Cllr Leanne Stevenson

27/10/2026

Your Family’s Service 🪖🎖️🥾

I have been looking into how I can obtain a copy of my grandad’s military service records.

Like many families, I know parts of his story, but his official records could help fill in the gaps and preserve a fuller picture of his Service for future generations.

The GOV.UK application process is straightforward. To request the records of a deceased Service person, you will be asked for information such as:

• Their full name and date of birth
• The Armed Service in which they served
• Their service number, rank or regiment, if known
• A copy of their death certificate, where available
• Your own contact details

You do not need to know every detail, as several questions are optional.

Records may include their rank, regiment or corps, service number, dates of Service, units in which they served and details of any good conduct medals.

A useful side note: You do not generally need to be the person’s next of kin to apply for the records of a deceased Service person. However, some information may be withheld, particularly if a death certificate is not provided. Medical, disciplinary or security-sensitive information may also be restricted.

For someone who is still living, you must have their permission or legal authority to request their records on their behalf.

Requests for records held by the Ministry of Defence are free, although The National Archives may charge for records held by them. Searches can take up to a year.

For many of us, this is about far more than obtaining a document. It is about understanding where our family members served, recognising what they experienced and ensuring their contribution is not forgotten.

Official guidance and applications:

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-records-of-service

Please share this with other families who may find it helpful.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

Image: Canva

26/10/2026

From a Wildlife Walk to 45 New Trees! 🌳🍃

What started as a walk looking for great crested newts has turned into something much bigger for our local green spaces!

I’m pleased that Haydon Wick Council has approved the motion Cllr Vinay Manro presented last Tuesday, which I seconded to plant up to 45 trees, alongside new hedgerows and habitat improvements across Haydon End and Taw Hill, in Priory Vale.

The project will help improve wildlife habitats, replace lost or declining trees and increase tree cover.

The planting will focus on four locations:

* Henchard Open Space
* Orchid Care Home
* The Chestnuts
* Queen Elizabeth Park North

The project is supported by an anticipated £18,000 to £22,000 in external funding through the Great Western Community Forest programme, including up to five years of maintenance.

We want our community to be part of this!

Building on our previous planting at Heaton Close, we’re planning opportunities for residents, families and community groups to help plant trees alongside Council staff and contractors.

We’re particularly keen to involve Orchid Vale Primary School and St Francis CofE Primary School, giving pupils the chance to get involved and learn more about their local environment.

A big thank you to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust for leading the project, Swindon Borough Council for their funding and delivery support, and the Swindon Advertiser for helping share the news.

We’re aiming to begin planting this winter, with community volunteering details to follow.

More trees, healthier wildlife habitats and better green spaces for everyone to enjoy!

Read the full Haydon Wick Council press release about the approved tree planting and wildlife habitat improvement project. https://haydonwick.gov.uk/project-to-support-local-wildlife/

Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for covering our plans to plant up to 45 trees and improve local wildlife habitats.

Link: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/26663847.45-trees-planned-haydon-wick-wildlife-project/

25/10/2026

Fantastic news for The Bike Shed’s Christmas Bicycle Scheme 🚲🎄

I’m delighted that Haydon Wick Council voted unanimously at Full Council to support my proposal, seconded by Cllr Vinay Manro, for the Parish Council to once again work alongside The bike shed. Old Town., helping unwanted bicycles for children and families across Swindon this Christmas.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of local residents, 22 bicycles were collected, refurbished by Matt Jones The Bike Shed and gifted to local children.

It is wonderful to have the support of all councillors in helping this fantastic scheme continue for another year.

One unused bicycle could make a child’s Christmas…

Bicycle Donation Details:

Tuesday and Thursday Collections
📅 24 November to 17 December
🕝 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Donations will be accepted at Haydon Wick Parish Council’s grounds maintenance facility on Old Blunsdon Road.

Additional Saturday Collections

📅 28 November and 12 December
🕤 9.30am to 11.30am
Saturday collection drop-off point: To be confirmed

Further information can be found in the Swindon Advertiser article below and on Haydon Wick Parish Council’s page and website. 👇

A parish council is supporting the return of a festive scheme that gives refurbished bicycles to children in need

25/10/2026

Strengthening Housing Support for Swindon’s Armed Forces Community 🇬🇧

If you have served our country, you should not miss out on the support available simply because your service has not been identified.

At Full Council on Thursday 22 October, I raised an important question regarding how veterans and Armed Forces families are identified and supported when seeking housing assistance in Swindon.

In his response, Cllr Matty Courtliff, Cabinet Member for Housing, outlined the existing provisions and support available to veterans through the Council’s housing services.

However, one figure stood out.

Just TWO veterans are currently identified on the Council’s housing register, with no veterans recorded as having been rehoused over the past three years.

This raises an important question: could there be additional veterans accessing housing services whose Armed Forces background has not been identified or recorded?

This was the focus of my follow-up question.

1. Can we ensure that all housing applicants are routinely asked whether they have previously served in the Armed Forces, allowing those eligible to be identified and appropriately supported?

2. Can we strengthen collaboration with Armed Forces organisations to improve awareness of the housing assistance, advice and support available to veterans and their families?

I believe it is important that our housing processes effectively identify those who have served, recognise their circumstances and ensure they can access the support to which they may be entitled.

The Council already has provisions in place to support our Armed Forces community. The priority must now be ensuring that these provisions are accessible, that eligible individuals are appropriately identified and that support reaches those who need it.

Read my full question and the Cabinet Member’s response (Question 6) and follow up question at Full Council (linked underneath).

Councillors’ Question Time – Questions and Responses (Swindon Borough Council) (http://ww5.swindon.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s149044/Councillors%20Question%20Time%20-%20Questions%20and%20Responses.pdf)

Full council: Time stamp 2.28.28
https://www.youtube.com/live/n8PvNWbweTo?si=m3p5y37N9ielLiSo

24/10/2026

ONE week to go until Halloween fun at The Tawny Owl!

Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for highlighting the upcoming Children’s Halloween Party at The Tawny Owl. It’s going to be fantastic afternoon of family fun with plenty to keep the children entertained:

Halloween disco
Party games
Apple bobbing
Arts and crafts

When: Saturday 31 October 2026
Time: 12 noon to 4pm
Where: The Tawny Owl, Swindon

It’s wonderful to see local venues bringing families together and creating opportunities for children to enjoy themselves.

A big thank you to The Tawny Owl Swindon for organising what promises to be a lovely community afternoon.

Swindon Advertiser article:

The Tawny Owl is to host a children's Halloween party

23/10/2026

Pleased to see this important work being carried out at Swindon’s Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance.

23/10/2026

Following last night’s Full Council meeting, I wanted to share my speech seconding Cllr Mike Davies’ motion calling for regular cleaning and maintenance of Swindon’s Cenotaph.

I am pleased to report that Swindon Borough Council has already been carrying out cleaning work at the Cenotaph and the surrounding area in Regent Circus, ahead of this year’s Remembrance services.

It is wonderful to see this important work taking place, and I would like to thank our street cleaning teams for their efforts.

With the motion receiving unanimous cross-party support, this continued care and maintenance will ensure our Cenotaph is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

See the Council’s recent cleaning work at the Cenotaph:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18fBvQ3zrD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Watch the full proposal at Full Council (from 2:13:58):
https://www.youtube.com/live/n8PvNWbweTo?feature=shared

23/10/2026

Swindon’s Cenotaph: Respect, Remembrance and a Commitment all year round

At last nights Full Council meeting, I was proud to second a motion proposed by Cllr Mike Davies, calling for regular cleaning and maintenance of Swindon’s Cenotaph.

I was delighted to see the motion carried unanimously, with support from councillors across all political parties.

The Cenotaph is more than a monument. It is a lasting reminder of the lives lost, the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibility we share to preserve their memory.

I recognise and appreciate the ongoing work of our Council teams, businesses and volunteers in maintaining and improving our town centre. This motion reinforces that work and the importance of ensuring our Cenotaph receives the care and respect it deserves throughout the year.

Remembrance should never be confined to a calendar date.

“We will remember them.”

Let our actions reflect those words, 365 days a year.

Watch the motion and debate from 2:13:58: https://www.youtube.com/live/n8PvNWbweTo?t=8028&feature=shared

22/10/2026

Swindon Borough Council – Full Council Meeting | 22 October 2026

This evening, councillors came together for October’s Full Council meeting, discussing important matters affecting our borough, its communities and residents.

You can watch the full meeting, including the debates, questions and decisions, via the link below.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/n8PvNWbweTo?feature=shared

21/10/2026

Celebrating Creativity, Confidence and Inclusion with Reach Inclusive Arts 🎭🎨

Today, Cllr Vinay Manro and I, Cllr Leanne Stevenson had the pleasure of meeting Pam and Jenny from Reach Inclusive Arts at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, learning more about their remarkable work and the opportunities they provide within our community.

For over 40 years, Reach has supported people with disabilities, additional needs and those experiencing social isolation through art, drama and performance. Beyond developing creative skills, their work nurtures confidence, friendships, independence and a genuine sense of belonging.

I was first introduced to Reach earlier this year when I attended Picture This! A Night at the Museum, an original Partners Theatre Company production at Meadowcroft Community Centre in Upper Stratton, as part of the Signal Festival. Witnessing the performers’ creativity, enthusiasm and pride in their achievements left a lasting impression, making today’s visit particularly meaningful.

Pam and Jenny shared more about the fantastic opportunities available:

Neon Lights | Ages 16–25 🎭

Inclusive weekly drama sessions for young people with disabilities, encouraging creativity, confidence, friendships and performance skills. Young people also have a voice in shaping their group’s activities.

Right Time for Art | Adults 🎨

Supportive art sessions offering opportunities to explore painting, drawing and different artistic techniques, develop talents and showcase artwork through public exhibitions.

Wyvern Theatre | Tuesdays, 10.30am–12.30pm

Partners Theatre Company | Adults 🎭

An inclusive theatre group developing acting, teamwork and performance skills through original productions. During 2024–25, the company delivered nine performances across eight venues, reaching over 500 audience members, including British Sign Language interpreted performances.

What particularly resonated with us was how these opportunities extend beyond creativity. For some, a weekly session offers friendship, connection and something to look forward to. For others, it provides the confidence to discover new abilities and experience the joy of seeing their achievements recognised.

We also discussed raising awareness of Reach’s work, strengthening connections with local charities, parish councils and Swindon Borough Council, and exploring further opportunities for learning, skills development and community participation.

One aspect we both feel strongly about is the importance of lifelong learning. Opportunities to learn, develop new interests and participate in community life should not end when someone leaves formal education or reaches a particular age. Creativity, communication, confidence and independence can continue developing throughout adulthood.

Reach Inclusive Arts demonstrates how meaningful inclusion, creative expression and community connections can help overcome barriers, reduce isolation and celebrate the abilities and potential of every individual.

Our sincere thanks to Pam and Jenny for welcoming us and sharing their wonderful work, and to the staff, volunteers, artists and participants who make Reach such a valued part of Swindon’s community.

Discover more about Reach Inclusive Arts, including how to join a group or arrange a taster session:

https://reachinclusivearts.org.uk/
[email protected]
01793 520318