Twenty one of the roads built on the Greenmeadow estate were named after English rivers. Thames Avenue, Dart Avenue, Isis Close, Kennet Avenue and Stour Walk, which changed its name to Stour Road in 1971 and then changed back to Stour Walk in 1974, were all built in 1961.

The estate, which was developed on land either side of the boundary between Swindon Borough and the parish of Haydon Wick, has caused confusion in the past due to its geographical position. Parish members in Haydon Wick were unable by law to invite Greenmeadow residents to meetings, although many of the issues discussed directly affected residents in both areas due to the boundary line running through both estates. A dispute erupted in 1978 over the proposed location of a temporary community centre.

The parish council had looked at a number of possible sites for the community centre and short-listed four of them.

About 1,000 residents from both sides of the border wanted the centre on the playing field in Trent Road, a site owned by the council, and its upkeep paid for out of the parish rate.

But 200 people on the parish side of the border signed a petition objecting to the site, stating it would cause noise and nuisance.

Parish council chairman Eber Titcombe called a meeting. But the law said non-parishioners could not take part in parish meetings, so it was decided a referendum should be called. Councillors delivered 1,800 copies of the referendum to the residents of Haydon Wick and Greenmeadow, asking them to vote for the site they preferred.

The Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick Community Association was formed in 1979 with the objective of developing a cohesive social structure within the areas of Greenmeadow, Haydonleigh and Haydon Wick. And it was announced in the association’s second newsletter that Thamesdown Council’s Policy Committee had recently voted for the extra funding needed in order to service the temporary community centre at Haydonleigh. Residents were assured of an early start on the project. The community association grew rapidly and members were soon organising a summer fair which was held on the Trent Road field.

The fair became known for its fancy dress pram race and wine making contest.

The community association folded in 1984 and Haydon Wick Parish Council took over the newsletter which is still published today.

In 1980 horse and pony riders were causing a hazard to the residents of Greenmeadow as horses cantered on footpaths and open spaces.

Riders were advised by the local council to ride at walking pace only in order to avoid an accident or injury to children.

In 1980 builders Bradley’s submitted an application for a 1,000- acre housing development in Haydon Wick.

Residents in Greenmeadow and Haydon Wick formed an action group to protest. More than 1,000 people signed a petition but, despite their efforts, the new development went ahead.

Librarian Melissa Turk has lived in Greenmeadow for more than 20 years and grew up on the estate. “When I was a young child we moved to Greenmeadow and lived in the flats situated close to the shops in Thames Avenue, before moving to Avonmead, a road which starts in Greenmeadow (by the school) and finishes in Haydon Wick.”

Melissa, 33, recalls a happy childhood spent playing with other children on the estate.

“I went to Haydon Wick Primary School and remember entering a competition where children were asked to help design a park,” she said.

“The winning design was used to build a park close to the school, where I spent a lot of time playing.

“I also visited the park in Trent Road and played elastics, 123 and in and skipping with my friends.”

Melissa, who still lives in Avonmead, says Greenmeadow is a peaceful place to live.

“I really like living in Greenmeadow because of the easy access to the shops and the leisure centre in Haydon Wick,” she said. “Both Asda Wal-Mart and Morrisons are within walking distance.

“As a child I remember going to Fourbouys, the newsagents in Thames Avenue, where I would buy a 10p mix or a wham bar. “I could also pick up my favourite Smash Hits magazine there and collected the stickers.”

l Sources for this article: Greenmeadow Community Association newsletters, 2001 Census