Editor's Note
By Jamie Hill
Swindon is going through a period of intense change at the moment and we're starting to see it, especially with the Fleming Way revamp nearing completion.
One of the biggest changes that could affect Swindon for years to come is the Magic Swindon project - which if all the funding comes through could really transform people's perception of arts and culture in the town.
We spoke to the man in charge of the project, Rod Hebden of New Elements, about the project and how it could kick into action as early as September if a £600,000 bid to the Arts Council is successful.
With match funding from the borough council and other sources this will be a real opportunity for the town to make its culture finally visible. See the piece on page five.
As always, though, we urge you also to try out our sister publication The Ink, our subscription-based news service, where analytical and longform news gets sent directly to your inbox and costs £5.99 a month.
Swindonians have really taken to The Ink as it gets under the skin of the town's issues. If you haven't already, sign up below.
Volunteers renovate Ukrainian community garden in Swindon
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com
A team from the UKRI - Arts and Humanities Research Council spent their Friday making a tangible difference for Swindon’s Ukrainian community.
They dedicated their volunteer days to revitalising a community allotment run by Swindon Welcomes Ukraine.
The group of 10 staff, led by Ian Howard, spent eight hours clearing overgrown paths, painting raised beds and adding compost to prepare the plots for the growing season.
Ian is no stranger to supporting Ukraine, having personally hosted four sets of Ukrainian guests through the Homes for Ukraine scheme since the war began.
“This isn’t just about gardening,” he said. “It’s about dignity, connection, and giving people a space that feels like home, if only for a while.
"We wanted to give back to a community that has already endured so much.”
The allotment, located in Stratton, was originally given to the Ukrainian community in early 2024 by Stratton Parish Council, who offered the space to Swindon Welcomes Ukraine. At the time, it was little more than an overgrown patch of land.
Volunteers began turning the soil in February 2024, and thanks to months of work it has
since been transformed into a functioning community garden and allotment.
Newly appointed Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, Annastasiia Banatska, joined the day’s activities alongside Vice-Chair Kris Talikowski and several local Ukrainians who tend their own beds on the site.
“Working with the soil, growing vegetables, these are things many of us did at home in Ukraine,” said Annastasiia. “Having this garden helps us feel connected to that part of our lives. It brings comfort, especially in such uncertain times.”
The benefits go far beyond produce. Kris Talikowski explained: “When you're coping with trauma, dislocation, and war, something as simple as a patch of earth can become a sanctuary.
"The mental health benefits are enormous, and to have the UKRI team here, helping make
that possible, shows the power of solidarity.”
The day was filled with hard work, laughter, and even a shared tea break under the spring sun. For both the UKRI team and the Ukrainians present, it was a moment of collaboration, connection, and quiet hope.
AHRC COO Stella Power said "I am very proud of AHRC colleagues who took part in our volunteering day with Swindon Welcomes Ukraine. Their efforts to help develop an allotment for Ukrainian refugees living in Swindon, enabling them to grow their own food, was a powerful demonstration of AHRC’s generosity and kindness in action."
Swindon Welcomes Ukraine continues to support local Ukrainian families through events, projects, and partnerships. For more information or to get involved, visit www.ukraineswindon.com
News from SBC
Repairing Swindon’s roads
According to the latest industry research, it would take £17bn and 12 years to clear the backlog of road repairs across England and Wales.
In Swindon, it’s estimated it would take £51m to clear Swindon Borough Council’s backlog of road repair work. This financial year, the council has budgeted £2.75m to carry out priority road resurfacing and reconstruction work.
Due to this limited budget, all the preventative road maintenance that’s needed can’t be carried out. This means that reactive work, including pothole repairs, is essential to address issues that pose an immediate safety risk in advance of when any resurfacing or reconstruction work may be completed.
The £2.75m for proactive repairs sits within a larger £5.3m funding allocation which covers a range of additional work including pothole repairs, refreshing road
markings and upgrading traffic signals.
Greenbridge Roundabout was recently included in in this programme, where the road markings have been refreshed alongside patching work to fill gaps that appeared in the road surface. Doing this work now will help extend the life of the roundabout and help reduce further deterioration.
In total, more than £55,000 will be spent by the council refreshing road markings this financial year and aims to begin tackling a historic backlog.
Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for The Environment and Transport, said: “We know residents want to see our roads in better condition and, rest assured, we’re doing all we can with the budgets we have.
“Repairing the backlog of road repairs would take, we estimate, more than £50m
and a number of years.
“Despite not having a huge budget, our highways team are doing everything they can with the limited resources they have – as shown by the relining work and the work at Greenbridge – while also being reactive with our pothole repairs.
“We’ll have more work to help repair our roads throughout the year, so please keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.”
If residents notice any potholes or damage on the road network, they can be reported on the Council’s website at www. swindon.gov.uk/reportapothole
£2.6m provided to the Council to support residents with necessary bills
Having distributed more than 34,000 food vouchers and supported 2,324 local households with energy bills last year, Swindon Borough Council will again be helping families through the Household Support Fund thanks to a new grant worth £2.6 million.
Issued by the Department of Work and Pensions, the Household Support Fund has been extended until March 2026. The additional funding will give households who need it support for essentials, such as food, heating and housing.
Councillors have now formally agreed how the funding will be allocated to support those who are most in need.
Between October 2024 and March 2025, the council allocated more than £1.5m from the Household Support Fund, which included distributing 34,410 food vouchers to families with children during school holidays. This ensured 9,517 children were supported, at a cost of around £469,000. Another 6,261 households received food to the value of £198,700.
In addition, £590,000 was used to support 2,324 households with energy costs. The council also gave small grants to local partners, such as the Big Breakfast Club Plus which received
£10,000 to continue its hard work to improve the health and well-being of local residents.
Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “With energy bills and the cost of food continuing to rise, I’m really grateful to the Government for extending the Household Support Grant for another year.
“We have already seen at first-hand how this funding allows us to target support to those Swindon households who really need help. The funding helped thousands of families across the borough last year, and I’m pleased we will be able to do so again in a way which will support our commitment to build a fairer Swindon.”
Another chance to register for Solar Together
Swindon Link readers who are interested in installing solar panels on their homes are being encouraged to consider the councilbacked Solar Together scheme.
Now in its fourth year, 600 residents have already signed up to the scheme, which is run in conjunction with Wiltshire Council and iChoosr.
The Solar Together scheme brings residents together to increase their bargaining power and secure the most competitive offer through a reverse auction with pre-vetted installers.
Installing solar panels allows homeowners
to use free, renewable, low carbon electricity. Surplus electricity can be sold back to the grid or be stored for later use.
The council is inviting residents to register by 8 August on the Solar Together website, with no obligation to continue further: www.solartogether.co.uk/swindon/join
Cllr Emma Bushell, Swindon Borough Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight, said: “I’m excited we can now announce a fourth round of the Solar Together scheme, providing homeowners with another chance to install high-quality solar panels and
batteries at competitive market prices.
“Last year’s Solar Together scheme locked in a 39 per cent discount on the typical market price, which more than 600 Swindon residents took part in.
“The Swindon Plan is clear on our commitment to a sustainable future. This scheme empowers our residents to actively participate in the transition away from fossil fuels.
"Residents should visit the Solar Together website to find out more and help us build a greener Swindon.”
Could it be magic? Let the cultural revolution begin
Nearly a year ago Swindon Borough Council made an announcement about their all-encompassing arts strategy ‘Magic Swindon’ - described as a manifesto for change that would be transformative for the town. Rod Hebden, who you might know as the man behind The Festival of Tomorrow and who runs New Elements, talks to us about how he is helping to make this ambitious strategy for Swindon happen.
By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
I’m sat across from Rod Hebden in the Tap and Brew in Old Town. He’s an affable man who first came to my attention a few years ago when he was handed the reins of pushing the ambitious but ill-fated plans for a brand spanking new museum and art gallery in the town.
Rod runs a company called New Elements and was the brains behind the very successful Festival of Tomorrow, which for the past five years has taken over the town during the February half term week.
The Magic Swindon 'manifesto' which the borough council adopted as its arts and culture strategy, was announced to big fanfare last July.
Since its formation, The Magic Swindon network has already seen lots of collaborations being forged with the town’s cultural sector.
After the announcement It was decided that an Arts Council England Place Partnership bid would be submitted and that Rod Hebden and New Elements would be the lead organisation, which then worked to develop the bid and secure the match funding.
Rod said: “We submitted the bid Expression of Interest in December, and were informed it was successful in February. We then submitted the full bid in April with the decision expected in July.
“Swindon Borough Council are supporting the bid with cash (from Central Government) and in-kind officer time, and are recruiting a new role, Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events (nicknamed Head of CHASE), which will be the SBC lead.
“The point of a Place Partnership project is to do something that is transformational for the town that kind of lifts it, which isn’t
necessarily one big event.
“It’s not about that we don’t already do arts and culture, it’s about how we gather and lift that culture that we’re already doing.”
The actual bid that has been applied for is £600,000. And with match-funding and in-kind services, if successful, Rod thinks the final figure behind the project will be to the tune of around £1.2 million.
The two year project will be looking to tackle five different strands highlighted by The Magic Swindon network work within the sector. They are:
Perception and Brand - There is a perception that Swindon is a ‘cultural desert’ by people from within and outside the town. The project will look at ways to make the existing culture in the town visible and that there’s a full calendar of events going on already. The idea is to create something that rebrands us as a big festival town. Rod said: “The project will be about joining up these festivals and making them feel like they’re part of an ongoing programme rather than these disconnected things that happen but don’t talk to each other. It’s not about homogenising them but making them feel like a programme for the town.”
Space - Rod said: “A thing that also came up that people struggle with is the lack of places for creativity which might be theatre space or studio space or art studio space. It might be for performance, but it might be for rehearsal.
Funding - Rod said: “The other bit is access to funding. Particularly for small organisations who don’t want to put in an Arts Council bid because they are hard work and complicated. How do we support small artists who don’t have a fundraising background, don’t have the time to put it in and have some great stuff that they want to promote?”
Talent Pathways - Rod said: “This will be for people who have grown up or live in Swindon and are interested in getting into photography or multimedia or dance and they think to themselves ‘Well there’s nowhere in Swindon is there?’ so they go to Bristol or
elsewhere because they assume there’s nothing in Swindon. Whilst it’s okay for people to leave Swindon we want them to feel that they can stay if they want to and that the opportunities are here. So we want to create ‘Talent Pathways’, which is essentially a map of what you can do.
Collaboration and Coordination - Rod said: “We need a hub that holds everything together, runs network events and runs training, as well as supporting people if they have fundraising needs. They are the ones that manage all this, report to the Arts Council as well as the borough. They will be the ones to work out the budgets and the governance. This all sits within New Elements but there will be freelance posts that do other bits and pieces. We’ll be creating an overall advisory group for it, and steering groups for each of those strands. So essentially the arts network is owning and deciding what we’re doing and how we’re spending the money.”
The Arts Council is expected to come to a decision in mid-July and if successful Rod is expecting to use August to put everything together before the project really kicks off in September.
He said: “There will be money to spend on delivering each workstream, but working through the finer detail of exactly where and when it’s spent to best achieve
our aims is all part of the project. For instance for the ‘spaces’ element of the plan we might need to spend money on them.
“There’s also going to be a fair bit of commissioning pots in that. So money to commission different artwork.
“These pots of money will be managed by those steering groups so that again the network is deciding where the money is spent.
“What we need to be careful of is that if we get a ‘yes’, immediately the public will expect something big and shiny when in reality it will be lots of little things going to lots of places.
“So we will be talking about things as they happen. It’s a bit like a space mission where this funding helps the rocket get escape velocity but once in space, then we’ll start to see the fruits of all the labour.”
The Place Partnership Bid is a two year project and one thing at the forefront of Rod’s mind is how to put things in place so that Swindon benefits beyond that time frame.
He said: “We want to also look at legacy as to what will happen in two years as it is a one-off bid.
“We won’t need that scale of money in future to keep it going as we would have done a lot of those changes structurally that would have needed to have happened but we need legacy for the team like a Swindon Cultural Trust."
Art students brighten up Swindon underpass by turning it into gallery
By Barrie Hudson
A West Swindon underpass has been thoroughly brightened up with the help of a group of young artists.
They spent two days creating works of art on the subway by The Chesters under Mead Way as part of their work experience, and the project itself was part of a major initiative rolled out by the parish council.
Each of the five students, from St John’s School in Marlborough, designed a separate painting for the mural on the 26-metre wall.
It is part of a West Swindon Parish Council project to paint each of its 18 underpasses.
The Chair of West Swindon Parish Council, Cllr Rose Llewellyn, said: “A colourful and bright subway makes it more inviting for people to use; they feel safer and less intimidated.
"Also, it helps to improve the overall look of our area.
“As part of our work to make West Swindon an even better place to work and live, the parish council wants to paint a mural on every one of our underpasses.
"So far, we have painted three, and this one, with the help of these talented students, is the fourth."
Cllr Llewellyn added: "Our aim is then to get the remaining 14 completed as soon as possible.”
Community is at the heart of everything for new Mayor
New Mayor of Swindon Councillor Fay Howard has shared her experience during her first few weeks.
She said: “Nearly a month in as the Mayor of Swindon I am loving it all. It’s been wonderful to attend Old Town festival Polish Day, Ageing Well Festival, the Longevity Games, the duck race and the Summer Festival for young people on Buckhurst Field.
"Swindon is rich in kindness. Volunteers week was a great way to greet and thank many of you for all that you are doing in supporting others in our town. From visiting those living alone, to offering advice and care, to food distribution and improving Children’s literacy, our communities are enriched by each and every act.
"Thank you for all that you are involved in, if I’ve not had
the opportunity yet to meet and thank you personally.
"The two charities I am raising money for this year are The Harbour Project and Wiltshire Treehouse. If you’d like to join in and support me with these, do get in touch.
"If you are holding an event and would kindly like to invite me, do please email mayor@ swindon.gov.uk”
My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival set to be the biggest yet
This year's My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival will take place at the Old Town Bowl in Town Gardens on Saturday 26 July.
The festival, which is a tribute to legendary Swindon music venue owner Dave Young, will be in aid of Prospect Hospice and is headline sponsored by Future Planning and organised in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council.
As well as a bar, street food, a makers' market and children's rides, the line-up for this year is the best yet according to the organisers.
The event will have two stages - the main ticketed stage in Old Town Bowl and The Bandstand.
On the main stage there will be Ellis Evason, Red 17, JB and the Mojo Makers, Subject A, The Crystal Wolf Project, Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Talk in Code and Plucking Different.
Closing the night at The Bowl will be professional party band Rogues, which includes members of All Ears Avow.
On the bandstand you will be able to catch Mr Love & Justice, Plummie Racket, M3G, Louise Aust and more to be announced.
The festival takes place from noon to 10pm, with tickets costing £20 for an adult and £12 for a concession with under-10s going free.
For more information visit www. mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk
Rogues
Jim Blair of JB & The Mojo Makers
Talk in Code
Swindon Rotarians promise new recruits a friendly welcome
Rotary is inviting Swindon people to find out more about the organisation - and become Rotarians themselves.
The town has four clubsSwindon Old Town, Swindon North & Thamesdown, the Rotary Club of Swindon and the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix.
A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town said: "One of our members knew vaguely of the organisation for years, thought it was not for him and never imagined he would ever become a member.
"He found he was wrong on both counts. He was invited by a friend to go along as a guest for a while to find out more. He did so, and it’s changed his life and he’s been a member for many years. Wishes he’d joined long ago.
"What changed his mind? He found it to be an organisation that does so much to support those who need help, locally, nationally and internationally.
"Every Rotary Club, small and large, is a small but important cog in a worldwide organisation. He has also found joining his club, the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town, to be a great way to meet and make new friends.
"He found the existing members to be welcoming, friendly and supportive, and he enjoys the feeling that in a small way, he is helping to make the lives of the disadvantaged better."
The Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town meets at 7.30am on three Wednesdays a month, but although this means an early start, because the meetings finish at 8.30am they are not too long and the rest of the day awaits. It is a club with working age and retirement age members, men and women, from a variety of backgrounds. It can be reached on 07876 451176 or 07918 926020.
700 homes may be future for Highworth Golf Course
By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
Highworth Golf Course could be earmarked for 700 homes and a nature reserve under a Swindon Borough Council plan.
Members of the council’s Cabinet approved further work being carried out on a proposal which could see part of a former pitch and putt golf course in Highworth earmarked for up to 700 homes, up to half of which could be affordable.
In addition to housing, the proposed scheme would devote almost 60 per cent of the entire site, or 23.8 hectares, to open space, including 18.8 hectares (46 per cent) that would be retained as a publicly accessible nature reserve/parkland. The remaining 5.07ha would be reserved as open space to complement the development, which would include children’s and teenagers' play areas,
outdoor sports facilities, general recreational areas and allotments.
The proposal, one of three considered by the Cabinet, was backed by council officers. However, the Cabinet's decision prompted a group of Tory councillors to demand that the matter be reconsidered.
Four councillors - Steve Weisinger, Vijay Manro,
Nick Gardiner and Dan Adams- formally submitted a document to council chief executive Samantha Mowbray, saying the Cabinet failed to consider important details and legitimate alternative options about the site when making their decision. This claim was refuted by Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr Jim Robbins.
Starlight walk returns to celebrate 45 years of loving care
By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com
Prospect Hospice announced that its beloved Starlight Walk was coming back on Saturday 28 June - and this year's is extra special.
As the hospice marks 45 years of compassionate care, the charity invited the community to come together for an unforgettable evening of remembrance, celebration, and support.
Starting and finishing at The Deanery Academy, participants can choose a 10k or 15k route through the streets of Swindon, joining hundreds of others walking in honour of loved ones and raising crucial funds for local hospice care. Along the way, a moving remembrance space in Town Gardens offers a peaceful moment to reflect, remember, and celebrate lives well lived.
Jeremy Lune, CEO at Prospect Hospice, said: “This year’s
Starlight Walk holds even more meaning as we celebrate 45 years of care. It’s a night filled with love, community, and hope - an evening where memories shine bright and support for the hospice lights the way forward. We’re so thankful for everyone who joins us.”
The Prospect team say that whether a person has been personally supported by Prospect Hospice or simply wants to make a difference, the Starlight Walk is a powerful
way to show they care. Every step helps ensure the charity can continue delivering expert, compassionate support to people and families.
To sign up and experience a meaningful night walking under the stars in support of Prospect Hospice, people can visit www. prospect-hospice.net/starlight
Full details of the charity's work and how individuals and organisations can help out can be found at www.prospecthospice.net
Swindon Rotary Club donate £5,875 to local charities
At a special meeting of the Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown, £5,875 was presented to local charities. The majority of the funds were raised by means of the Club’s Christmas Santa Sleigh Collection held in December outside Asda West Swindon, Morrisons Dorcan and the Tesco Superstore.
Representatives from Prospect Hospice, Wiltshire Treehouse, Youth Adventure Trust, Samaritans and Swindon Carers attended the meeting to receive their cheques in person. These five charities received a combined total of £4,500.
Sarah Bear, Wiltshire Treehouse, said: “This donation will go towards providing bereavement support groups for children and young people within Swindon & Wiltshire. When everyday life becomes a challenge, we are there to provide guidance and support in person to children and their families. We receive no statutory funding and without donations such as yours we would not be able to continue to support bereaved families. Thank you.”
Natalie Levin, The Youth Adventure Trust, said: “We are a youth development charity supporting vulnerable 11-15 year olds in this area. A huge thank you for supporting us - your donation will help vulnerable young people from our local community build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will help them achieve more than they believe!"
A spokesperson for the Prospect Hospice said: “Thank you so much from everyone here at the hospice. Your support will help us continue to care for patients at the end of life and their families.”
Additionally, two representatives from MIND, Motor Neurone Disease, the North Wiltshire Association, attended the meeting. Their charity received a cheque for £875 from the fundraising quiz held in March.
Owens World Foundation was another one of the beneficiaries
from the Christmas Sleigh Collection. In March the Rotary Club funded the purchase of two Bleed Control Kits costing £250 each.
A spokesperson for Owens World Foundation, Swindon, said: “Thank you. These kits ensure the immediate implementation of bleeding control measures during emergency situations. The compact and portable nature of the bleed control kit enables rapid deployment in various settings. By including these essential supplies, we significantly increase the chances of effectively managing severe bleeding until professional medical assistance arrives.”
If you would like to become a member, please get in touch.
Email: rotaryswindonnorth@gmail.com Phone: 07710 228697 (Ken) or 07712 078942 (Chris) rotaryswindonnorth.org.uk
Parish council awards £50,000 outdoor gym contract
Haydon Wick Parish Council has announced the awarding of a £50,000 contract to establish a fully-equipped outdoor gym facility at White Eagle Play Area in Haydon End.
The parish council says it recognises the importance of community health and fitness facilities, and the area was selected as an extension of the popular play area which already includes a multi-use games area and an idyllic green open space, making it a community hub for all ages.
Following a comprehensive public consultation that engaged over 200 residents, the parish council agreed to award the contract to Harlequin Playgrounds Ltd, a local company based in Haydon Wick, to design and install the new community fitness equipment.
The decision comes after a three-month consultation and tendering process and engagement meetings with various suppliers.
The Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, Cllr Vinay Manro, said: "This outdoor gym represents one of the most significant investments in community health facilities that our parish has seen in recent years. The response to our consultation demonstrates just how much our residents value opportunities for outdoor exercise and community wellbeing.
"We're particularly pleased to be supporting a local business that understands our community's needs."
Summer of free family fun coming to Wharf Green
By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
Wharf Green in Swindon town centre will be transformed into a pop-up park hosting a number of free family events this summer.
In August, activities including an outdoor cinema and planetarium will occupy the square thanks to funding from Swindon Borough Council and support from local businesses and organisations.
Each weekend in August will see a different theme with a marquee activity taking place. Food vendors will also be in attendance as well as a number of other free activities related to the theme.
Every Wednesday will also see activities taking place such as art and circus workshops. The pop-up park will remain throughout the month and be available for people to use even when no events are taking place.
The schedule for the month is:
Creative Arts Weekend with Signal Festival and the South Asian Performing Arts Centre – Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 August
Circus School with the Swindon Circus and Outdoor Arts Project – Wednesday 6 August
Sports Weekend with ATB Skateshop – Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 August
Wheelie Wednesday with British Cycling – Wednesday 13 August
Outdoor Cinema with Create Studios – Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 August
Art Workshop and Garden Party with Artsite –Wednesday 20 August Planetarium with Immersive Experiences – Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 August
Live music finale with Swindon 105.5– Monday 25 August
All events are free but are subject to availability and weather on the day.
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “I’m hoping Wharf Green will be really busy this August, with lots of families coming to enjoy the events and activities. It’s a brilliant open space
Swindon school praised in glowing report
The Deanery Church of England Academy has been praised for “rapid improvement” in a glowing inspection report.
Rapid improvement, a clear vision and an atmosphere of kindness and respect have all been highlighted following an inspection of The Deanery Church of England Academy in Swindon.
The school was taken over by The Park Academies Trust last September, and the inspection found that providing extra resources, training and new policies, backed by students
and families, has been proving successful in just a matter of months.
The school’s new behaviour policy has been cited as a key factor in the improvements being seen. The report states that the policy is “...grounded in its vision, sets very clear expectations for students. The clarity of the policy, and its implementation, has been instrumental in its rapid improvement.”
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report, highlights the school's
and I feel that we don’t make enough of it sometimes.
“We know the town centre isn’t where people want it to be at the moment, so we’re leading the way in making it a more appealing and attractive place. Experiences and events are gradually taking over from shopping as the main draw for town centres all over the country, and I’m hopeful that Summer at the Green will show the way.
“If you’re looking for something to do over the summer, and let’s be honest, what parent isn’t – then why not stop by?”
Supporting the month are a variety of local organisations and businesses including Ministry of Samba, ATB Shop, British Cycling, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Artsite, National Trust, English Heritage, New Elements and Swindon Dance.
significant strengths and confirms it is successfully living up to its foundation as a Church school and enabling pupils and staff to flourish.
The report identifies that the school’s vision is centred on the core values of wisdom, hope, service, and resilience.
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The introduction of private street wardens with the power to fine for minor anti-social behaviour offences
Street Wardens, employed by a private company, will be given the power to give out fixed penalty notices in a bid to tackle Swindon's anti-social behaviour.
As part of the town's Community Safety Strategy, a multi-agency plan to tackle anti-social behaviour, street wardens will be able to give out fines for littering, dog fouling and other minor offences.
Tackling domestic abuse, disrupting organised crime and improving safety within the night-time economy are some of the priorities local agencies in Swindon will focus on over the next three years.
Swindon Borough Council has announced that it will be doubling the number of street wardens patrolling our streets from four to at least eight, with the plan for the new wardens to be paid for by the fines that they give out so at no cost to the cashstrapped council. This will come into effect later this year once it is signed off, and the private company to be used is currently out to tender.
There are currently four street wardens operating in the town, paid for by
the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as part of the previous community safety strategy. The current wardens do not have the ability to give out fines.
The aims of the new strategy are to tacke crime, reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and support vulnerable residents within the Borough.
The new strategy also aims to improve the feeling of safety among residents and tackle violence against women and girls, especially at night.
Previous priorities delivered by Swindon CSP under its last strategy include a new multi-agency forum for addressing persistent anti-social behaviour cases and an offender panel, which has overseen the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders to deter repeat offenders.
The council has set out a commitment through its Swindon Plan to reduce incidents of ASB-reported crime by three per cent year on year.
It has already made a good start on that target with new data available to
the council indicating that anti-social behaviour fell by 10 per cent between 2023 (355 recorded incidents of ASB) and 2024 (316 incidents).
Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Everyone in Swindon deserves to feel safe in their home and their community.
"That’s why reducing anti-social behaviour was a key target within the Swindon Plan, and I’m pleased that we have significantly exceeded our aims within the first year.
“However, we still have a lot of work to do, and this new strategy sets out a clear, collaborative plan for how we’ll work with partners and residents to address the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour so we create safer neighbourhoods across the Borough, helping us to build a fairer Swindon for everyone.
"There will be measures in place to ensure that the street wardens do not go over the top such as body cameras etc."
A united effort to deliver real results for Swindon
A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins
The recent Spending Review delivered two major wins for Swindon - clear proof that when local voices are strong and focused, we get results.
First and foremost, the Government’s Trailblazer funding for Penhill is a gamechanger.
This investment will put real power in the hands of local people, giving the community a direct say in how the money is spent.
It’s about local priorities, local decisions, and local pride. For too long, areas like Penhill have been overlooked.
Now, we have the tools to make lasting change - led by the people who live there.
The second big win was Swindon’s inclusion in the Government’s £39 billion investment in social and
affordable housing—the largest in over half a century.
This funding will help us build the homes we need, where we need them, and ensure that families in Swindon have access to secure, affordable places to live.
It’s a practical step forward that will make a real difference.
These two mentions in the Chancellor’s speech weren’t by chance.
They are the result of determined, consistent lobbying by Labour’s Swindon MPs and councillors working as a team. We’ve made the case for Swindon at every opportunityand it’s paying off.
Our success also builds on the momentum of the Heart of Swindon plan, which we launched at the Houses of Parliament back in March.
That event showcased our vision for a revitalised town
centre and demonstrated that Swindon is serious about its future.
It helped put us on the map - and now we’re seeing the benefits.
I want to thank our two MPs, Heidi Alexander and Will Stone, for their support in Westminster.
Their advocacy has been vital in making sure Swindon’s voice is heard.
And a sincere thank you to Rachel Reeves for her support and leadership in delivering this vital investment for Swindon.
Her backing for Swindon with this investment in the town is a game-changer.
This is what strong local leadership looks like - focused on results, driven by community needs, and committed to delivering real change.
We’ve got the funding. Now let’s get to work.
The impact of national economic woes on ordinary families
A column by borough council
Conservative Group Leader
Cllr Gary Sumner
As the Government loses control of public finances and the Chancellor admits that tax rises are coming, we are reminded of Keir Starmer launching the Labour Party’s local election campaign in Swindon two years ago with the shameless announcement that Labour would freeze Council Tax if in Government! Yet, in last month’s Spending Review, the Government set out plans for massive borrowing with the inevitability of more tax rises – including our Council Tax.
Labour do what they always do, they default to high spending which means more borrowing and higher taxes, leaving public finances vulnerable yet again. They create a tax spiral: they
increase taxes, which kills growth, and now they plan to raise taxes even further despite Reeves saying last year: "I’m really clear, I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes."
The Institute of Fiscal Studies have warned that the chancellor's spending review has a "sting in the tail" - which is that it relies on all English councils raising Council Tax by five percent every year. It is a fact that bills look set to rise at their fastest rate over any Parliament since 200105, when Labour were also in power.
The Local Government Association have also expressed their concerns, saying “...a lack of significant extra government money needed to meet immediate pressures (on social care) is worrying.”
In Swindon, we know that every penny of this year's increase in core Council Tax was spent on the Government's national Employer National Insurance increase and new council loans.
The council is spending £14 million more money than it has and is on the verge of bankruptcy. The Spending review does not help the situation. ”
We know that higher council tax rises can disproportionately affect low-income households and contribute to overall inflation. The consequences of having less disposable income means that households
in Swindon have a lower standard of living, impacting their ability to afford food, energy and housing costs. A five percent increase in Council Tax next year will add £400 to a Band D House.
The Government is relying on us to rightly support struggling families but the impact also means less money for essential services such as street cleaning (including graffiti and littering), gully clearing, addressing fly-tipping and highways maintenance, all issues which have already suffered under this administration.
Coming on top of a doubling in inflation, higher prices for everything from food to fuel, a sharp rise in unemployment, stalling economic growth, soaring debt interest and pensioners sacrificed, things don’t look too rosy for families across Swindon for the foreseeable future.
Welcome to St Joseph's
A great secondary school education means more choice, more freedom and more responsibility for our children as they develop into young adults. Supporting and guiding all our young people as they grow is both a serious responsibility and an immense privilege. We want all of our students to leave us not only with the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to succeed, but also with the strong moral framework that will support them through life, helping them find their own identity as capable, confident and compassionate adults.
At St Joseph’s, ‘we place our students at the heart of everything we do’ is more than a collection of words – it is used to guide the daily decisions and choices made by every member of our college community. We are immensely proud of the curriculum we have developed, the quality of our pastoral care, the additional opportunities on offer, and the high standards our students experience each and every day.
A great secondary school education also involves memorable experiences that broaden horizons, friendships that stand the test of time, and a well-spent childhood filled with enjoyment. At St Joseph’s, our strong sense of community promotes such an experience, with each child wellknown and valued.
Our students are our best ambassadors – they are proud to be part of this school and will happily discuss the reasons why with you and answer any questions you may have. Please get in touch about a visit if you are considering St Joseph’s for your child – you will get a warm welcome and a valuable insight into everything we are proud of in our school.
School Profile: St Joseph's Catholic College
Get to know the schools in your area
This issue: St Joseph's Catholic College
Address: Ocotal Way, Swindon SN3 3LR
Contact: 01793 714200
Website: www.stjosephscollege.net
We are dedicated and proud to provide exceptional, inclusive and inspirational education to students of all faiths, and none, in a Catholic setting. We pride ourselves on providing an aspirational and supportive environment, which enables all of our students to thrive in school and in life.
Every student leaves us with the education and experiences to enable them to thrive academically and empower them to enrich their own lives, and those around them.
Education at St Joseph’s takes place in a fully inclusive environment where students learn to value diversity. Students are supported by their peers and inspired by committed staff. Our strong, proactive partnerships help us continually improve our school and sustain excellence.
Interview: Kris Talikowski chairs the Old Town Business Association, representing members of the local business community
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com
Would Kris Talikowski describe himself as a driven person?
As he sat down for an interview with The Link, the businessman and Chair of the Old Town Business Association was in the midst of heading a strategy aimed at turning the forthcoming phased closure of Devizes Road for vital gas pipe replacement into a golden opportunity for local businesses to shine.
It involves everything from outdoor trading to three major Sunday street festivals in Devizes Road and Wood Street during August. Details can be found at www.thisisoldtown.com/ sundaysocials
"I have always been a 'doer' person," said Kris.
"My life is filled with different things because I like being busy - because that achieves a lot. We only have one chance, so we might as well make the most of it! The reward is when you can see it working and it's immensely beneficial for people - and it's great!"
Kris has been involved with the Old Town Business Association since 2013, when he opened The Core, the Old Town venue which has won an extensive fan base with its juices, smoothies, healthy food and workshops teaching people about why juicing is so important.
He has chaired the association for nearly a year, having taken over from Richard Deacon who served for around a quarter of a century.
Kris is originally from Southampton, grew up in Essex and went to university in Plymouth, where he studied Media and Theatre Arts.
He has been in Swindon since 2006, when he moved to the town with his partner who took a job at the WH Smith head
office.
A skilled photoghrapher, having studied the subject as part of his degree, Kris began working with SwindonWeb.
"In the two years I did work for them I was sent out every day to something new. You quickly discover what's going on in the town, who the major players are and what the cogs and pieces look like.
"When I was at university, and even before that at school, I had always been involved in organisations that achieved stuff. I was involved in my youth council at school, at university I was involved in the students' union - because you can achieve a lot more and get things done if you bring people together.
"When I decided to stay and buy a house in Swindon, I had already built a good business network and friends group, so I thought, 'Right, how can we achieve some of the bigger ambitions of Swindon as a whole?'
"I was involved in the Switch On To Swindon board for seven years, helping to attract inward investment and change
perceptions of Swindon externally.
"I think [Swindon] gets knocked a lot, and there are some amazing things here we need to shout about moreone of those being Old Town, obviously, but there is a lot of good that goes on here.
"There's a lot of affordable housing, there are a lot of parks, there are a lot of things in general that people just don't know about."
A period working with a health author and expert in the benefits of juicing gave Kris the knowledge - and passion for the subject - which saw him open The Core in Devizes Road.
It has since moved to Jack's and there are plans to move to Wood Street and offer more space and more seating, hopefully by the end of the year.
Kris also does marketing for small businesses, including ideas and campaigns.
For him, the work and achievements of the business association are proof of his long-held belief that remarkable things can be
achieved if people pool their ideas, skills and some of their resources.
Membership has tripled in the last five years or so, and currently stands at 97 businesses. Chris atrributes much of this boom to the Friends of Old Town scheme, which was established in 2021 and involves people donating £10 or more being issued with a card which grants them discounts and deals at participating businesses.
All of the money raised through donations is used by the business association to fund its programme of events.
During his years with the organisation, Kris has seen changes in the Old Town business landscape.
"I think that whilst at the same time the town centre night-time economy has closed, a lot of them have come up the hill to Old Town and we've seen a lot more late night bars and late night entertainment.
"I think our goal as an organisation has always been that we need to keep the right balance in Old Town of daytime and night-time economy, and make sure there is enough to do all the time in Old Town in a variety of ways - and copy the model of places like Clifton in Bristol and Cirencester, which is extremely successful, and make sure there is a good mix of different types of businesses."
Asked about the wider Swindon commercial climate, Kris is positive about the Heart of Swindon project, a masterplan for the regeneration of the town centre launched earlier this year at a House of Lords reception.
"What Swindon has always had is potential and opportunity. It just needs the right plan and the execution of that plan to make it happen."
I’m hopping mad.
I gave a speech opposing a Bio Station at Commonhead roundabout, between the hospital and Liddington village. It will be ugly by day, lit up from dusk, an assault on the night in a village that opted for dark skies. We lost. Next step is a costly judicial review.
The Bio Station will be visible from Liddington Hill,
Light pollution and the words of Richard Jefferies
Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon
the Clump, Liddington village, Ham Road, Ridgeway Road, by the church in Upper Wanborough. It’ll stand like a carbuncle, as King Charles said elsewhere.
When we go out at dusk to watch the sun going down, the sun will be eclipsed by the light from the Bio Station. Polluting the skies with artificial light is an abomination. It disrupts circadian rhythms and sleep
patterns, negatively affecting human health and increasing risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancers, depression, sleep disorders - a pressing public health concern for the families in Liden and Badbury Park close to the site.
And here’s a gem. The architects of GW Hospital changed the plans so the windows in the wards faced the panorama around Liddington Hill.
Very soon the patients will have a new view, light pollution. The councillors who voted for this should be ashamed of themselves.
There’s a plaque on Liddington Hill dedicated to our nature writers, Richard
Jefferies and Alfred Williams. The dominant view from that ancient site will be the Bio Station. So much for Swindon Borough Council protecting green spaces.
Richard Jeffries wrote:
Sweetly the summer air came up to the tumulus, the grass sighed softly, the butterflies went by, sometimes alighting on the green dome. Two thousand years! Stars, ruddy in the vapour of the southern horizon, beamed at midnight through the mystic summer night, which is dusky and yet full of light.
What would he write now?
www.mauricespillane.co.uk
Drove Vets team become part of special dog-friendly scheme
By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com
Drove’s main hospital on Croft Road and their Ridgeway Farm branch have been approved as Dog Friendly practices by the Dogs Trust.
The Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme, an initiative created and run by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA), approves practices that offer the most comfortable veterinary care experience possible for dogs and their owners.
Lynne Gaskarth, Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine and Director at Drove Vets said: “The anxiety a dog can experience when visiting the vet can be stressful for everyone involved and may even put off owners seeking veterinary help when needed.
“Becoming part of the dogfriendly scheme has helped our team to optimise their
knowledge, skills and resources to ensure vet visits are positive for both dogs and clients. Our team has also benefitted from a better understanding of dog behaviour, helping owners prevent the development of problems, spot issues early and help owners with up-to-date advice whilst benefitting from a safer working environment.”
Many dogs find vet visits stressful, which can result
in them being unwilling to enter clinics, being difficult to examine and worried during treatment. The Dog Friendly Clinic scheme helps practice staff develop dog behaviour knowledge and skills so they can recognise and address early signs of anxiety and improve the welfare of dogs whilst in the clinic. This means improved safety for staff and customers and helps the client-
clinic bond.
Through the scheme, canine experts provide the tools for clinic staff to learn more about dog behaviour, including how pain and health conditions can be contributing factors to behaviour, and how to reduce the impact of visiting the vet for dogs.
Dr Rachel Casey, Director of Strategy and Transformation at Dogs Trust, said: “Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vet's stressful. We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.
Chris Laurence, Chair of BVBA said: “We’re delighted that Drove Vets has joined our dog friendly community."
For more information about Drove Vets, visit @DroveVets
Great British Food Festival returning to Lydiard Park
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com
A treat for food lovers is promised when The Great British Food Festival returns to Lydiard Park on 2 and 3 August.
The celebration of all things culinary is billed as packed with delicious food, entertainment and family fun.
Following the success of previous years, the festival is returning with an even bigger selection of artisan traders, mouth-watering street food, and talented local producers.
A spokesperson said: "Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample the best British produce, a family seeking a great day out, or simply someone who loves live music, cooking demos, and fun activities, there’s something for everyone.
"Come along and watch top chefs in action, take on the famous Men v Food
challenges, or pick up some tips at the chef demo stage. Little ones can enjoy free kids’
entertainment, while the whole family can soak up the festival atmosphere.
"Grab your tickets in advance to save money at greatbritishfoodfestival.com."
A member of the Drove team with a furry friend
Getting the children of Swindon cycling!
Do you know a child who would like to learn to ride a bicycle or improve their confidence on two wheels? At Moredon Sporting Hub we run sessions to help children learn this important life skill.
As part of these days we also run dedicated ‘Ditch the stabilisers’ sessions for SEN children and a ‘Next steps’ confidence session for those who can cycle independently but need to improve skills such as braking, bike handling, gear selection etc.
In the past year we’ve helped almost 500 local children learn to cycle and improve their cycling skills.
'Ditch the stabilisers' sessions are funded by Sport England, and cost just £5 per child. Children can bring their own bikes and helmets, or they can borrow them at no extra cost.
Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer
The average summer will be wet and contain a variety of irritating blunders at Swindon Town Football club. This offseason, The Robins are basking in the sunshine while each piece of the jigsaw appears to be falling into place.
Here are three delightful words which I’d use to describe Swindon’s business to date: Organised, efficient and targeted.
To begin with, Town have ensured that what was working remains in order.
Top performers Joel McGregor and Connor Ripley will be joined by Tom Nichols on a permanent basis. Currently, adding to this trio is a set of fresh faces in Darren Oldaker, James Ball, Joe Snowdon and Filozofe Mabete. What’s apparent about the early recruitment is the drive to address the middle of the
The sessions are approximately one hour long and take place on the enclosed, traffic-free cycle track at Moredon Sporting Hub.
The average age of learners is six to seven years old, and we welcome children aged between four and 11 years.
The sessions are led by experienced cycle coaches and volunteers in a group of up to 10 children, with a maximum of five children in SEN sessions.
Our aim is to ensure everyone feels welcome and has fun, and even the most nervous riders are often cycling around independently before the end.
We’ve got some Saturday morning sessions coming up on the following dates: 5 July, 12 July, 19 July and 26 July. Our confirmed dates for the school holidays are: Tuesday 29 July, Wednesday 30 July, Tuesday 19 August and Tuesday 26 August.
These sessions are very popular and booking is essential. You can book your space via the Swindon Cycle Campaign Eventbrite page: www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/swindon-cyclecampaign-61575400583. Follow Swindon Cycle Campaign on Eventbrite or Facebook to be alerted of when booking is open.
Women and girls of all ages can also join us at Moredon Sporting Hub every Tuesday between 11 and 12 for support with learning to cycle and improving their confidence on two wheels.
We’re also planning some FREE learn to cycle sessions for young people aged 9-18. If you would be interested in these please get in touch with me on: rebeccacox@ britishcycling.org.uk
STFC: An army of midfielders to start pre-season LINK FOOTBALL
park. Ian Holloway is building an army of midfielders. In doing this, he’s addressing a slight weakness from last season.
At times Holloway’s football would be organised chaos, stemming from the match situation. Positionally it could be difficult to work out, with the emphasis pointing towards overloading the wide areas and throwing numbers into the box.
Consequently, the midfield at times felt bypassed, with Gavin Kilkenny and Nnamdi Ofoborh left exposed as sweepers. To be a top team Swindon will need a midfield with control who are able to dictate the tempo. The midfield will arguably be the most important part of the team; they’ll act as the glue between the phases. This’ll undoubtedly take time to stick. But in having
the likes of Oldaker, Ball, Nichols, and Snowdon through the door early, Holloway will be able to mould his midfield.
I like the idea of pairing Kilkenny with Darren Oldaker in midfield. Kilkenny had a 81% pass completion rate last season, while Oldaker had an 87.3% pass completion rate at Chesterfield.
Arriving from The Spireites, Oldaker has a reputation for playmaking from deep, as well as title-winning experience with Chesterfield as captain.
A potential Kilkenny and Oldaker pairing with Tom Nichols linking up as a more advanced midfielder certainly takes my fancy.
The fact that we can have these ideas at this stage is certainly refreshing, and a welcome contrast to the usual array of trialists and academy players which shape pre-
season. In my opinion, the last time Town went into pre-season in such positive shape was in 2019/20, when very similarly, despite the background noise about the club, Richie Wellens, like Ian Holloway went about chipping away and adding the right faces to his mould. And of course, we all know what that team went on to achieve.
I strongly believe that Town’s early business could be the beginning of something.
I have no doubt that there’ll be a handful of additions to come. Especially as clubs begin to get their ships in order and make players available for loan. But, compared to the past, Swindon are ahead of schedule.
Today, I read that 25% of bets on the League 2 winner have been placed on Swindon. It turns out Town fans love a signing.
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