Reedham Orphanage

A Memory of Purley.

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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