Hello again Roy.
What a shame we were not there same time. I loved it in Peter Pan House and never saw any of the abuse that I have read about. I do know once it became The Bollin cross School there was a great deal of documented abuse.
Nurse Lyons took a shine to me which was a good thing as although no abuse she would give some of the kids a really scary stare! Once during her bible story Sundays I sat with my finger over my lips so as not to be seen talking! She walked over and gave me a brand new bible with pictures Ha Ha. Sorry Nurse Lyons but I never got past the first few pages!
Yes I remember all you have put plus being a breakfast monitor. One bowl of porridge, one round of white bread and a heaped spoon of Lyons Golden Syrup. Great stuff. Sunday visits to the local church with our one penny piece for the collection plate. Had to hold hands with the girls from Wendy House all the way there and back. Do you recall Nurse Jones she was Welsh. She was a softy and loved all us kids. Mr Potts or Potter the teacher with the false leg. Cut off by the Japanese or so he said, but could have been true and Miss Deacon and Critchley. Talking of Nurse Lyons. I visited her after she had retired and living in Ashton or Ashton Under Line. Invited her to my wedding. She couldn't come due to arthritis I think but sent us a card and a ten shilling note. My parents lived close by in Woodhouse Park and visited every Sunday. I felt really sad for all those who never got a visit. Remember the forced sleeps after lunch in the main hall on those camp beds listening to Mozart or similar LPs ? I was placed there because of my really bad asthma which kept me away from school for long periods. Glad to say that although I have always needed a spray it almost cured me and made school each day after I left. I have recently retired from the NHS where I worked as a Theatre Technician so managed to make up for my absences by achieving five O Levels. Immediately after leaving school I joined the RAF for six years in a chopper squadron. Are you on FACEBOOK if so I could befriend you there if you give me your Facebook name. Mine is HARRY PLANT A few may pop up but you cannot miss me as its a photo of my eldest son wearing his Flight Sergeant Uniform embracing a pretty blond girl! Well I have probably bored you to tears but so pleased to have received just one reply. Yours!!!!! I suppose some of the kids want to forget but I loved every minute. Especially messing around in the dormitory's after lights out and roller skating round the playground at great speed not to forget climbing over the fence into the Orchard of Oak Farm and nicking the odd apple. Happy Days my friend. Take care. Oh, where were you from and where are you now ? I am living in North Devon close to Barnstaple. Bye
