Nearwell Hostel

I was a boarder at Nearwell from September 1958 to July 1963. It was demolished in August 1963. The hostel then moved to Sutton Lodge in Betton Street where I was a boarder for another 2 years. The hostel was closed in 1966 and from then on the boys were spread out in lodgings.

After your father Nearwell was run by Mr Yeomans who taught Technical Drawing at Shrewsbury Technical High School (later renamed the Wakeman School). In 1961 Mr Yeomans was replaced by Mr and Mrs Nicholls who had 2 daughters, Pat (then 14) and Sylvia (then 6). They continued to run the hostel until it closed.

Mr George Edward Nicholls died peacefully in a care home in Stroud, Gloucestershire in April 2016 at the age of 93 (only a few days before his 94th birthday). I know this because in 1969 I married his eldest daughter so Eddie was my father-in-law for almost 47 years. A great father-in-law and friend.

I have many memories of Nearwell including exploring the cellars and roof, although both were out of bounds. As it was next to the school playing field we had two football pitches, a cricket pitch, a running track and sand jumping pits as our playground. Plus also, of course, Nearwell's own grounds, especially the many large trees.

In 1963 Mr Nicholls was told that Nearwell was to be demolished but was given no date. When his family returned from holiday in late August Mrs Nicholls had the front door key ready but discovered that there was no front door. In fact there was just a pile of rubble as the building had been demolished when they were on holiday. Fortunately all their belongings had been put in store and other accommodation arranged.