Pride in Penhill

Landlady Tracy Knight, 33, took over the pub with her husband, Colin, 34, nine months ago and has no regrets.

She said: "It is a brilliant place and does not live up to its downtrodden name. People should come here and feel the friendly atmosphere before casting aspersions."

Their two daughters, Letitia, 14, and Nicole, 11, are equally positive.

"Everyone sticks together here and there is a great sense of comradeship," said Letitia, who is a particular fan of the free family discos, which the pub holds on Friday night.

Shirley Minty, 59, has loved living in Penhill for 32 years. A former bar lady at the Deers Leap, Shirley waxes lyrical on the close-knit community.

She said: "There are no hassles for me. I raise money for charity and people around here are the first to dip into their pockets, despite struggling to make ends meet for themselves."

Having never been burgled, Shirley was not surprised by the area's impressive crime figures. Only 4.6 per cent of all recorded crime in Swindon took place in Penhill last year less than half that of Central ward.

These results certainly give the lie to comments made by part-time judge Christopher Frazer, who accused the area of "silly violence."

Labour ward councillor John Archer leapt to Penhill's defence, claiming recorder Frazer was "talking through his wig".

Fellow Labour councillor David Glaholm also sings Penhill praises. He said: "The statistics speak for themselves. Penhill stands for everything the world ought to be kind-hearted and community-minded."

So attached is he to the area that Coun Glaholm is even spending his 33rd wedding anniversary welcoming the new vicar of the local church with his wife, Flo.

Today residents laugh off Penhill put-downs and challenge critics to come and see the place for themselves.

Community stalwart Marilyn Beale, dubbed Mrs Penhill, has served the area for 35 years. As secretary of the Penhill Forum and the Seven Fields Conservation Group, she has her finger firmly on the Penhill pulse.

"There are so many thriving organisations that I would not swap my home here for the world. Not for a place in Park Lane, London or even Kensington Palace," she added.

Such enthusiasm is widespread. Determined to make the most of their environment, residents are rallying to a new scheme called Pride in Penhill.

People are being encouraged to pick up litter and report flytipped rubbish.

Marilyn said: "There are 7,500 people here. Like everywhere there are a few black sheep, but the vast majority want to make the best of it."

Few associate Penhill with outstanding beauty. Yet Seven Fields, which lies between Penhill and Haydon Wick, boasts fields of wild flowers and is the largest nature reserve in Wiltshire.

From litter picking to lunch clubs, Penhill is a happy hive of public activity.

And Val Ayres, 61, chairwoman of the Penhill Community Association, has big plans for the future. The group has applied for lottery funding to build a special garden outside the John Moulton Hall.

She said: "We hope to offer a play area for children and seating for everyone to enjoy the flowers."

Projects encouraging youngsters to eat more fresh fruit and give the elderly days out are also underway.

Ros Gilder, 72, has lived in Penhill for 47 years and helps pensioners make the most of life.

Being entertainments secretary of Silver Threads and a fighting force behind Penhill Ladies Night, she is constantly on the go.

"We like to get about. Around 40 of us went on a mystery tour to Longleat safari park the other day. It was brilliant," she enthused.

And the merry band of Silver Threads sang wartime classics like Roll out the Barrel and the White Cliffs of Dover on the coach journey home.

Choirs also perform on the monthly ladies night, which feature films, bingo, knitting and gossip.

Ros said: "The Christmas disco is a highlight on everyone's diary. But there is never a dull moment the whole year round."

The community centre also hosts a lunch club every Wednesday. Offering good company and three-course meal for £1.75, its popularity is hardly surprising. Cheese, tea bags or biscuits are typical prizes for the traditional raffle.

"We are satisfied with the simple things. Despite having little, residents soldier on and survive with a smile," said Ros.

Community veteran Eddie Palmer, 89, can still be seen shopping and attending coffee mornings.

The former steamroller driver enjoys reminiscing about trips to the cinema and being part of a cycling club with his wife, Elsie.

He said: "Penhill is a good place. I feel safe here and have plenty of friends who look out for me."

So it seems money is not the key to a healthy community.

Back in the Deers Leap pub, customers are savouring a well-earned pint after a hard day at work.

The table talk centres around a charity week in aid of the Swindon Kidney Renal Unit being held next month.

A tug of war is among the fun events a fitting tribute to Penhill's philosophy of pulling together.