Old Town prepares to flourish once the lockdown restrictions are lifted

The Old Town Residents Association monthly column written by Judith Randell-Sly

By the time you read this our first ever virtual AGM will have taken place on Zoom, a word which had a different meaning for most of us a yaear ago.

At our February meeting we were delighted to welcome several new people, interested in joining our committee.

We are very keen that our committee reflects the population of Old Town and includes younger, as well as older people.

Unfortunately it is often only older people who can afford the time to belong to such organisations and yet we need to reflect the interests and lifestyles of all of our community, so watch this space!

Councillors reported that vaccinations were going well in the area and hopefully this will continue to bring the virus infection rate down and enable us all to get on with our lives again, with the welcome re-opening of local businesses. It will be good to be able to meet up with friends and family again.

We were disappointed to hear that the canal boat Dragonfly will not be able to resume trips on the canal at the moment, as part of the canal between Kingshill and Waitrose is blocked.

However, the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust are planning to run their other, smaller boat, the Mary Archard, when permitted, at Royal Wootton Basset, Pewsham and hopefully Swindon. Details can be found on their website www.wbct.org.uk.

South Swindon Parish Council have now finished the planting on the Swindon Road pocket garden, creating a small oasis of calm and beauty in the community.

Seats have been provided to enable people to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Meanwhile, Linda Kasmaty has started tidying up the six gardens looked after by the OTRA group.

Unfortunately, only one other person can work with her at the moment, but hopefully by the end of April the regular working parties will resume and we can prepare the beds for the RHS judging in June. This focusses not just on the planting, but on community involvement and the care of the surrounding environment. When groups are allowed to meet again outside details of gardening sessions can be found at www.facebook.com/oldtownresidents