As we approach the Coronation of His Majesty The King, like many of us here in Swindon, I am looking forward to joining in with some of the many celebrations taking place across the town, including the King’s Coronation Street Party taking place here in Wood Street, where my offices are based.
The Coronation Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday 6th May, is centred around a solemn religious ceremony, and has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years. For the last 900 years, the ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey, London and is conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Details for the ceremony and other activities taking place over the extended website can be found on the Royal website.
If you would like to find out about other ways to get involved, you can do so by visiting the Government's Coronation webpage.
The Government website also has a page full of printable activities for children, including an excellent selection of Coronation colouring in pages here https://coronation.gov.uk/toolkit/ We have some fantastic young artists here in the town, and I would be delighted to share any pictures that are sent to me. These can be emailed to [email protected]
I would like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers here in Swindon, who have worked tirelessly to organise events for the local community to enjoy as part of the Coronation celebrations.
On Thursday, the people of Swindon will once again be given the chance to have their say on the running of our town in this year’s local elections. Some people will no doubt stay at home, while others will use these polls as an opportunity to pass judgement on the politics of Westminster.
But the clue is in the name – these are local elections and despite what some may say, the running of our town is too important for Thursday’s vote to be used as a proxy poll on national issues. I urge every voter to look at what our Council has achieved in just the last few months, with progress being made on Apsley House and the Corn Exchange, as well as the incredible opportunity that is Panattoni’s plans to redevelop the former Honda site.
More broadly, since 2019, this builds on the tens of millions of pounds we’ve had in investment in the town centre and major infrastructure projects. Despite the headlines, the Conservative-run Swindon Borough Council is getting on with what can sometimes be the unglamorous job of local government, and we have come too far as a town to ‘risk it’ by going backwards with a Labour administration that promises everything but which just can't deliver.
Finally, my local charity of the week is Swindon Seniors Forum – a voice for the over 55s. Over the past five years, I have been working closely with Swindon Seniors Forum on a local campaign to tackle loneliness, with the aim of bringing together key organisations in and around Swindon to discuss the excellent work that is already taking place locally, as well as discussing what further can be done to tackle loneliness. We have held several successful and well attended events and our work continues. Full details on this campaign can be found on my website here https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/campaigns/sir-robert-bucklands-campaign-tackle-loneliness-swindon-swindon-seniors-forum
Swindon Seniors Forum was formed back in 2011, and over the years has grown in membership, scope, and influence. The Forum offers free membership, along with information, and opportunities for members to socialise with like-minded people.
Swindon Seniors Forum are members of Age Alliance and Southwest Seniors Network. They aim to give over 55’s a louder voice and an equal say on matters which impact on your life. The forum also aims to keep members informed on their work, as well as updated on all local and national issues of particular interest to older people. Further information can be found on their website here: https://swindonseniorsforum.chessck.co.uk/
