Page 9 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • March 2004 9
Memories of a Princess fade into the future
r
With a roar and raised claw the giant machine ripped into the derelict Princess Margaret Hospital, ^utGt, I^ec G,,ar-^, ^sNo^,
splintering glass, shattering window frames, pulling at walls, exposing the innards of the maternity unit, Registered Homeopath
mirrors on the walls still in place, reflecting the joys and sadness of so many Swindon souls.
The Mayor of Swindon coun Homeopathy
Derek Benfield had just ceremoni-
ally cut the ribbon to initiate the & Allergy
coup de grace which will see the
landmark on the hill disappear Testing Clinic
over the next twelve months.
In its place will appear 500 pri- 4 High Street. Purton
vate houses built by Swindon com- Tel: 01793 772883
pany Bloor Homes, key worker
homes, an elderly persons' group
dwelling and a doctor's surgery. ,
The company has the foundation Registered H ith the
y
Societ of Home opertlrs
stone laid by Princess Margaret in
1957 in storage and has promised
to create a garden in memory of all
those who were born and died
during the forty year life of the
hospital.
Coun Benfield recounted how The Mayor with Bloor Homes development director John Lusty
at the start of demolition work on 4 February
12 years ago he stood on the steps
of the maternity unit to smoke his of Swindon people will have had plaud Bloor for being willing to
last ever cigarette before going in some connection with PMH and create a garden of memories on the
to meet his granddaughter for the my thoughts are tinged by sadness PMH site."
y
first time. "I have cut man rib- to see one of the town's landmarks Bloor Homes sales and market-
bons to open lots of facilities but disappear. However, we have an ing manager Lorraine Palmer also
it's the first time I have cut one to excellent replacement in the Great had poignant memories of PMH.
destroy something. Huge numbers Westetrn Hospital and we all ap- "I had both my children in the
maternity unit and both my par-
ents died in the main building. It's
Name the PMH site sad to see an era passing, but the
BBC Radio Swindon is seeking suggestions for the Bloor Homes prospects for the future develop-
development at Okus by 5 March by calling 513651. ment are very exciting."
A top 5 shortlist of names will be published on 15 March to be put to
the vote and the winning name will be announced on 2 April.
ai
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COOPER CHEMIST Toothill Pharmacy
WEST SWINDON CENTRE. TEL: 872033 /,1 Toothill Village Centre,
next to Phoenix Surgery

Ask for details of our
Home Health catalogue
Products to make life easier around the home
Also at Coopers: fine fragrances, toiletries, ear piercing. allergy testing Mobility aids
Medical care at home
picfures like Film processing for 35mm & APS
(Free 35mm film for every 35mm roll developed on premises) Tel: 01793 539701
works n f an In store duplicates and enlargements
Dunwich Drive. Toothill, Swindon SN5 8SX
Open 7 days a week. Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm; Sat 9am - 6pm; Sun 10am - 3pm