The Village 1925, Westerham
The Village 1925, Westerham Ref: 78191
Memories of The Village 1925, Westerham
Dr Barnardos
I was one of the children at the home from 1950 to 1952 and remember Mrs Gunn the matron. It was a beautiful house with lovely gardens. We had quilts on our beds and every night I would go round the room and pick up all the teddies that had fallen out of the other children's beds, and put them under my quilt so they wouldn't get cold. I started school in Westerham but don't remember the name of it. I do remember singing 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' there though. There was a mulberry bush in the garden which we used to climb. I have some photos of some of the children, myself and my brother Ken and staff, walking up the drive. Our surname was Mccalder.
Westerham & local memories
Read and share memories of Westerham and Kent inspired by Frith photos.
Pitts Cottage
About 1963 - I was a waitress at Pitts Cottage when it became an exclusive restaurant. The owner was a race driver ???? Parker, and the manager was Bernard Audergon from Switzerland. I also worked after school and weekends before that at the Old Way, across the street, which was a boarding house. Would love to know what Pitts Cottage is used for now. It was a magnificent house with some incredible antiques. I am now 65 and live in the U.S.
Valance Residential School
Further to my initial comment:- I was at Valance in 1949 and was there as a delicate child, having been transfered from another such school "Wrens Warren Camp School" which closed down.
The head teacher in 1949 was a Miss Hoad who was very fair but strict. Mr Punch ad been the headmaster at Wrens Warren and possibly still had a connection with Valance.
When I left Valance (about 1 year there), my health had greatly improved. I went on to eventually have a long career in nursing and travelled world-wide.
Hosey & Churchill Schools.
I remember Hosey School very well. My mother used to clean for Mr Goldsmith way back in 1952-54. I went there from the age of 7 until I was 11 then graduated to the big school... Churchill, and yes I remember Mr Russel-Jones, any lad would remember him. If anyone can remember me or wants to contact me, I'll be more than willing to chat. My addy is goringj@yahoo.co.uk Thanks, John
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.
Westerham From 1954 - 1965
I moved to Westerham in 1954 from London aged 7.. the smogs were too much.
I went to Hosey School and remember teachers, especially Mr Goldsmith.
Memories include parading outside the school and raising our caps when Winston Churchill was driven by. Living in Granville Road I remember the Barnardo's children's home, in fact my mother used to do some domestic duties there. I was very friendly with Mrs Gunn's son (the boss of the Home). Strangely enough I recently visited Westerham and the changes are enormous. I have visited the place on a couple of occasions since leaving in 1965. I am now 61 and have wonderful memories of growing up in that village (or is it a town). I played cricket for Westerham from about the age of 14. I used to help Vic Castle deliver milk in and around Westerham. I distinctly remember the winter of 1963, that really was snow. I attended Churchill School and remember Russel-Jones the Headmaster and especially Mrs Brewer the English... Read more
Farley Croft/Westerham
Farley Croft was a beautiful house, in Westerham, converted for use as a Dr. Barnardo's Home when I was there in 1953/54. It was a wonderful place to be living. We junior Nursery Nurses were paid £4 a month while we trained. We mostly spent it on chocolate and sweets in the village on our off duty periods. I spent 10/- (50p) a month on riding lessons in nearby Limpsfield. We attended the church which was situated just off the green. We also visited General Wolfe's House and on one of our many walks we passed Chartwell, Churchill's home. We were lucky enough, once, to see Winston Churchill on his way through Westerham. The area was lovely for walks and we got out in the countryside as much as possible. To go home for a visit meant catching the steam train to Dunton Green where I picked up the mainline train to London and from there to the South Coast. Sometimes... Read more
Growing up
i loved growing up in westerham
