Roffey Park Hospital, 1968.

A Memory of Horsham.

Was a patient at the hospital from Palm Sunday, 1968 for about six weeks. The picture you have in postcard form was the rose garden. I took several photographs in colour, while there, as we had access to the whole of the grounds. will forward copies, when I have traced them.
There is a website AAH "All About Horsham" and through that I was able to trace an article about Beedingwood, where the nurses lived, also St Leonard's Forest which was to the south.
It gave a comprehensive history of the establishment of the place in 1943, it closed in 1981.As well as occupational therapy in what had been the old stables, we were also encouraged to help in the garden, the women were given jobs like pricking out seedlings into trays, for growing on and transplanting, the men worked in the walled kitchen gardens. A considerable amount was grown for the hospitals own use, and another up at Redhill.


Added 13 July 2014

#309157

Comments & Feedback

I was in roffey park hospital in 1969 for a year I have good memories of a wonderful hospital , but also of a tragic event the day that Fred asp land died a wonderful nurse
I vaguely recall a nurse called Fred, but did not remember his surname. One I do remember was Brian Haddon, he had served with the RAF in Singapore, he had a Chinese wife, and son John. After the hospital closed he set up his own clinic, I think at Yate, near Bristol.
I do have several photos taken while at the hospital, most of which show the lovely grounds. Will see if I can track them down, and add them to this website.
Otherwise I do remember a couple of the Doctors names Dr John Aldridge, and I think a Dr Evans.
I worked at Roffey Park as a ward orderly 1979-1. I remember a Charge Nurse Brian Lynch but not a Brian Haddon. Memories in the process of being written up.
My Dad Fred England was a patient here suffering from dementia in 1969 before being transferred to the awful Netherne Coulsdon. Where he sadly died in 1970.
My mum was a patient there in 1961 I wonder if anyone would know of her ? Her name was Elsie Venables I wonder if anyone remember her or was a staff member at the time?
Was a six-weeks patient in summer of 1966, the world football cup year in which England won. Summer and all round joy but a bit sad for me. Dr Aminoff my great helper (mentor in a way). Great building and gardens set in countryside. Art workshops and had a helpful art teacher (female). Shame Thatcher's policies closed down the establishment as it did a good and necessary service for individuals and so communities. A crowd of patients watched the match at the local village pub. I kept in the building and rose garden.
Also remember a guy with glasses who was very humourous and took me out of myself with his fun. Also a young women I like with large pop-out eyes. And a younger person who worked in Clarks shoe retail and suggested I get a job thee (career).
The, rather formal, dances were a bit odd but quite enjoyable when we got together to socialize a bit. An unusual time of my young adulthood, and new to life outside the orphanages in which I grew up in (aged 2 years to age 21).
My Great Uncle John Isemonger was a resident, wonder if anyone has any memories or photographs of him, the last time I visited him was in the 1960’s
Thank you.
I was a patient in 1965. Hilary's comments resonated with me and brought back memories from then. I was under doctor Aldridge who had a no nonsense approach. I hardly enjoyed my stay as I was unwell and but did make some good friends there. The Cherry Tree pub was much visited. In hindsight I was lucky to be given an opportunity to stay there , The Main buildings and surroundings were impressive and were like a large country house.

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