Mayor of Swindon
Councillor Fay Howard's biography
Political Party: Labour and Co-operative
Ward represented: Mannington and Western
In 1988 when I married Ian, I started nurse training at PMH and we set up home in Swindon. Once qualified I worked on surgical wards, moving to GWH and then the Brunel Treatment Centre. I am now working in public health as a health visitor.
I have been a union rep, sat on employment tribunals, a warden for a sheltered housing scheme, worked for the charity Safe Families and in 2023 I spent the Christmas build up being an elf helping Father Christmas on an airplane!
In my 20 years as a Councillor, I have loved representing Park North, Park South, Liden, Eldene and currently Mannington and Western ward. During my term as the Mayor of Swindon, I will continue to serve constituents in my ward.
My Christian faith and politics have always been indivisible. I am an active member of Pattern Church. I got involved in politics following campaigning for Jubilee 2000, the drop the debt campaign and helping Ian with the Filling Station - feeding the homeless in Swindon. I have always been thankful for all that I have and aware that others have not been so blessed.
I love Swindon. Our 3 children thrived in Swindon, as are our 4 grandsons. We love the parks, the theatres, STFC, the Wildcats, the Magic Roundabout, the people and the many paths that criss-cross our town.
I am proud of Swindon’s heritage both in terms of our history as shown in the buildings we have, such as Milton Road Baths, the Railway Village, the council office itself; but more importantly perhaps, the Swindon culture, the heritage we share of being welcoming, friendly, and kind. I am excited to see even more of what is happening in our town and will doing all I possibly can to appreciate and promote Swindon.
The Mayor's charities
Wiltshire Treehouse
Their office is in Westlea, where I live. They are a wonderful charity that support bereaved children. It's awful to think of children having someone die around them; but it happens. It is so important that we have Wiltshire Treehouse here in Swindon, to help our children and families navigate through loss. This is especially close to my heart as a health visitor, a mother, a neighbour, a volunteer and a Nana. I support this charity wholeheartedly. None of us know when we might need it.
The Harbour Project
They support refugees arriving in Swindon. Our paths have crossed over many years, especially since we began hosting refugees in our home. We have hosted 14 over 8 years also fitting in student ice hockey players and UK teenagers.
Harbour’s vision is to be a family for every individual who seeks asylum or is granted refugee status. This is mine too.
We have gained so much in our original family by having each of our house guests in it; such a privilege.
If you are a business, charity or community group hosting an event, that you would like me as Mayor to attend, please do contact the Office of the Mayor by emailing mayor@swindon.gov.uk
I would love the opportunity to recognise and promote all you are doing for Swindon.