Reedham Orphanage
My father died just before I was born and my mother had to put my brother and I into Reedham orphanage. I was still on a potty as I remember complaining that I was now old enough to go on the toilet and have some privacy. I remember a row of potties along a wall oposite the tiny 'grown up' toilets that had curtains not doors. I remember a little baby called Paula being shown to us. She was a black girl and so sweet and pretty.
I was at the orphanage for 2 or 3 years and then my mother (against the odds) got a council house in Plymouth and we joined her and my older sister.
I would like to visit the school and talk to other people who went there. Sadly my brother is now dead. Whilst at the orphanage, my brother Peter stole a giant Easter egg for me (donated to the school) and shared it with me. He was very naughty! I remember a lady saying to him she would cut off his fingers with gardening shears if he stole again. The wicked boy! He was 3 or 4 years old. Happy Days.
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Comments
RE: RE: Reedham Orphanage
I remember being at the school and shared this experience, how weird! I don't know if this was the same egg, but I remember being told off with a lot of other children for creeping down to the main hall and taking a large egg that had been donated. Long time ago, I was sent there at a very young age, no regrets , wish it was still there so I could visit. Like everything, any building with history and elegance has been destroyed. Rob Bush, former pupil.
Comment from Robert Bush on Thursday, 18th August 2011.
RE: RE: Reedham Orphanage
About what year did this take place? I was there from 1957 to 1960, my brother Gary was there as well - he is three years younger than me and suffered terrible abuse, among other things he had whipping marks across his back. It was not a happy place for me and I still cry at the drop of a hat thinking about it. I do remember sometimes we were allowed to listen to music in the dormitory late at night. I do remember Mr. Bristow and the awful Mr. Moore who taught math and was my swim teacher.
Comment from Linda Roberts on Friday, 16th December 2011.
RE: RE: Reedham Orphanage
Well, I do not remember this but I was there in later years 1972 to 78 ish. I remember Shafsbury, Livingstone, Wilberforse, the slipper, the cane & the small chapel where I played the 3 keyboards at 3 am thinking nobody could hear - hence another wack, and the word "gated" always comes to mind. Shame it was sold and knocked down - my brother Trevor was there till 1980 when it shut. Many a tear I cried back then, even saying bye to my dad in 74, hence why I was there. No mother from 2 years old but there are many memories dark and light hearted.
Comment from Peter Barnett on Tuesday, 6th March 2012.