Swindon secondary school now offering free breakfast to pupils and staff

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Bradon Forest School staff say they are pleased to start the new year off by announcing free breakfast porridge for the whole school community.

This new breakfast service started early in January at the Swindon secondary school.

ABM Catering teamed up with Bradon Forest to deliver the new restaurant service, entitled ‘Mint’, where students and staff can receive free porridge.

The Bradon Forest team say this initiative was set up due to the current cost of living crisis, and in order to support the belief that everyone should start the day with a hearty breakfast.

Headteacher, Mrs Sarah Haines, said: “We are delighted to welcome ABM to Bradon Forest. They have some excellent ideas to further encourage healthy eating, regular hydration and sustainability.”

The school says its vibrant new look canteen, together with a range of freshly prepared, innovative, seasonally influenced menus will be offered at breakfast, morning break and lunch services.

More information about Bradon Forest School can be found on its website at bradonforest.org.uk

Haydon Wick Parish Council wins gold at local council awards

Haydon Wick Parish Council has received the highest accolade of Quality Gold award as part of the Local Council Award Scheme.

The award represents a significant achievement, as Haydon Wick is the first parish council in Swindon to be accredited at the Quality Gold level. The award recognises that the council achieves good practice in governance, community engagement and council improvement.

It will be celebrated and presented at the Annual Council Meeting in March.

New College to offer job seekers courses to help with employability

New College will be running a number of employability courses designed to help people who are unemployed and looking to return to work. They will run across Feb and March 2023.

The courses will be available to anyone aged 19 years and over, who has been a resident in the UK/ EU for over three years.

These courses are also free to those claiming benefits or who fall into the ‘low earner bracket’.

Individuals who are interested in attending are asked to see the eligibility criteria before applying.

All courses will run at New College’s Adult Learning Centre site in Swindon town centre on Fleet Street.

More details about the eligibility criteria can be found via 01793 511 665 or emailing ALC@ newcollege.ac.uk

Big Dog Art Trail ‘Swinpups’ ready to go walkies to local schools

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

The Big Dog Art Trail team say a parade of Swinpups are getting ready to travel to classrooms across Swindon for the UK’s first balloon dog art trail this Summer. Schools, colleges, and children’s nurseries are being invited to adopt and design their own 80 centimetre-tall balloon dog sculpture, as part of Swindon’s Big Dog Art Trail’s learning programme. Once decorated, the mini Swinpups will feature on the free art trail through some of Swindon’s most iconic and historic places, alongside around 30 giant Swindog sculptures, which will be painted by a mixture of professional and up-andcoming artists. The Swinpups will then be returned to their ‘forever homes’ for schools and communities to continue to enjoy.

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to town by global art trail producer Wild in Art and the Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

As well as receiving a Swinpup sculpture to decorate and keep forever, participating schools and communities will also receive advice to help them fundraise a target amount of £500 for Julia’s House to help the charity continue its life-changing care in the local community.

This creative learning adventure for children and young people is being supported by Swindon Borough Council - the trail’s official Learning Programme Partner. The council recently announced its support for The Big Dog Art Trail, allocating grant funds of £80,000.

Running from 15 July - 3

September 2023, The Big Dog Art Trail is expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside Swindon and encourage local residents to rediscover the town, and provide a welcome boost for local businesses.

The team say the major art trail will end with a grand farewell finale where all of the sculptures will be brought together under one roof, followed by a charity auction.

To apply for a Swinpup, people must complete an application form by Friday 10 February online at www. bigdogarttrail.co.uk/pups

Wyvern Theatre announce this year’s Summer Youth Project

Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre’s Summer Youth Project performance will be the Wizard of Oz this year.

Applications are now open and those aged nine to 21, interested in getting involved, can apply before Saturday 8 April.

The Summer Youth Project team say it is the perfect way for young individuals to get a taste for the world of musical theatre. This year’s project will yet again allow 200 young people to produce and perform five full-scale performances with the help of a professional creative team and live band.

The Wyvern Theatre say they are looking for enthusiastic, committed, and talented young people to take part in this all-singing, all-dancing, musical extravaganza.

Auditions will be open to anyone aged 9-21 and technical opportunities available for ages 1626. They will be held on Sunday 23 April at the Wyvern Theatre.

Those interested in the Summer Youth Project but too old to participate can also join in as a chaperone. The SYP team say they are always looking for licensed chaperones, or those with a DBS certificate who would like to become a chaperone, to help with the Summer Youth Project.

Those interested in taking part or becoming a chaperone can visit: swindontheatres.co.uk/ Online/swindonyouthproject

The project will run from Sunday 6 - Saturday 19 August. Successful participants must be available for all these dates. The performance dates for the show will be Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 August.

Tickets will be on sale for these shows and will be available to book online at swindontheatres.co.uk or via the theatre’s central ticket line on 0343 310 0040.