A Book On Clements Hall Childrens Home

My name is Anne Maple. I was removed from my parents home in Brockley SE London for abuse and placed in Clements Hall, Hockley. I was only there one summer and my Mother got me back as she was having another baby and wanted me home to do the housework. Another girl from my class In John Stainer School called Kay was taken from her parents to the home as well. She was not abused. Clements Hall was a paradise to me. I loved the food, it was better than I got at home! and got lovely second hand clothes from the Red Cross that were clean and fitted me. I'm trying to take a case against social serves (the welfare) for allowing me to be taken back home. The woman who returned me told my mother to buy me proper clothes. I had uncomfortable home made knickers my mother made. I remember the geese and the roundabout, the quiet room and having a proper bath in a bathroom. We had a tin bath at home. Anyone know how to contact Kay?. I have information I could give her. I know another person Yvonne Mcfarlane who was there from this area.

I also remember 'Tony'. A boy I befriended. A man at the home gave me a torch. From a shed?. He fixed it up for me. I was thrilled with it. It was the only possession I had and unlike home no one broke it. I kept it under the pillow in the dormitory. When I made my bed Tony would lift the pillow to put it under the pillow where I kept it. He was only little but he knew it was special to me. On the day I had to go back home I gave it to Tony. I put it into his little hands and squeezed them tightly. MIMI said I should not have given it to him as he would know I was not coming back but I saw the look in his eyes that I had given him the most precious thing I had got to keep for me, my Mother would have smashed it up at home. I never forgot that little boy or the light I gave him. I went home to a terrible situation. Years later when I had a handicapped child like the Kendal House girls and was a witness to things that are only just beginning to be believed in the Westminster Paedophile enquiry, I just used to think of the light of that torch and it gave me the strength to keep the light burning for the truth about many things that happened. Anyone know where Tony is?.

I have lived in Hockley all my life but I have only recently discovered that there was a children’s home there. I have been reading all your comments and would love to hear more. I have also tried to buy the book The improper Daughter but I cannot find it anywhere, perhaps someone has a copy they could sell or lend to me. One lady mentioned a book called the Clements hall clan and I would also love to read that too. Thank you all for sharing your stories. X

My name is Dave peacock I was in Clements hall with my3 Brothers and Sister about 1960 remember the horrible chip Geese ever xmas liked eating them thought I was getting me own back, Sometimes it was good remember the Denise good& family Mary John , mimi was ok believed her sister lived in Hawkwell had twin Daughters. Would like too hear back from anyone else

Hello Anne,
It is now some years since you posted on May 4th 2017 about your time at Clements Hall so I hope this email finds you well. Recently I have been drawn back to memories of my several short spells at Clements Hall in the early 1950s. I recall being handed to Mimi, times having meals in the conservatory, the geese, and the tram in the Garden. I was playing in it one day and cut my finger badly on the broken glass window..still have the scar...needed a visit to the hospital I think. Also recall Sister Gertie I think her name was. I am not sure if I am the Tony you gave your torch to......I have recollections of a torch of the design that was made back then. The light it gave me then certainly has continued to bless my rather mobile life.....my adoptive mother moved house a lot and I later emigrated with my own family to New Zealand where I am now. It will be lovely to hear from you if any of this connects with you.....Warmest wishes from NZ.....Tony (tmac@internet.co.nz)