The free event took place at Folly Park on Saturday 5th September, bringing together residents, community groups, councillors and emergency services.
It was organised by West Swindon Parish Council to mark 50 years since the development of the western side of the town began. Folly Park was used by the council for an event for the first time, and its success could result in the green space hosting more activities in future.
West Swindon Parish Council chair Lawrence Elliott told Swindon24:
“Today is just to reinforce that community.
Toothill was among the first neighbourhoods developed as Swindon expanded westwards during the 1970s.
Mr Elliott added:
“We wanted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of West Swindon, which started right here in Toothill.
“We’ve chosen Folly Park because it’s right in the centre of Toothill, and it gives all our wonderful residents the opportunity to come along and enjoy a day out with the Parish Council.”
The festival featured games, stalls, refreshments and children’s activities, alongside representatives from community organisations.
Police, St John Ambulance and the parish council’s grounds team were also among those attending.
Mr Elliott said the area’s green spaces were one of its major assets.
“We’ve got 99 hectares of green space that we look after,” he said.
“We’re the greenest part of the whole of Swindon, and so we’ve got a magnificent team of people who do all that work for us.”
Some of the machinery used by the council to maintain West Swindon was put on display during the event.
Parish councillor Nandini Singh said:
“Because it’s green, it’s very soothing, very relaxing, very calming. The best parish for me is West Swindon Parish.”
Councillors also highlighted community events, litter picks, play areas and facilities for young people as important features of the area.
Swindon Borough Councillor Sara Godwin said:
“It’s almost like that old community spirit again, and it’s just nice to see that it’s still happening nowadays.
“It’s just lovely to meet everybody and wander around.”
Councillor Colin Lovell, who represents Lydiard, Freshbrook and Toothill, recalled the early development of the area.
He said:
“I remember when Toothill was actually built.
“The people are great, and they’ve been very supportive of us, so we’re having a great time getting to know them.”
Emergency services and voluntary organisations used the festival as an opportunity to speak with residents in an informal setting.
A local PCSO, Emma, said:
“I think it’s really good for us to engage with the local community and helps us build a bit of a nicer face of policing.
“People have got worries, we can help out, because some people don’t want to phone up and they don’t know where to get some advice from.”
Asked about safety in West Swindon, she added:
“I think it’s like any area. It’s reasonably safe. It probably has its moments, but that’s expected anywhere.
“Generally, from talking to people in West Swindon, everyone seems perfectly happy, and it’s good to hear.”
St John Ambulance representatives demonstrated CPR and defibrillator equipment to visitors.
The organisation also showed a compact portable AED and provided information about how defibrillators work and the importance of knowing where functioning devices are located.
Mr Elliott said the community that has developed in West Swindon over the past five decades was something worth recognising.
He said:
“What we do have here is a wonderful sense of community, and that I think is something to be celebrated.”
The success of Saturday’s festival could now see Folly Park considered for further community events in the future.
