Straw Hats Every Sunday
I was sent to a children's home in Great Baddow when I was about twelve. My memorys are sad and happy ones. Miss May and Miss Abbs ran the home. Miss May I remember had a Boxer dog and many years later I bought one in memory of Great Baddow children's home. We used to go to the local church dressed in our uniforms and little straw hats on our heads, is there anyone out there that remembers 1950/51. I used to tell everyone I was an orphan, it sounded better than not being wanted from the age of 3 yrs and many foster parents, no regrets. I have had, and continue to have, a happy life, not in riches but a good marriage and good health, and sad memories of not being ever to say these two words, mum and dad. I remember running away from the home when I first went there as I needed to find mum and dad.. I never did, Vicky, nee Morrisson.
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RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
Hi, we live at 61 High Street in Great Baddow. We are looking to find either the people who owned the old post office or relatives of theirs. The post office is no longer standing, I wonder if anyone can shed any light on this? It would be most helpful.
Thanks.
Comment from Esme McCambridge on Friday, 3rd October 2008.
RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
Hi, I just wondered if the childrens' home you went to was called Springbock? My father was there in 1951/1952. He was 4 years old and he and his brother went there for about a year.
Hope to hear from you, thanks, Gracie.
Comment from GRACE Bentley on Tuesday, 14th July 2009.
RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
Hi, I wondered if anyone could help me. I am looking into 'Springbok', the children's home also known as SAAFA - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - for my nan as she used to work there when she was young, she was about 15-17 ish (she won't tell me her real age lol..). It was roughly about 1956-58 and her name was Norma Philbrow. She is intrigued to find out if she can get in touch with her friends from there, I'm assuming they were staff, Fiona and Anne ,and anybody that remembers her or has stories from that time. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Please email at: aqua_blueuk@yahoo.co.uk. Thankyou.
Comment from Fiona Dickson on Tuesday, 20th April 2010.
RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
I think the place you are talking about Vicky is Newport House, in the early 1960s it was turned into a remand home for 'wayward girls'. It was also run by Miss May and Miss Abbs. I was sent there when I was 15 for running away from home because of abuse. There were girls ranging from 11 to 18 there for various reasons, most of them very petty reasons, I remember one 12 year old who had been raped and ended up pregnant. It was an awful place, Miss May was a vicious, sadistic woman who took great delight in beating and humiliating us. I also remember a cell on the first floor of the house which we were locked in if we misbehaved. A 'doctor' used to come every Friday to give the girls internal examinations to make sure we hadn't contracted any STD's, most of us were virgins and we were locked up and had no contact with the outside world! I could write a book on what happened in that awful house and still have nightmares about it now. I have been scouring the internet for years trying to find information about the home and this is the first time I have come across any. Thank God it wouldn't happen these days. Lin Smithers
Comment from Linda Smithers on Tuesday, 29th June 2010.
RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
My sister and I were sent to a SSAFA home in Great Baddow in 1952 for about six to seven weeks. We were only five and three at the time so we have no real recollection of the name of the Home only that it was off Vicarage Lane. We would love to hear from anyone who had memories and a possible name for this Home. I understand that the Home was demolished some time in the 1960's. Could it be 'Springbok' and would anyone have a photo? I should be grateful for any help.
Comment from Sheila Higginson on Tuesday, 10th April 2012.
RE: RE: Straw Hats Every Sunday
I was at this home in 1958, I think. All I remember is always cleaning and looking out of a big window wishing I was outside and not in there. I remember the dogs and I think a cell I was locked in. I was only there three days, some girls were crying because they were going to court and did not know what the outcome would be. I was in there because I did not want to go home, after staying out late.
Comment from Linda Byrne on Monday, 14th May 2012.