AS THE country celebrates the Queen’s 60 years on the throne, one estate in Swindon is also marking its own diamond anniversary.

The first bricks for Penhill were laid in 1952 and the model housing estate, which was built to cater for the London overspill, was finished in 1955.

Although it has been much added to and changed over the years, it is still a bustling neighbourhood with a strong sense of community pride.

And this year, residents hope to mark the anniversary, as well as the royal jubilee in early June followed by Penhill Carnival on July 7.

Andy Harrison, 48, of Odstock Road, who was born on the estate and is a third-generation Penhill resident, is delighted with the diamond landmark.

“It has lasted the test of time. These houses up here are absolutely solid, they really are,” he said.

“And, unlike the newer houses, they are quite large as well.”

Mr Harrison said his grandparents, Leslie and Nelly Gough, were among the first to move on to the estate, and arrived on a horse and cart.

“When people were moving in, things were austere,” he said.

“People didn’t have the money, they didn’t have cars, they didn’t have TV.”

“But it was quite an exciting time for many people moving on to the estate when it was first built because there was a new Queen on the throne, they were moving into new houses and on a new estate which, at its time, was quite forward-thinking.”

In 1951, plans for Penhill had already been laid and the land owned by Merton College, Oxford, had been acquired for the estate.

Penhill was designed just a few years after the Second World War to a specific standard, which would enable it to be more sustainable should there be another war.

And, uniquely in Swindon for social housing built on a hill, it was designed to give as many homes as possible a south-facing aspect, a good sized garden, and an inside toilet.

Linda Hobson, 64, who moved into Charlton Close 27 years ago, said: “I think it’s great really, because I really like it here.

“It’s a nice place to live. It is a nice community and people are friendly.”

Marilyn Beale, the secretary of the Penhill Forum, who moved into Avebury Road in 1967, said: “It has been through some changes but it remains quite a good community to live in and has a lot going for it for the future.”

Anyone who wants to share memories or stories relating to the construction or history of Penhill can call Glynis Hales on 01793 335050.