OUR most recent stories about the Queensfield pub in Upper Stratton were about its closure in 2013 and subsequent demolition.

One of our first was in late August of 1967.

“With the smell of paint still hanging in the air,” we said, “the Queensfield public house opened with a flourish yesterday.

“It is a modern Courage pub, built to cater for the inhabitants of the new Queensfield estate, Upper Stratton.

“The occasion would have been incomplete without a little ritual. This was provided by the Courage show-dray – pulled by four Shire horses – which drove from the Goddard Arms Hotel through the town to the Queensfield to make a delivery of beer.”

The official opening was performed by Swindon Town manager Danny Williams, who was given the honour of drinking the first pint.

The rest of our advertising feature was devoted to listing the various features of the new pub.

“Amenities at the Queensfield include a large car park and a terrace immediately outside the lounge bar, where customers will be able to sit in fine weather.

“Décor and furniture in the two bars are both striking and tasteful. Although the lounge bar is designed on contemporary lines, the wood panelling and stone fireplace give it a homely atmosphere.

“The public bar is rather more colourful: one wall is covered with striking red wallpaper and all the upholstery is red.

“A jukebox site ostentatiously in the corner. Unusual in a public bar are the central heating and ventilation systems.

“The pictorial inn sign shows Queen Anne mounted on a horse.”

A deep cellar, we added, was dig through five layers of rock in order to ensure been could be kept at the right temperature.

The first manager was Dave Rogers, who became a much loved and respected figure during seven years at the Queensfield and the 30 he spent in charge of the The Lady Margaret in Lower Stratton, which became The Sandgate.

He died, aged 67, in 2005.