It comprised of three tower blocks, Ambleside Point, Grasmere Point and Windermere Point, with underground parking, two storied Bowness House maisonettes above the shops, three storied maisonettes of Heversham House, Hillbeck Close old people’s home, Kentmere House flats, Manor Grove houses with gardens, Pilgrim’s Way primary school, Tustin Youth Club, all set around rolling greens and pathways, w
ith The Penn playground in the middle. It was one of the greenest housing estates in London. Tustin was a self contained community, where kids could grow up on the estate, but off the streets. Where pet cats and dogs ran free. And children played out in safety. Where young children went to school without leaving the estate, whilst many Mum’s worked across the road, in the industrial streets opposite Manor Grove. Opposite was the Regal cinema, with the Astoria cinema within easy walking distance. Canals and bombsites were on the doorstep. Factory roofs, garages, and the gasworks were our climbing frames on the weekend. Even the odd tree house, at the back of Hillbeck Close. A pub on every corner, and Millwall Football Club was literally across the road. Tustin was unique – so much so that kids from other estates would come to hang out on the Tustin; especially the Tustin Club.
