St. Marys Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
I was at St. Marys convalescent home in 1956 when I was 9 years old and I would like to speak to any other people who stayed there to share our memories. Some of my memories are vivid others quite hazy. It was quite a traumatic time, to be taken away when as a child you have no idea where you are going or even if you will ever come home again. There were good times, some of the nuns were very kind, others not so. Do you remember the tunnel under the road, it smelled musty and water dripped on you as you walked to the beach and you must remember the doorstep of bread smothered in marmite, today I love it! Can anyone recall the loft where trestle tables were set up with little things for the children to buy. I hope that others will contact me.
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RE: RE: St. Mary's Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
I was at St Mary's in about 1946 so a while before you, but I do remember that horrible tunnel and buying a covered matchbox with something in it. When I was there I remember no nice nuns, so the place had improved when you were there! We had lumpy porridge and that were it and shook for talking in the morning once as somebody had made a comment about the sunrise! It was a horrible experience.
Comment from Jennifer Lewis on Monday, 23rd August 2010.
RE: RE: St. Mary's Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
William and Jenny, Lots of the children who were in the home in the 1950's were also residents of St Edith's childrens home in Clevedon. Both homes were run by the same group of nuns. There is a facebook group called St Edith's Children's Home, Clevedon where they share lots of memories, photos and newspaper cuttings - mainly about St Edith's, but also about St Mary's. My own uncle (Terry Nicholls was at St Mary's in 1956 so perhaps William remembers him?. Please do log onto the face book site and become members if you would like to join the discussion - you (and anyone else with an interest) will be very welcome. Best regards Cathy.
Comment from Cathy Bennett on Sunday, 5th September 2010.
RE: RE: St. Marys Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
I was also at St Mary's in 1958, I can't remember the exact date. My journey was from Wolverhampton station, on the journey with me were 2 small Irish boys and a social worker, we arrived at the home whilst tea was in progress. I have this picture of just standing there and being stared at, when we sat down we were given semolina to eat. I remember the bedrooms lots of beds quite close together with lots of black flies on the ceilings. Also the walks in the fresh air and collecting shells on the beach. I also purchased a gift whilst there, it was a small doll's bed made from a chocolate box covered with fabric. I don't think my memories were happy ones, having spent the previous 2 years in hospitals this, to me at the age of 9, just seemed normal. As with everything that happens within our childhood, it does affect how you grow up, having spent almost 3 years between sanatoriums, hospitals and St. Mary's where the daily life was structured I have found that in my life I have to have order and structure. I like to think of this period of my life as just memories, neither happy or sad.
Comment from Judy Owen on Friday, 11th February 2011.
RE: RE: St. Marys Convalescent Home. Broadstairs.
I was there in 1959 Nov till 31 Dec, I have some happy memories but a lot of sad ones, it was not a nice place. I would love to hear from anybody that was there at that time.
Comment from Hazel Rollins on Tuesday, 27th December 2011.