Page 7 - link magazine

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7
Local Lives
West Swindon's longest serving
West Swindon's first baby turns 20 dentist, since 1981
In the beginning, there was nothing but building sites, cows and mud.
One of the first houses was made into a community hail which then
moved to an old builders hut, also occupied by a shop, just down the mv.nrcJon Dciii
hill from the present Toothill Village Centre. Church worker Olive & R,,ociote
King organised groups for mums and toddlers and Thamesdown
D.*toI Sucqeois ®.
Council neighbourhood worker Bob May visited new arrivals.
A doctors surgery took over houses in Deerhurst Way, opposite the Brendon Ball and Rona Willett
shop, and a health visitor team moved in next door, and all the time,
more and more people were arriving Friendly Family Care
I.V. Sedation Available • Hygienist

K.W. Schofield B. Pharm, M.R. Pharm. S.
ASHINGTON WAY PHARMACY

Caring for the community since 1985

Ashington Way, Westlea
West Swindon

The western development '5 first family, still in the same house at Markenfield. Tel:(01793) 616840
Terry and Teresa Davies with, centre, the area 'sfirst baby, Janice, and Kate,
Monday to Friday
9. Behind, Christine, 18, and Michael, 12
830a.m. - 6.00p.m.
erry and Teresa Davies did not expect to move into a brand new Closed 12.30p.m. - 130pm
council estate they had barely heard of, least of all one stuck out
T on a building site without any facilities whatsoever. Teresa was Saturday 8.30a.m. - 12 noon
heavily pregnant, they were all packed, ready to move from their flat in
Penhill to a house in Park North.
But the exchange fell through at "Everybody was very friendly,"
the last moment and in despera- said Terry. "We were dubbed the
tion they called Thamesdown's pioneers and it did feel like it. We Caring with
housing department. It was de- could get fresh eggs from the farm
cided they should be offered the cottages along Freshbrook Way
first house to be completed at and used to walk across the green
Toothill and on Saturday 14 March fields to Lydiard Park." Quality
they moved in. The first school age children to
"We were all by ourselves for a arrive had to be bussed to the Parks
few nights - in the wilds of the area. Janice was one of the first
countryside," said Teresa. "Janice children to attend Toothill School With professional residential care at
was due on 16 March, but didn't and then went on to Greendown, Windmill Court, Freshbrook
arrive until 16 April. followed by sister Christine and
"We were surrounded by build- brother Michael. Kate is still at
ers equipment and foundations. Toothill School. For independence, and privacy, yet with caring
We had to walk from the old The Davies have thought about staff on call 24 hours when you need them.
Wootton Bassett road (the bus lane moving but never from West Swin-
from Westlea onto Tewkesbury don. "It has everything you need Windmill Court offers affordable, attractive rented accommodation
Way) from the bus stop to get to and the people are friendly. It's a
in self-contained apartments, where the resident is assured of
home, but it was so nice to have good place to bring up a family,"
maximum independence and privacy; whilst a full range of
our own house at last." said Teresa."
services and facilities are immediately on hand when needed.
1976: West Swindon's shop on Deerhurst Way, Toothill
Each apartment has its own kitchen and bathroom, and residents are
encouraged to furnish to their own taste. Windmill Court is surrounded by
attractive well maintained grounds for the private use of the residents, and
outings and events are frequently held for those wishing to participate.

The James Butcher Housing Association has over 30 years experience in
providing accommodation and care for the frail and elderly, where the
dignity and independence of residents is always ensured.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US AT:
The James Butcher Housing Association Ltd.,
39 High Street, Theale, Reading RG7 5AH

or telephone us On: 01734 317200 CONS(RDG)

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