aims to build on our programme of street surgeries and ensure that we are campaigning on those local matters which most concern residents. The Ward Councillors for Walcot and Park North Emma Bushell, Abdul Amin and Steve Allsopp are holding three report back meetings to share progress on local issues with residents. The…
“I was happy to support this event. It reminds us that refugees are ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. I am proud that Swindon is a welcoming place.” “I was happy to support this event. It reminds us that refugees are ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. I am proud that Swindon is a welcoming place.” To find out more about The Harbour Project and what they do to help and support refugees and asylum seekers: Link to Harbour Project website http://www.harbourproject.org.uk
The bed below the Beehive on Rolleston Street is planted. The bed at the junction of Swindon Road and Warwick Road has been cleared. We're going to revisit this bed and agree a planting scheme with the Back Garden community group. Some before and after photos of the planting session. The bed below the Beehive on Rolleston Street is planted. The bed at the junction of Swindon Road and Warwick Road has been cleared. We're going to revisit this bed…
We would like to update you on the progress of the Hesketh Crescent play area upgrade. We can inform you that while there have been some delays things are still progressing and it is definitely going ahead. We would like to update you on the progress of the Hesketh Crescent play area upgrade. We can inform you that while there have been some delays things are still progressing and it is definitely going ahead. The current timescales for the Hesketh…