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In the days following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Swindon’s burgeoning drone hub, there have been further important developments. Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence announced the opening of its largest uncrewed testing facility, and days earlier, new Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr Gary Sumner received a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the borough’s new Unmanned Aircraft manufacturing facilities.
By Barrie Hudson
The Ministry of Defence has opened its largest uncrewed testing facility in Swindon.
At four times the size of NATO’s small tactical drone centre in Latvia, the site cements Swindon as a key player in the uncrewed systems space and represents a significant statement of Government commitment to both UK security and the strategic role Swindon plays in supporting the nation’s defence.
The MOD says the facility will be world-leading in the testing of uncrewed systems for warfare, providing the ability to pressure-test the next generation of technology in a safe environment.
It will enhance product quality and support the UK’s export market through certification. It is also the largest new defence investment in the South West.
Swindon North MP Will Stone MP said: “Having the MOD Uncrewed Testing Centre in Swindon is fantastic news for the town.
“It is going to provide hundreds of good jobs for the people of Swindon whilst supporting national security.
“Getting to this point has been a journey, but I am proud to have worked alongside the MOD, especially Brigadier Stu Nasse, as well as the Panattoniteam and Swindon Borough Council officers to get it across the line.
“Having the largest uncrewed testing facility in Europe based in Swindon will only increase investment in the town. Before being elected, I promised to bring back good employment to Swindon, and today’s announcement delivers on that promise.”
Brigadier Stu Nasse, Head of the UK Drone Coalition, said: “This location was chosen for all the right reasons; access to a technically proficient workforce, strong physical and digital infrastructure, and proximity to all facets of defence.
“But most of all, it was the emerging ecosystem of uncrewed systems companies rallying here, thanks to the tireless efforts of Will Stone MP.
“His personal belief in this emerging technology, and in what the Uncrewed Systems Centre should be, is what will make this a success.”
Al Carns MP, Minister for the Armed Forces until his resignation yesterday, said: “In Ukraine, drones are causing more casualties than artillery.
“That is the reality of modern warfare. We need to ensure the UK is ready for the next generation of conflict.
“This facility will provide world-class testing capability. Based in Swindon, the centre also anchors significant investment in a region that is rapidly establishing itself as Britain’s military drone manufacturing hub.”
James Watson, Head of National Development at Panattoni, said: “This is a huge day for the Panattoni team.
“Securing a MOD contract on our flagship Swindon project is a major step forward and highlights the growing diversity of partnerships Panattoni is building across the world as we expand into new markets.
“Many thanks to all those who supported the process, the MOD, Swindon Borough council, and Will Stone MP for his continued efforts in supporting the project.”
Stu Olden, Founder and CEO of SDO Associates, said: “The MOD’s Uncrewed Testing Centre in Swindon marks a major step for Defence and industry, offering a world-class environment for companies to test and accelerate new technologies with direct support from national experts.
“By uniting government and industry, we’re lowering barriers to innovation, speeding up the deployment of uncrewed systems, and ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.”
By Barrie Hudson
The new leader of Swindon Borough Council received a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the borough’s new Unmanned Aircraft manufacturing facilities.
Following a visit to TEKEVER in West Swindon, Cllr Gary Sumner toured the firm’s new facility at the Spectrum building to see at first hand the progress being made by the pan-European technology firm, which is investing heavily in advanced drone production and artificial intelligence capabilities in the UK.
The site is set to be fully commissioned in August, with operations up and running from September.
Cllr Sumner said: “It was fantastic to visit the TEKEVER site and see the scale of ambition behind their investment in Swindon.
“Our town is quickly establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading centres for Unmanned Aircraft Systems manufacturing, attracting world-class companies and creating highly skilled jobs for local people.
“This investment is not only strengthening our local economy but also helping position Swindon as a key player in the UK’s future defence and component manufacturing landscape.
“It’s clear that the work of the Council’s inward investment team, alongside Will Stone and our partners, is delivering real results.
“We’re determined to continue building on this momentum to attract further investment.”
During the visit, Cllr Sumner met with TEKEVER’s Deputy Director, Scott McClelland, for a tour of the site, and to discuss plans for job creation and ongoing collaboration with New College Swindon to help shape curriculum pathways and create placement opportunities for young people in the town.
Mr McClelland spoke to Cllr Sumner about TEKEVER’s history as a technology company before it moved into the defence sector in recent years.
TEKEVER aims to use its technological expertise in agile manufacturing at the site in Swindon, using it as a template for future factories around the world. Cllr Sumner was told that its Swindon site will be its main manufacturing facility in Europe.
TEKEVER selected Swindon as a base due to the town’s increasing prominence as a hub for Unmanned Aircraft Systems innovation, joining a growing cluster of companies including Flyby Technology, Munin Dynamics and STARK.
The site, once fully operational, is expected to support significant skilled employment in Swindon as TEKEVER continues to grow its UK manufacturing and engineering presence.
The council’s Inward Investment team has been working closely with Swindon North MP Will Stone, to attract drone and defence technology companies to the town with UK Company iCOMAT setting up in Swindon in March to develop composites and lightweight components specifically for companies like TEKEVER creating 75 new jobs.
Mr McClelland said: “Swindon is becoming an increasingly important part of TEKEVER’s UK growth story, and we were pleased to welcome the Leader of the Council to our site to discuss our plans in more detail.
“Our investment in Swindon reflects the strength of the local economy, the depth of the region’s engineering and manufacturing capability, and the opportunity to support the UK’s growing defence and uncrewed systems sector.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Swindon Borough Council as we develop our presence here.”
A new publicly-accessible defibrillator and emergency bleed kit have been installed in West Wichel.
The aim is to improve access to lifesaving equipment for residents and visitors across the growing community.
The equipment can be found at the new Estates Office area, north of Orchards Rise in West Wichel.
The location was carefully chosen to address a current gap in emergency provision in the area. While several defibrillators are already available at the Middle Wichel District Centre, including schools and Hall & Woodhouse, there has previously been no equivalent provision within West Wichel itself.
The installation has been jointly funded by the Wichelstowe JV and Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council, with support from London Hearts, a charity dedicated to helping make defibrillators more affordable and accessible to communities and organisations nationwide.
The announcement comes amid British Heart Week, which raises awareness of the importance of rapid access to defibrillators and emergency response equipment in saving lives during cardiac arrests and serious injuries.
Dan Pavely, Wichelstowe’s project director, said: “We wanted to make sure this lifesaving equipment is accessible to everyone, which is why no previous first aid training or qualifications are needed to use the defibrillator.
“The device provides clear step-by-step instructions, so people will have the confidence to act quickly in an emergency without fear of causing harm.
“Installing the defibrillator and bleed kit reflects our commitment to improving community safety and resilience as Wichelstowe continues to grow.”
Cllr John Hewer from Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council said: “This is great news for the Wichelstowe community.
“The parish council is committed to ensure that lifesaving defibrillators are available all across the parish and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to part fund this unit. It really could make all the difference in an emergency.”
The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes Bristol and David Wilson Redrow South West in partnership with Swindon Borough Council which will deliver 3,000 new homes along with new schools and community facilities over 20 years.
The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.
As part of this neighbourhood, residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal.
There is also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach.
Barratt Homes Bristol is building at Orchards View and Wichel Fields and David Wilson Redrow South West is building at Canalside and Orchards Rise.
Crimestoppers launched a national campaign ahead of the World Cup to urge the public to help tackle domestic abuse.
People can do so by recognising the signs and sharing information anonymously.
While major football tournaments bring excitement and celebration for many, evidence shows they can also coincide with a rise in domestic abuse.
The charity’s campaign highlights the hidden harms that can escalate behind closed doors during high-profile matches.
Research has found that incidents of domestic abuse increase by 38% when England loses, rise by 26% when they win, and remain 11% higher the following day regardless of the result.
For some, match day is not about football, but fear.
Annabelle Goodenough, Domestic Abuse lead for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Football should bring people together, but for some, major tournaments can be a time of increased fear and harm.
“The rise in domestic abuse linked to match results is deeply concerning, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and action.
“We know that many victims find it difficult to seek help. That is why information from friends, neighbours, or members of the public can be so important. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
“Crimestoppers is independent and guarantees anonymity. We do not ask for your name, and your details cannot be traced. By speaking up anonymously, you could help protect someone from harm, support efforts to prevent abuse and may even save a life.”
The heightened emotions linked to wins and losses can contribute to abusive behaviour, leaving victims feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Crimestoppers is encouraging people to look out for signs that someone may be experiencing abuse.
These can include a partner putting them down in front of others, controlling or jealous behaviour, visible injuries, withdrawal from friends and family or noticeable changes in mood such as anxiety or depression.
The charity is also reminding the public that sharing concerns anonymously can make a real difference, particularly for those who feel unable to speak out for themselves.
The White Horse Federation (TWHF) has announced a major addition to its roster of schools.
Following approval from the Department for Education, nine schools from Grove Learning Trust and Goddard Park Primary School are set to join the trust in the next academic year.
Dr Dan Nicholls, CEO of The White Horse Federation, said: “We are delighted with this decision, which means that the collective expertise offered by colleagues at Grove Learning Trust and Goddard Park Primary School in collaboration with colleagues at The White Horse Federation will improve the lives of more children and families in Swindon.
“All the schools and colleagues share a passion for Swindon as well as a deep understanding of our local communities and context.”
TWHF says that, like TWHF itself, Grove’s academies and Goddard Park Primary School have a strong track record, with all the schools joining TWHF rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
The merging of significant expertise and experience across all the schools is described as creating greater capacity and geographic coherence which will significantly support children, families and communities across Swindon.
The move also aligns with TWHF’s commitment to serve local families and communities and to the Government’s ambition in the White Paper around the importance of place and serving local communities.
This academic year, TWHF has been shortlisted for the Trust of the Year in the prestigious TES awards. Last year, the federation won the Inclusive Trust of the Year award at the TES Awards.
Dr Nicholls added: “We believe this mutual understanding of our town, shared expertise, collaboration and our strong track record for improving schools will help us achieve our shared priority: to inspire the lives of all children with greater opportunity and choice.”
Jo Harding, Head of School at Goddard Park Community Primary School, said: “Goddard Park Primary School is excited to be joining The White Horse Federation.
“This represents an important step in our journey, giving us the opportunity to work closely with like-minded schools and strengthen what we already do.
“TWHF is a strong local MAT with values which align with ours. Our priority is always the children, and we believe this will help us provide even greater opportunities for them to thrive.”
Anne-Marie Howroyd, Trustee and Chair of the Board at Grove Learning Trust, said: “Grove Learning Trust decided to move into a formal partnership agreement with The White Horse Federation in January this year and we are very pleased to be deepening our existing partnership with TWHF by formally joining the trust.
“Both trusts share a passion for and understanding of Swindon and this is an exciting continuation of our collective journey and ambition to better serve our families and communities across Swindon.
“Partnering with a larger, well-established multi-academy trust has provided more capacity and broader opportunities to serve pupils and communities.
“We have no doubt that this is a positive step for the future, helping us to strengthen partnerships and increase the impact we can have on children’s lives.
“We are confident that TWHF is well placed to support Grove Learning Trust to deliver on our shared ambitions, offering high quality education and making sure that every child’s needs are met so that they all have the opportunity to achieve.”
Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.
For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here
For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here
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