Memory of Valance Residential School
I remember being at a convalescent/residential school called Valance in Westerham. The building was a large estate house with a round turret, and set in beautiful gardens. I have not been able to find out what happened to the house, whether it was sold privately or became another school. I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers it or knows of its existence and use now.
Memories Links
See more memories of Westerham
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How does Westerham feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of Westerham?
How has Westerham changed over the years?
Share memories about your local community, its history and people.
Comments
2 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "Memory of Valance Residential School".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: Memory of Valance Residential School
Valence School is still in existence. If you were there in 1950/1951 it was called Laleham School a convalescent school for girls. It is still a school for handicapped.
Comment from Maureen Oakley on Saturday, 3rd September 2011.
RE: RE: Memory of Valance Residential School
Valence is still a School for handicapped pupils and has been going for over 60 years now. Many changes and alterations have been done to the place over the years with a number of extra buildings to cater for the increase number of pupils. The original Headmaster was Mr George Hodgson died many years ago. His wife Margret who also worked at Valence, she had many duties and was always on the go. Both of them are buried in Westerham Church yard. Mr Brian Piggot then took over as headmaster for a long spell before retiring and moving back to his home town of Bristol, sadly he died soon after. Mr Roland Gooding then became headmaster where he is still running Valence to this day. I am proud that, I was a residential pupil at Valence back in the 1950's and subsequently later in life became Caretaker of the School serving under all the headmasters before retiring.
I understand that Valence started its life as a school for delicate children. One of the girls from that era also went to Valence School later after the transition to a residential handicapped school, her name was Jean Hopkins.
Comment from Raymond Marks on Thursday, 23rd February 2012.