Latest news with #RepiBegum
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
School takes matters into its own hands to get its children swimming
A school in Swindon has taken the unusual step of installing its own swimming pool in its playground. Drove Primary School in Swindon has added the feature so that it can deliver vital lessons to children and members of the school community. The lessons, delivered in partnership with Fortius PE, aim to help pupils meet national curriculum requirements and develop water confidence, while also reaching out to parents who may not have had the chance to learn to swim. Recommended reading Students do 24-hour cycling challenge in heatwave Teen crowned national champion after winning double gold at Jiu Jitsu tournament School attack 'not as described' as new info sparks further investigation Repi Begum, councillor for Lydiard and Freshbrook and also parent at the school, said: "It's an amazing opportunity, especially for people (like me) who need to stay covered for religious reasons. "Other places don't offer female lifeguards or women-only sessions like this. "It's also well timed, as we can drop the children at school, join the session, get a bit of exercise, get fit, make new friends and gain confidence in the water. "I'm really grateful to the school for organising this for us and our children." The temporary pool is 1.2 metres deep, 10 metres long and six metres wide, and was installed to address the shortage of swimming facilities in the area. Sarah Hyde, a swimming instructor involved in the programme, said: "It's a great initiative, the closure of swimming pools across the town meant there weren't the available hours to get the children the swimming lessons they needed to meet the national curriculum requirements. "Previously, the number of pupils meeting the targets was below 30 per cent. "With this approach, every child has the chance to learn, and we can dramatically improve that figure." The programme is also reaching beyond the classroom. Kelly Reynolds, PE teacher at Drove Primary School, said: "Opportunities for families to swim are becoming very limited, and if they can find somewhere local, it can be too expensive to go. "Culturally and traditionally, swimming for our school mums isn't accessible. "With the help of Fortius PE and with public funding, we were excited to be able to offer free swimming lessons for mums who often feel they are unable to go swimming or even learn to swim." Headteacher Bryony Bardwell praised the wider impact of the scheme. Ms Bardwell said: "This initiative isn't just about meeting targets—it's about equipping our children and mums with a vital life skill that could one day save their life. "I'm incredibly proud of our staff and students and extremely grateful to Fortius PE for helping make it happen."
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'First-of-its-kind' initiative sees hundreds of pounds worth of items donated to GWH
Eid is one of the biggest events in the Islamic calendar, and two friends from Swindon have gone above and beyond this year to make sure everyone can celebrate. This weekend (March 29 to March 30), Muslims around Swindon will be celebrating Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, with feasts, family gatherings and new clothes. But for Muslim patients and their parents unable to leave Swindon's Great Western Hospital, it can often be a difficult and isolating time. That's why Tess Griffin, from the Swindon Palestine Solidarity group, and Repi Begum, councillor for the Lydiard and Freshbrook Ward, decided to take their celebrations to the next level this year, by donating over £700 worth of clothes, food and toiletries to children at the hospital. According to Tess, who has recently converted to Islam from Christianity, there's a stark difference between the way religious festivals celebrate those in need in the community. Staff at the hospital were blown away by the gifts (Image: Repi Begum) 'It is the beauty of giving and charity in Islam that truly inspired me to do this,' she told the Swindon Advertiser. 'As a previous Christian and Welsh woman I have heard of Christmas donations but why wasn't there anything for Eid, especially as Muslims are the biggest doners of charity in Britain, giving at least four times more with an average of £708 per individual per year. 'It made no sense to me and hence this initiative was born.' Along with Councillor Begum, the pair raised £770 in just four days, and arrived at Great Western Hospital on Friday, March 28, with arms full of clothes, books, games, food and toiletries for the patients. Paediatric Lead Nurse Natalie Lawrence and Consultant Dr Phil Peacock say they are overwhelmed with how much was raised in such a short time, and how the gifts made patients feel will stay with them for a lifetime. Some of the items gifted to young patients (Image: Repi Begum) 'We provided a fair amount of children's books including books relevant to Eid and what it is,' said Councillor Begum. 'We saw this event as a means to bring some joy to children facing illness and also help build bridges between communities. 'There are a lot of negative stories about immigrant communities and Muslims and so we hope to highlight a feel good factor. Flash Sale Alert!🌟Unlock unlimited local news subscribe today and save 40% off an annual subscription. Enjoy access to our ad-free mobile and tablet app, as well as the digital edition of the paper. Don't miss out – subscribe now!👉 — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) March 20, 2025 'Tess and I were overwhelmed by how overwhelmed the team were. What seemed like a small gesture is making such a massive difference. 'We are truly grateful to all that contributed and made this happen.'
