I Was In Hutton Poplars Childrens Home.

A Memory of Shenfield.

From the age of 3 until I was 15 years of age I was in Hutton poplars I was in Humber House Mr and Mrs Healy were in charge. I then after some years in Humber House was transferred to Windermere House with Mr and Mrs Healy in charge of Windermere also.
I was there from 1959 to 1974. I remember the back woods where the sweet shop was. And also there was a swimming pool and sick bay. My name is Lynne Roberts. My brothers were also in Hutton poplars. Geoffrey Roberts Paul Roberts and Kevin Roberts who got adopted at a young age.
It was okay as things go but there was a lot of abuse of all kinds in Hutton poplars. And it's in the top 20 actual paedophile homes although it closed down in 1982. I went to Brentwood junior school and then to the sacred heart of Mary school in Upminster. But at the age of 15 I was put on a train to London where I was put in a working girls hostel.
I must say that there were many abusive men who stopped at nothing to sexually abuse me and other girls at a very young age. Although I am now in my 60s one cannot forget the abuse and hurt one has experienced in this children home. I am very glad it has closed down and has been renovated into buying properties. I had a terrible time in Hutton Poplars. People knew what was happening but just pushed everything under the carpet. In those days we were seen but never heard. There was also a song about Hutton Poplars that did make me laugh. It goes like this.
There is a mouldy dump down Hutton way.
Where we get kicked about 10 times a day.
Egg and bacon we don't see
We get sawdust in our tea.
That's why we were gradually fading away.
6 o clock in the morning we heard the matron shout.
Get out of it get out of bed before you get a clout.
I had the Scarlett fever I had it very bad.
They wrapped me in the blanket and put me in the van.
The road was very bumpy and I nearly tumbled out.
And when I got to Hutton poplars I heard the children shout.
Mummy daddy I just want to be with you.
So please come and collect me oh please do.

Yes I still remember the song and the atrocities that I and many other very young girls went through in Humber and Windermere House. I remember many of the childrens names as well. Even in my late 60.s