Bill Walker

A Memory of Copthorne.

Came across this picture of the Franscican convent. I went there as a boarder as a 4 year old and still shudder at the awful memories I had. Brutal nuns, punishments with a bamboo cane. Hanging out wet sheets on cold mornings. Forced fed greens and cabbage, no hugs whatsoever. Nasty place with nasty memories. Nasty nuns with irish accents. I ran away a couple of times. Ridiculous catholic superstitions. Left when I was 11. I am happy to hear that for some it was a wonderful place but it sure wasn't for me and a few others. I remember with fondness Theresa Arnold who was a day pupil she was kind to me. I was there from 1952-1959

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Added 20 January 2017

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Billy Walker I remember your name. I have a group photo. I was there1953 to 1956 and then sent to the convent in Littlehampton until 1959. I then went home, I still don’t know why I was sent there, was it mainly for orphans and destitute children. I think living there affected me as I never had a real childhood living with my parents.

By William Gowans on Tue Mar 16th 2021, at 9:24 pm

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Your comment has bought tears to my eyes. My Mum was a border all her life until she 8. She was then sent to Littlehampton before being shipped off to Australia. Finding it difficult to trace any information

By Nicole Horne on Sun May 23rd 2021, at 7:36 am

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Hello William, this is Sue from Copthorne. I've lived here all my life, although I went to the village school. The Copthorne Archive is a collection of photos, documents, memories, etc about the village of Copthorne in West Sussex. We're researching the Franciscan Convent School (which closed in 1994) and would be pleased to hear any memories and would love to see your group photo.

Also, if you remember Margaret Adams who was a paid boarder as a baby from 1943 until 1951, when she was moved to Littlehampton, please contact us, as her daughter in Australia is looking for information.

COPTHORNEARCHIVE@GMAIL.COM

By Susan Snelling on Tue Aug 3rd 2021, at 6:56 am

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Hi - my name is Russell Stewart and together with my cousin Reggie Keogh I was a boarder here from around 1947 to 1954 (approx). I was only four when I came here. I don’t remember it being too bad, although it was very strict. I just remember crying because I didn’t want my Mum to leave me. It was better when my younger cousin joined me in 1948/49 and I could take care of him and help him to adjust.

By Russell Stewart on Wed Aug 17th 2022, at 11:07 am

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