Port Regis
4 comments have been shared below in response to "Port Regis"
Get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Broadstairs, North Foreland Lighthouse c1965
Ref: B220032
Year: 1956
Port Regis
I remember Port Regis very well, I stayed there as a child. It was a convalescent home then for girls. The nuns used to take us down to the beach every Wednesday afternoon - Kingsgate beach that is. Though it is 40-some odd years ago I still remember it as if it was yesterday. I remember my very best friend there, her name was Frances. There also were the sisters Diane and Sheila, and I also remember all the nuns' names. It was a special time in my life. Until 1966 we went to Broadstairs every year for our holidays, parking on the jetty and going to Viking Bay, the arcade that was there, and the coffee shop that one of your readers said now is a pizza parlour. I wish I could revisit those days but I can't, plus I now live in Florida, but I have my memories. Ann Venters.
Shared on 30 March 2009
Comments
Year:
RE: Port Regis
Hi Ann
I am very pleased for you, that you were treated well at Port Regis Convent, because we were not! I was there between 1954 and 1956. When did you visit Port Regis, and how old were you?
The things that went on at that place would be today all over the front pages. Talk about child abuse, both mentally and physically. Do you remember Sister Mary Audrey and Sister Mary Bonaventure? That place has marked my life, but thank goodness I've managed to keep to the straight and narrow, and have a lovely daughter and two wonderful grandchildren, two small girls.
I hope you like life in Florida. I was there with my daughter 1991, I loved it.
Best wishes,
Rita Pilbrow
Shared on 10 September 2009
Year:
RE: Port Regis
I have NOW realised that there must have been two buildings called Port Regis because some members here talk about a school, this Port Regis 1954 to 1956 that was there was a convent for delicate girls. Maybe it changed for the BETTER after this time, I do not know but can hope so.
I have a good life now so this abuse did not scar deep enought to ruin but it would be positive for me to have communication with females that were at Port Regis Convent for delicate girls during the mid 1950s.
It would be good to hear from you,
Rita
Shared on 10 September 2009
Year:
RE: Port Regis
Hi Rita,
I'm sorry you had a bad time of it at Port Regis. I first went there in 1954 for about 6 months, then again the next year for about the same amount of time. Yes, I remember Sister Mary Aurdry - tall (well, to me she was), she wore glasses. Sister Mary Victor was in the dormitory, Sister Mary Agnes was the little old one at the front door. Aurdry hit me and Frances Pecksitt with a cane because one Saturday near Christmas we didn't want to go for a walk so we hid down in the classroom. We must have scared the heck out of them, they thought they had lost us. The police came and everything. That was the only abuse I received.
Do you remember Doreen McGuven, she had eczema? She was 15 and had been there for years. And that priest guy with his sons in the little chapel that was near the dining room but next to the cloakroom.
Listen, write back or if anyone else remembers anything, ok. My email address is: annventers@aol.com
Shared on 10 September 2009
Year:
RE: Port Regis
Hi Ann
Thank you for your comment. Now I have your e-address we can communicate privately with regards to Port Regis convent for delicate girls (those words were THEN on the sign in the driveway leading to that big door). Yes I remember Sister Mary Audrey and a nun called Sister Mary Bon (von?) Ventur or something like that. The nice little one who opened the door (Agnes?)was a gooood face outwardly!!
I've heard from a Guy through this or another memory / search people site, he has written he was several times at Port Regis School, but AS FAR AS I CAN REMEMBER, ANN, and according to the photos, there were only GIRLS there, as the sign suggested! I wonder what PORT REGIS he went to, it must have been a later date because there weren't any boys there, were there?
I remember some of the issues you mention but not all. I am sure I was picked on to bully. My parents had a comfortable life financially at THAT time and as SOME of the children were orphans or had a poor family, I was chosen to pick on, I assume. But as said, although I'd love to hear from anyone at all at Port Regis Convent for delicate girls (as the sign in the driveway said), and communicate (a newspaper article is being written re the 1950's children) I do not allow these nasty memories to spoil my life. I have many wonderful things to be thankful for and no social problems, but I do NOT think God or Jesus would have wanted innocent small children to be treated like I was. Do you remember Cathrine Waring? She had a skin disease and her hands were tied to the bed post some nights so she wouldn't scratch!
I DO assume this site is NOT just for positive memories???
I will be in touch, Ann
Was anyone else at this convent during the 1950?
Best wishes from Rita
positiveenergy@live.se
Shared on 11 September 2009
