After years of careful planning, Swindon’s groundbreaking Wichelstowe scheme of 4,500 new homes has welcomed its first residents this week. Alison Boulton and her family picked up the keys to their Bryant Homes property, and are settling in to their new life as pioneers of this exciting new community.
Alison, a minister with Upper Stratton Baptist Church, lived with her husband Neil and children Josh (19), Lydia (17) and Harriet (13) in Old Walcot before deciding to move to Wichelstowe. Alison explains: “I will be ordained in July, and was happy to take a post anywhere in the country. When I spoke with the West of England Baptist Association, I learned that they were looking for somebody to be based in Wichelstowe as a community and social leader, holistically meeting the spiritual and practical needs of new residents.
“It’s an exciting new phase in our lives, as we will not only be involved in building a community from scratch but also enjoying our first new home ever as a family. Previously, we’ve always lived in older properties, so we are all thrilled to move into a brand new home. Bryant Homes’ staff have been excellent, helping to guide us through every step of the buying process. I’m now looking forward to welcoming my neighbours as they move in to help build a true sense of community spirit here at Wichelstowe.”
Jon Fletcher, regional managing director for Bryant Homes, visited Alison and her family to personally welcome her to the development. He commented: “Wichelstowe is an exciting scheme which will bring much-needed new homes for future generations. Alison and her family moving in is an important landmark for the development, and we look forward to many more residents joining her over the coming months.”