Views From Penhill

No 10 Bus Service Update

2007-09-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I recieved a letter through the post from .......Yes! Thamesdown Transport.
It reads:

'' Dear -------------------

Thank you for your email of 18th September concerning the future of Service 10.
The points you make are well understood.

A number of Ideas and issues have emerged from the public consultation that we
will now be exploring in detail during the coming months.

As a result, our revised network will not now be introduced untill next year, and there
will be no major changes to services during the remainder of 2007.

A future announcement about our final plans will be made in the New Year.

Yours sincerely

David Burch
Operations Director''.

So there we have it.

At least the elderly can do their Christmas shopping without worrying about how they are going to get to the shops and back again.

I really do hope that the points I made in my email are/have been WELL UNDERSTOOD.
I now look forward to seeing what final plans they will have made in the New Year.

There is one other query, the letter mentions 'public consultation', I cannot comment as to wether or not they had one or not,
but all I can say is that I knew nothing about it and as a Penhill resident, I thought I would have especially as Penhill is one of the No 10's routes.

Well watch this space and we will see if all will be resolved in the New Year.
I hope that the residents in Lower Penhill get A service.

The Pen

RANA'S TANDORORI & FISH AND CHIPS

2007-09-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hi

I have just been looking on www.talkswindon.org when I came accross a post on the forum under the heading PENHILL.
I thought I would take a look, and someone had posted information re: Rana's Tandoori take-away in the Valley.

Well I did agree with what was mentioned in the post, which is that they do, do an exceptionally good curry at Rana's.

Infact i tried one of his byriani's the other night and it was good.

It is also true that the people who are waiting for their orders etc, sit outside on the tables provided and they all chat and have a laugh. There is a real sense of belonging when you meet such people.
I also agree that Penhill is a safe place and I would not be afraid what so ever to walk around on my own on the estate at night.

We do look after our own, I have come to this conclusion over all the years I have lived here.

If a child goes missing for instance, everyone will go out of there way to look for them on the estate, and I mean everyone. Word travels quickly and people stick together and help. There is a lot of community spirit in Penhill and I hope it just gets stronger.

Anyway, back to Rana's Chippy.
It is open six days a week:

MONDAY - SATURDAY
Opening times are from 12.00pm - 11.00pm
there is free delivery with orders over £10 and within a two mile radius.
It is situated at:

1 Hannington Close,
Penhill
Swindon
SN2 5NN (you can stick the postcode in your satnav or tomtom)

Telephone orders are welcome 01793 -724937

Well maybe if you have been there already, you can comment on the favourite dishes you have tried. (then I might try them) lol

Penhill Pen

The N0 10 Bus

2007-09-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hi
Ok, here is an update on the fate of the N0 10 Bus service.
A friend of mine has recently informed me, that they have found out that the N0 10 service has got a repreive and will now run untill November.
Also a petition with around 500 signatures or maybe more, has been handed in. So well done to the local resident who did this. (He deserves a big pat on the back).

Now, I have thought long and hard about solutions to remmedy the situation.
I Know what could work, but will the powers that be listen?

Any way I am sure that many people have their own ideas and views on what they can see as a solution to the problem.

Please leave comments as to how you think the situation can be resolved. Also, always remember that there are ways around things and communiction and compromise are huge factors in problem solving situations.

Penhill Pen

PENHILL WATER PLAY PARK

2007-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Penhill Water Play Park Committee are a group of people who are working towards acheiving a fully inclusive water play park on the old Penhill Paddling pool site.
They would like to see more involvement from the local community and would like members of the community to come forward and support them by attending meetings etc, and sharing Ideas.

The Penhill Water Play Park committee are working along side Twist with the ultimate objective of transforming the old paddling pool site into the best Water and Adventure park that Swindon has seen.

The park I am told, will be inclusive to ALL children regardless of ability.
In effect, it should cater for everyones needs.

I think this will be a fantastic asset for Penhill. I am sure that once it is up and running, that it will be a well used venue, especially during the summer months.

Play is an important part of child development, Children learn through play, develop social skills, and bond with others. All of this helps them to become more confident, develop good relationships with others and helps to prepare them for the transition into the various developmental phases of their lives.

So if anyone is interested in giving their support, then leave a comment and I will get back to you with the details. The meetings are usually once a month at the John Moulton Hall, there is also a free creche.
The next meeting is on 3rd October which is a Wednesday. As I mentioned, there is a creche which is open from 3.30 and the meeting starts at 3.45pm.

Penhill Pen

TWIST

2007-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hi,I thought I would mention that 'TWIST' who are a group of local people and play workers, who are involved in developing the adventure playground on the old adventure playground site at the old Paddling Pool site, will be holding a fun day at St Peters Church in Penhill.
There will be lots of activities going on and I will be a great day for all the family.
Dont quote me on it, but I beleive it starts at 10.00 am this Sunday (9th September).

Please support them.

Twist are a group who are trying to get an adventure playground installed on the old Paddling Pool site.
They also hope to have other fascilities that include toilets, a first aid room and a sensory type chill out room.

The other group who also has an interest in the old Paddling Pool Site, are The Penhill Water Play Park committee.

Penhill Pen

More Karaoke

2007-08-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Bank Holiday Karoke

2007-08-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Tracy Loves a Good Sing Song

2007-08-28T02:31:00.001-07:00

Bank Holiday Karaoke - Penhill British Legion

2007-08-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

More Karaoke

2007-08-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Karaoke @ The Legion

2007-08-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

More Pictures

2007-08-27T12:54:00.001-07:00

Penhill British Legion

2007-08-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well what a great bunch of people at the Legion.
You couldnt ask for a better atmosphere. Instead of people sitting on seperate tables, everyone all sat together by putting all the small tables together.

I thought i would venture outside and a few of the locals who use the Legion had got together and between them, constructed an outside balcony area complete with bench tables, sunshades and bins.

It was fantastic and well done to the people who pulled together and got it done. I know some of them , Dave, Morris J, Morris (Who with Helen runs the Legion) and Pat.
If i have forgotten to mention anyone involved, i do apologise.

The Karaoke was a great laugh, and everyone just joins in.
I think that more local people should use the Legion as it is friendly, the kids enjoy it and it gives people in the community a chance to catch up with one another.

I spoke to a couple of people regarding the number 10 bus issue. I was told that someone in Lower Penhill has actually started a petition, but i shall still issue mine as i think the more signatures the better.

I have also managed to get some other people to come along to the Splash Park meeting on the 5th September at the John Moulton Hall at 3.45pm.

Whilst looking on the notice boards at the Legion, i spotted a picture of our local councillors advertising their surgery along with the police surgery which is held at the John Moulton Hall on the first Tuesday of every month from 7.00pm - 7.30pm.

Well i shall be dropping by with another resident to see whats going on.

I have some pictures that i have taken of some of the local people who use the Legion. They said i could use them so i am posting them.
I also have some Videos to post of the resident Karaoke singer lol (Yeah you know who you are)!.
Hope you have fun looking at the pictures and videos.
Penhill Pen

The Number 10 Bus

2007-08-27T04:02:00.001-07:00

Re: the No 10 bus service stopping in October, i have emailed Councillor Steve Allsopp and asked for his help.

There needs to be some sort of service that runs along the Ramsbury Avenue route to accomodate the needs of the residents. Stopping the route completely is not the answer.

I await Steve Allsopps reply with anticipation.
I also intend to put some petition forms in the local shops, both in the Valley,and in the Shops opposite the Deers Leep. If you see a petition please sign it. If residents want to try and keep the Ramsbury Avenue bus route going, they need to take action and fight.If you do nothing, then expect nothing.

Penhill Pen

The old Penhill Paddling Pool Site & Surrounding Area

2007-08-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today i went with a friend of mine to the old Penhill Paddling Pool site.
I am so glad we did go to have a look as it brought back many a memory for both of us.
We walked through the entrance to the flower park and immediately I the memory of playing pitch and putt in that area came flooding back.
We also looked through the gate that entered onto the bowling green, which still looks the same with its well kept pitch.

As we walked along we spotted where the toilet block was, which is still standing. As we entered through the entrance as to was would have been the pool area, we both looked at each other and pointed to where the cafe, paddling pool, shelter and park used to be.

The big Willow tree still stands as it did when my mother used to take me to the Paddling Pool. I always remember it as we always used to try and get there early to sit under the Willow tree for shade.

It was easy to visualise where everything once was. However, I think the new Splash Park and adventure playground will be a fantastic attraction for the people of Penhill and surrounding areas.

I did take some photos and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. There was quite a bit of graffiti on some of the walled areas which will need to be sorted. On a whole though, the area wasn't too bad at all. I also took a few photos of the new play area on Sevenfields.

I look forward to the day when the Splash Park opens.

Penhill Pen

Footage of Swindon in 1966 including Penhill Paddling Pool

2007-08-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the Internet when i came across a webite with a link to some footage of Swindon in 1966. I checked it out with interest and if you click on the link below and watch the video, you will see Penhill Paddling Pool as it was in 1966/67. (It is towards the end of the video)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/wiltshire/videonation/newsreel_2?size=4x3&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1

This is the link to the website where i found the video. There are also lots of photo's and a couple more videos of Swindon on there.
Well worth a visit. :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/03/20/swindon_cine_footage_feature.shtml

Penhill Pen

This is What a Splash Park Looks Like!

2007-08-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Belvedere Splash Park
Junction of Woolwich Road and Heron HillBelvedere Kent DA17 5ER
The Splash Park forms part of Belvedere Recreation Ground. Separated from Belvedere Recreation Ground South by the Woolwich Road, this well used recreation ground covers an area of over 2 hectares. View street map of Belvedere Recreation Ground This entire Splash Park is a dog-free zone, and has:
Kiosk
Picnic Table
Seating
Disabled Access
Toilets
Belvedere Splash Park is the largest free access public wet play park in the United Kingdom. Children can paddle in a lagoon surrounding a desert island and play on a huge safety surfaced "beach" equipped with water sprinklers, showers, bubble jets and sprays.
The water used in the pool areas is monitored and regulated by a state-of-the-art computer-controlled system. Highly sophisticated and specialised filters continually clean the water and the automated system chemically treats the water to maintain a safe environment. Specially trained staff are also on hand to monitor water quality in the pool areas and manage the surrounding parkland.
A kiosk provides a contact point for on-site supervision and offers ice creams, sweets, hot and cold drinks, plus sundary items such as sun cream and swim nappies. Picnic tables and seating around the park allow families to eat in comfort and, together with newly refurbished on-site toilets, allow everyone to stay and play all day. Set within a conservation area the mature parkland also contains a drinking fountain under renovation that dates back to 1880's.
Visitors are reminded when visiting the park that all children should wear appropriate swimwear and very young children must use swim nappies. With the large numbers of children playing together parents are asked not to bring an unwell child to the splash park and help prevent the spread of bugs and viruses. Appropriate waterproof dressing should be used to cover any cuts, grazes or verukas and children should also be protected from the sun with a high factor waterproof sun cream. Please supervise your children at all times. Please also remember to use the many litterbins on site for your rubbish and take home what you bring to the park, particularly your children!

Article taken from www.bexley.gov.uk/service/parks/facilities.html (accessed on 25/08/2007)

The No 10 Bus

2007-08-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hi
I was speaking with someone today who happened to mention that the No 10 bus service that goes down Mintey Hill and Ramsbury Avenue (The Valley), will be no longer as from October time.
I need to look into this further as it will affect a lot of elderly residents. Does anyone else know of this bus service stopping the Valley route in October?

I think something should be put in place for the elderly people who used the No 10, as believe me, I used to find it a treck walking up the hill to the next bus stop which is located on Penhill Drive.
There are quite a few stops on the Drive and the buses are quite frequent which is great, but no good what so ever if you have mobility problems or cannot walk far enough to make it up the hill in the first place.

Ok, I know there is Dial-a Ride for people with disabilities and mobility problems, but many of the people i know who live in Lower Penhill will miss the N0 10 bus.
A lot of young mums use it and I used to use it myself when my kids were little. I know what its like when you are trying to push a buggy up the hill with a couple of toddlers in tow.

So I think there is a need for a bus to still go via the Valley route on Penhill, as many people will be lost without the service.

Ok, maybe one of the reasons it is being withdrawn could be to do with that its not cost effective, but then my solution would be to still have a bus service running via the Valley, but less frequently. That way, residents might think, the bus comes at ....... time and then not for another 2 hours, so more people would be likely to use it at set times.

Not sure what times it runs at the moment, but i am going to find out.
Maybe a petition of some kind might be called for to keep this bus service?
What do people think?
Also remeber, if you sit back and do nothing, then dont moan when its gone!

Penhill Pen

Bank Holiday Karaoke - Penhill British Legion

2007-08-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hi
Just thought i'd mention that on Monday 27th August (Yes this Monday), there will be Karoke all day in the bar at Penhill British Legion.

Go on you know you want to!

Penhill Pen

Penhill Splash Park

2007-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hi
For anyone interested in joining the Penhill Splash Park Committee I have some dates for meetings which will take place at the John Moulton Hall, Penhill.

5th September 2007 - meeting starts at 3.45pm
3rd October 2007 - meeting starts at 3.45pm
31st October 2007 - meeting starts at 3.45pm
28th November 2007 - meeting starts at 3.45pm

I believe there is also a creche for those who have children.

The group are currently looking for more people to jointhe committee.There is also another group called 'Twist' who are working on getting an adventure playground put on the same site.

Here is a link that gives an insight as to what is being planned for the old Penhill paddling pool site.
http://www.thisisswindon.co.uk/display.var.1492913.0.new_plans_for_park.php

I would like to see more interest in the project, and for local people to come along to the meetings and support this project.

I am sure that when this project is complete, it will be one of the best attractions that Penhill has had for a long time.

I am sure the children will have many hours of fun using the Splash Park. It will also be great to see parents, carers and grandparents getting together, like they used to when the Paddling pool existed.

I remember as a child (there were five of us), my mother would often take us to the Penhill Paddling pool. We used to think it was great and would have a picnic and spend the whole day there. I remember it used to get packed and the atmosphere was great.
I also took my own children there when they were young.
It would be great to see the Splash Park open, and see people use it as they once did the old Paddling pool.

Has anyone else any memories of the Penhill Paddling pool?
Also, maybe you have some ideas that could be put to the Splash Park committee, such as things that you would like to see happen etc.

Please feel free to post and comment.

I will soon be posting some pictures of the site as it looks now.

Penhill Pen

A good place to live

2007-08-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I would like peoples views, especially from the residents in Penhill, on what they think makes Penhill a great place to live.

I would also like to here about what could be done to improve things on the estate and what sort of things people see as problems on the estate.

If people who live on the estate have any issues, they need to be put forward and expressed. If people do/say nothing, then that's exactly what happens, 'Nothing'. To get things done and issues resolved, post your concerns on here and i will pass them on to the appropriate people who will deal with them. (I will badger our local ward councillor).

I would like people to post stories of what its like living in Penhill and tell of their experiences both good/bad etc.

Can anyone remember when we used to have the Penhill Carnival ? Perhaps you may have some pictures you would like to share.

Penhill Pen

Penhill British Legion

2007-07-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

If you are at a loss on a Saturday night for something to do, there is always Penhill British Legion which is situated on Downton Road, Penhill.
It has disabled access, and on Saturday nights it is child friendly as it is family night.Most Saturdays there is a disco and/or sometimes karaoke.
Both men and women can apply for memberships which is good.
There is a bar, and the main hall where the disco's are held. Down stairs is the boxing ring this also has a bar.

The Legion is a freindly place that is family orientated.The main hall is available for hire for various functions such as Birthday partys, Wedding receptions, Musical concerts and meetings etc.
On Saturday nights the food bar is open where they sell chips, burgers, hotdogs, a variety of rolls, crisps and sweets for the kids.So if you fancy a pint, a burger and dance (oh you will after a few beers)! then the Legion is the place to go.

They do have themed nights occasionally which are good, they also arrange days out to the seaside for the members and they also organise a thing called 'The Booze Cruise' this consists of a weekend away on the ferry to France. (I have yet to experience one!!!!).
If local people have any ideas that they think would be good for the Legion, then put them forward. If you pass on your thoughts/Ideas to Helen Larby (landy lady of the Legion), I am sure she will pass them on to the committee.

Pen of penhill

Do you know who your ward Councillor is?

2007-07-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello to the people of Penhill,

I was wondering how many people on the Penhill Estate actually know who our ward councillor is?
Well incase you wondered his name is Paul Baker (Labour).
I personally have never met him, although I believe he lives on the estate. I wanted to know more and clicked on the following link: http://www.swindon.labour.co.uk/ViewPage.cfm?Page=9680 .......and there he was under the heading 'Your Labour Councillors..... working hard for Swindon. Well I found his picture under the sub heading of Penhill and clicked on the link. To my ashtonishment, the page could not be displayed. What a good start I thought.
Well I then clicked on the link that said 'Ward News' to see what was going on in the Penhill area.... and a page came up with 'this page is currently suspended, please try again later', so later I did, and nothing. This is not very good at all. All the other councillors are there with contact details etc, and ward news for other areas, but low and behold, nothing for Penhill!!!

Well any way I logged on to the talk swindon website http://www.talkswindon.org/ and cllr W was kind enough to give me a link where I could find out how to contact my ward councillor which is:
http://ww2.swindon.gov.uk/moderngov/mgUserInfo.asp?UID=1094&J=9

So thank you cllr W for helping with this.

I would like to know the views of the people. Has anyone else had trouble finding out how to contact our Penhill councillor?

Any other views or community issues would be good for people to post also.

Pen of Penhill