Living in Botley & Cumnor
David's experiences
Thanks to the efforts of the Oxford Night Shelter, in conjunction with the Home Choice Scheme of Oxford City Council, I moved to my present accommodation, in the Dean Court area of Botley, in September 2007.
On the face of it, Dean Court is a most pleasant area to live; especially when compared to the hustle and bustle of living in and around the Cowley Road area of Oxford. It could be described as semi-rural, and relatively peaceful; so it may or may not be to everyone's taste.
On closer inspection though, you come to realise the oddity that is Dean Court. It is a curious area for a lot of reasons. Though I'm not entirely sure of the history, you get the impression that there is a constant power/class struggle going on around you (no matter how it may be downplayed or denied) and thus a 'them and us' feel to the area. Oddly enough, appreciating these subtleties adds to the enjoyment of being a Dean Court resident because, when you see it for what it is, it is nothing but 'handbags' really!!
My favourite aspect of living in Dean Court is that once you make the effort to get to know people, they tend to do the same; and so after about 18 months of residency, you start to get the sense that you really are a part of the community - as opposed to someone who just lives there.
Proof of this is when ALL the local librarians know and call you by your first name, and you realise that most of the people that serve you in the shops are your next-door neighbours!!
So Dean Court, as with any other area, takes some getting used to; but I believe that for anyone truly willing to make the effort, the rewards can be priceless.