Ahead of the launch of the Agnes Hunt Village Appeal at Derwen College on Thursday, more former residents of the 'life-changing' bungalows have come forward with their own tales.

The college in Gobowen made requests for stories from people who have lived there, which has unearthed plenty of great tales of years gone by, with those who have lived and worked there invited to hear about the village.

That includes Bob Hardy, who now lives in Pant, but grew in number 12 with his mother and father Eunice and Jack Hardy and brothers David and Andrew.

“We lived at Number 12,” remembers Bob.

“My dad came to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital for treatment after being invalided out of RAF. Eventually we moved into the bungalows and he worked at the hospital in Splints and Appliances.

"My mum nursed at both the Derwen and the hospital.”

Bob’s parents remained living in the bungalows until his dad passed away in 1974, while Eunice moved to Oswestry soon after, dying in 2011 aged 84.

“I have happy memories of growing up in the Agnes Hunt Village," he added. "There were a lot of families with children mainly with parents working at the Derwen or the hospital.

“There were many people who suffered debilitating conditions or disability. We all played together and helped each other out. We played football and cricket on the lawn in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

"There was only one tree there at the time so it was perfect for sports. I remember a gardener called Ivor who would cut the grass perfectly for cricket.

“We knew everybody and used to play and cycle around the Derwen and follow the path through the field to fish in the brook. We used to get wheels from the old wheelchairs to make our go-karts.”

The family remains connected with the RJAH Hospital and Derwen.

Bob is particularly proud that his wife Glenna, a specialist nurse practitioner for Arthroplasty at the hospital, was the first to receive the Dame Agnes Hunt Nursing Medal. She was presented with the inaugural Dame Agnes Hunt Nursing Medal by HRH Princess Alexandra during an official Royal visit in 2017.

Bob’s brothers, children and nephews continue the tradition with many family members still working at the hospital as nurses, pharmacist and admin, says Bob.

He added: “All three of us have been closely linked to Derwen and the Orthopedic Hospital, and it’s lovely to see that link with Agnes Hunt carry on to the next generation.”

For more information regarding the Agnes Hunt Village Project, visit www.agneshuntappeal.co.uk email fundraiser Anna Evans on anna.evans@derwen.ac.uk or telephone 01691 661234.