Old Town launches Sunday Socials in response to road closure.
Friends of Old Town, the public face of the Old Town Business Association, has announced a bold new summer programme – the Old Town Gasworks Sunday Socials. The series of three large-scale street events across Devizes Road and Wood Street will bring music, food and footfall to the area this August. All helping to support businesses affected by the major gas mains upgrade.
It sure sounds like it’s going to be …. well … a gas!
Works began on 30 June at the Royal Oak roundabout. The full closure of Devizes Road starts from 21 July for an expected three-month period. The loss of through traffic and parking, coupled with uncertainty over the impact on trade, has prompted some concern among local businesses. In response, the OTBA has:
Negotiated free pavement licences through Swindon Borough Council
Secured a premises licence extension for Devizes Road …
… and developed a street event plan to energise the street every other Sunday during the peak of the works in August.
The Sunday Socials will take place on 3rd, 17th and 31st August. Each date will see a themed event delivered straight on the closed stretch of road and Wood Street.
The opening weekend, 3rd August, is a family festival. It’ll feature funfair rides, children’s arts and crafts, chalk art installations and live acoustic music.
On 17 August, the road transforms into a beer & country (music) festival. There’ll be craft beer bars, outdoor games and a line-up of Americana and folk bands.
The final event, on 31 August, will expand Old Town’s much-loved street foods festival onto Devizes Road for the first time. It’ll be featuring global cuisine, live music, artisan traders and a carnival atmosphere.
Old Town launches Sunday Socials – Old Town festival
Sponsorship support
Making the events possible is a headline sponsorship contribution from Wales and West Utilities.
When we learned Devizes Road would close for the whole of August, we knew we had to do more than complain, ‘said Kris Talikowski, Chair of the Old Town Business Association. ‘These Sunday Socials are about turning disruption into something worth coming out for. They’re designed to keep the area alive and thriving, not only for traders, but for the whole town. We’re grateful to Wales & West for recognising the impact of their works and stepping in with meaningful support.’
Ross Gregory, external affairs manager for Wales & West Utilities, said: ‘We understand the pressure roadworks can place on local high streets. That’s why we’re pleased to support this community-led programme of events. It’s a positive and creative way of keeping Old Town vibrant while we deliver vital gas infrastructure upgrades.’
The events form part of a wider strategy developed by the OTBA in consultation with:
Businesses
South Swindon Parish Council and …
… Swindon Borough Council’s licensing and streetworks teams.
You can find a full FAQ about the works traffic management at thisisoldtown.com alongside details of the Sunday Socials programme.
Care Advisor Champions Independent Living in Swindon. Shreeve Care Services are championing Swindon’s SLP Independent Living in its efforts to be serious about home care.
Devizes-based Janet Shreeve, founder of Shreeve Care Services, has spent many years advising and supporting care providers. She has worked with many businesses and professionals across the sector. Her latest partnership is with Swindon-based SLP Independent Living, founded by Laura Parsons in 2024.
SLP Independent Living focuses on developing the care side of their business. In particular with household tasks, cleaning, food preparation, companionship, and chaperone services. They put special focus on confidence and independence.
Care Advisor Champions Independent Living – anet Shreeve, of Shreeve Care Services, and Laura Parsons, of SLP Independent Living, who are advocating for care services in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Joined forces
Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’ Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’
Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’
‘At SLP, we place strong emphasis on household and domestic support. That’s because these everyday tasks – the unsung heroes of independent living – make all the difference.
Vital clinical care
While clinical care is vital, it’s the little things like preparing a warm meal, enjoying a garden stroll, or having someone to chat with that shape a person’s quality of life. Shreeve Care Services has been essential in helping us build a domiciliary care service that focuses on individuals’ key needs. Janet has been a pleasure to work with and will be a long-term consultant vital to our growth.’
Earlier this year, Laura also founded the first Care Show Swindon. That was an industry networking event which attracted strong local interest in April 2025. Due to its success, it’s returning this September.
‘SLP recognised a need to provide care that was more than medical support,’ said Janet. ‘Their offer is both practical and companionship based. It’s something that keeps people independent and engaging with their home and communities. I’m excited to keep working with SLP and see how they develop in the future.’
Shreeve Care Services, led by Janet Shreeve, offers tailored consultancy to care businesses across the South West. It also offers guidance for individuals navigating care options.
Nationwide Gives Breakfast Charity £10k. Swindon’s Big Breakfast Plus is celebrating after receiving a £10,000 Nationwide Colleague Grant.
The grant is thanks to an application from Kayleigh Parker. Kayleigh works at Nationwide and volunteers with Big Breakfast Plus, which provides breakfasts seven days a week for homeless and hungry people in Swindon.
Kayleigh, from West Swindon, who’s worked at Nationwide for 18 years, said: ‘I volunteer one day every weekend, and I absolutely love it. All the volunteers are so lovely, we’re a great team, and it’s nice to be able to help other people. It fits in well around the family, so I can spend the day with them, after being able to help at Big Breakfast Plus.
‘The Nationwide Colleague Grant is for different amounts up to £10,000. So we’re all delighted to get the full amount.’
Nationwide Gives Breakfast Charity £10k Big Breakfast Plus co-ordinator Wayne Twitchell Service Co Ordinator, trustee Charlotte Mannion, Kayleigh Parker volunteer and Nationwide grant winner, volunteer Franki Walklake, and volunteer Nikki Loveday.
Charlotte Mannion, Big Breakfast Plus trustee, said: ‘We’re so grateful to Nationwide, and to Kayleigh for putting in the application. This amount will make such a difference to the charity. We’re getting busier and are often supplying cooked breakfasts to more than 100 guests.’
Big Breakfast Plus
Big Breakfast Plus, based in the Pilgrim Centre in Swindon’s Regent Street, is among 160 charities across the UK which, in the last year, have benefited from Nationwide Colleague Grants totalling £1.4million.
Big Breakfast Plus is also celebrating having raised more than £10,000 by teaming up with the platform Big Give. It match-funds donations during a fundraising campaign. Charlotte added: ‘We’d like to say thank you to everyone who donated during the Big Give campaign. This money guarantees another six months of opening our community cafe breakfast service in Swindon.’
Rob, founder of the Swindon-based marketing company in 2022 is hosting a talk for attendees at the expo. Expo. In it he’ll urge ambitious businesses to be to embrace bold and strategic thinking in their companies. And abandon the concept of ‘playing it safe’. The business event takes place on Thursday 10th of July.
‘I can’t wait for the South West Business Expo in Swindon. It’s always a great event, and anyone looking to grow their business or their community should attend,’ said Rob.
Rob Curtis Speaking at Expo – Rob Curtis in front of a plain wall
The title
Rob’s entitled his talk ‘Disrupt or be Disrupted: Staying Ahead of the Curve’.
I’m eager to share my story with The Pursuit Agency. And to talk about being bold and brave when it comes to your business,’ continued Rob. ‘I hope to bring visitors to the attention of the opportunities in a chaotic and fast-paced modern marketing environment. People will takeaway practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses. I also hope to bring a unique perspective on neurodivergence in leadership by talking about my experience as a business leader with ADHD.’
The aim of Rob’s talk is to spark fresh thinking and leave attendees with permission to be bold in their businesses.
Alec Jones, Director of Great British Expos commented on Rob Curtis being a speaker at the EXPO.
‘We’re thrilled to welcome local entrepreneur Rob Curtis to the stage at this year’s South West Expo in Swindon,’ Alec said. ‘Rob’s journey, vision, and passion for business well reflects the entrepreneurial spirit we celebrate at Great British Expos. His insights will no doubt inspire and empower out attendees to think bigger and act bolder.’
The Pursuit Agency helps businesses to become visible using a range of digital marketing tactics. They include SEO, pay per click and content marketing.
Creative Holiday Sessions Return. Revolution Performing Arts (RPA) is once again inviting children aged 4 to 16 to enjoy four weeks of performing arts-based summer fun at venues across Swindon and Wiltshire.
RPA has designed the sessions to be joyful & inclusive sessions. They’ll nurture confidence and self-expression in a warm, supportive environment. All families are welcome to book. And for those not receiving HAF or FUEL support, private places are available.
RPA Founder Fi Da Silva Adams said ‘Every summer, we see the incredible difference these sessions make for children. Whether it’s growing in confidence, finding their voice or simply having fun, they leave feeling uplifted and proud. We’re thrilled to be welcoming all families again this year and to make the programme as accessible as possible.’
Creative Holiday Sessions Return- children taking part in RPA activity
When and what and where
Running from 28 July to 21 August 2025, the sessions include singing, drama, dancing, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. Trained performing arts professionals will deliver all the activities. All in a pressure-free setting that encourages creativity and builds self-esteem.
Venues include:
The Croft Primary School in Swindon (9am–1pm)
Royal Wootton Bassett Infants
Sheldon School in Chippenham (both 10am–2pm).
and — for the first time — St Joseph’s Catholic Primary & Nursery School in Malmesbury (10am–2pm).
Wraparound care is also available at the Malmesbury site from 8am to 5.30pm, offering extra flexibility for working families.
Fi added: ‘Returning to St Joseph’s is something so special for me. I went to this school as a child, so bringing RPA here feels like coming full circle. I know first-hand how important it is for children to feel seen and heard. And it means the world to be offering that at a place that helped shape who I am.’
Headteacher Paul Bacon of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary & Nursery School said:
‘We’re delighted to welcome Revolution Performing Arts this summer. Their child-led, inclusive approach is a perfect fit for our school. It’s fantastic to be able to offer wraparound care alongside these inspiring creative sessions.’
Private places are available for £20 per day. RPA also accepts tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers, helping more families access quality, enriching holiday childcare.
Revolution Performing Arts runs classes across Swindon, North Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. All helping young people grow in confidence, creativity and self-expression through the performing arts. Every session is a nurturing, inclusive space that celebrates children for who they are. And supports them as they find their voice – both as individuals and as part of a team.
