Friends and Barton Fields
By Eleanor
Interview
Name: Scott Bastow
Birth place: Topsham
Year of birth: 1987
How long lived west of the Exe: 11 ½ years
Some of your most important/ special places for you West of the Exe and why?
Most of my memories are held in Barton Fields. This is because this is where I spent all of my free time while I was growing up. It was convenient and just down the hill from my house.
Another special place for me is West Exe Children's Centre. (Formally known as CowickFirstSchool). This is because this has some of my earliest memories within it's walls.
What was it like as a child here?
· What were the teachers at school like?
Teachers were nice at first. Kind and welcoming. Throughout school they got tougher... by the time I reached WestExeTechnologyCollege they were very strict.
· What did you do in your free time? Where did you go?
I mostly played football with my mates at Barton fields because there wasn't much else to do. There were no video games or cheap games. I sometimes played at St Thomas Playing Fields too.
What are your most treasured memories living here?
I find that my best memories are being around and playing with my friends. I am lucky to live in an area where people are well-rooted, they aren't likely to leave in a hurry. This means that I can still bump into my old school friends all across town.
How has the area changed in your lifetime?
Things are a lot more built up now. There are more houses than there ever were before.
There's also a lot less small-family owned shops in St Thomas. Most of them have closed down because of financial difficulty... or being bought out. This means that there are more big shops in the area.
I have found that I'm not as friendly with my neighbours as it once was. It's not as close-knit either.
What makes living here special?
It's special living here because it makes me feel safe and comfortable. It is easy to make good friends and produce great roots.
Would you bring up a family here?
I would bring up a family here because it is a safe place and has both the relaxing little town areas, and the big city atmosphere areas.
Have you stayed close friends with anyone for all through school till now?
Yes. I have one or two friends who I've managed to never lose contact with. One of them is Darren Thomas.
What is your job?
I am one of the mail sorters for Royal Mail.
Do you have any hobbies?
I have enjoyed playing football since my youth and I am now a player for the Alphington football team.
Where do you/ have you lived?
I did live in Cowick Lane (St Thomas) while I grew up but I now live in an Alphington flat.
Interviewer: Eleanor (Scott's little sister)