Port Regis, Kingsgate (School For Delicate Girls)
Around 1958-1959 I attended this school due to bad asthma. On the plus side, but probably due to the climate only, my asthma did seem to improve while at this school but otherwise it was one of the most unhappy stages of my life. I was not personally abused but twice saw terrible abuse of others: Frances and Bernadette (I forget their surnames). The former was savagely beaten and the latter was made to eat food which made her sick, including (unbelievably) her own vomit. The education was virtually non-existent and most nuns were cruel. One interesting experience I had there was to see a ghost along with several other girls one evening: a hovering white shrouded figure on a landing. However, I do not believe in ghosts at all so hesitate to mention this! Is there anyone else out there from this time? I remember a Diana, Edith, Hazel .....
Memories Links
Other memories of North Foreland Lighthouse c1965
See more memories of Broadstairs
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How has this scene changed?
Do you know who lived or worked here?
Why is this photo significant to you?
Particular points of interest - transport, architecture, fashions etc.
Comments
2 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "Port Regis, Kingsgate (School For Delicate Girls)".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Port Regis, Kingsgate (School For Delicate Girls)
I was there in 1950 1952, maiden name was Sandra Mills, once for three months and once for 9 months. I was not abused myself but I know that others were. We were on the beach much of the time, schooling was limited, and I remember going there my first meal was spaghetti, I had never seen or even heard of it before, so whoever I sat next to said 'Eat it slowly or you will get some more'. The girl who did not was in the fireplace and made to eat it for breakfast the next day when she promptly threw it all up, and then had to clear it up. It was a case of keep your head down, do as you are told promptly and you will get through this. Underweight, and having rheumatic fever, I did not gain weight at at all. My mum and dad visited and used to leave a big donation for the nuns, so if there was anything going in the way of a day out, I was included. I have a photograph of the girls that were there. Two of the nuns were kind, the one in the kitchen and the small one in the dormitory, where I used to help to darn the socks. Being sent to Coventry for a girl for a week or more was not abusive but cruel as no one was allowed to speak to her, and woe betide anyone who did, we all got the message. They all walked with there heads down and were for most of the time silent. I remember the girl who was bound from head to foot.
Comment from Sandra Popple on Friday, 10th February 2012.
RE: RE: Port Regis, Kingsgate (School For Delicate Girls)
Hi to you who wrote in Nov 2011, I believe I am the Diana whom you mention, I was at the hell hole the same time as you, Edith was my best friend but left as she became very ill and after spending time in hospital she went home and it broke my heart. do you remember performing David Copperfield? All those sad memories. Write back please. kind regards Diana
Comment from Diana Kelly (nee Newham) on Sunday, 6th May 2012.