Bretby, The Hall c.1955

Photo ref: B768002

In August 1956 I went to Bretby Hall as a Cadet nurse, in 1957 I became a student nurse but sadly had to leave in January 1958 because i developed Dermatitis .We spent so much time cleaning the wards, the trollies ,the sluice, ,we did not wear rubber gloves in those days just kept washing our hands,I am not surprised I developed dermatitis on my hands .The matron was so strict, the night sister ...see more

I was a patient at Bretby in 1961 and spent 3 months there having 2 operations My specialist was Mr Lund I didnt realise at the time but this man changed my life After I recovered I went on to lead a full life after struggling with Polio and the after effects I would be interested in anyone who was there at the same time There was a young scottish nurse called nurse cunningham I know sister Fields died of cancer ...see more

My name is Brian Spray and I first saw Bretby Hall when I was 4 years old. I contracted Infantile Paralisis (Polio) in 1944 and was referred to see the lady doctor who practiced at Bretby, Dr Greason and Mr Lund. I spent 6 months on my first visit in 1948 and another 6 months in 1951. My next visit was in 1955, again 6 months. My last visit to stay was a year later in 1956, again another 6 months, in this stay ...see more

Bretby was 'discovered' by my dad who liked to vary his route in Ashby to work at Burton Girls' Grammar School. Bretby is not exactly the-land-that-time-forgot, but it is a delightfully unspoilt oasis, despite its proximity to Burton-on-Trent. Rose Cottage was a dilapidated house in the middle of the village, near the Green. The house was originally the blacksmith's house, and it was next the old forge, which was a ...see more