The film ‘Care of St Christophers’ is available from Movie-Mail on the British Transport Film compilation, Volume 8 ‘Points & Aspects‘.
“Happily I was now able in small measure to repay some of my debt to Jimmy Ritchie. The next film for me after THE ENGLAND OF ELIZABETH was his first picture as a director, and it turned out to be a very charming one. It was about a railway orphanage in Derby run by a lady who reminded you of Margaret Rutherford. 
She truly understood us all, children and grown-ups alike, and loved the children as they did her. I had never found myself in such a happy place and when I said so to Jim it must have stayed in his mind because THE HAPPY PLACE became the working title (though it finished up as CARE OF St CHRISTOPHER’S). She encouraged the children to keep their own pets,”It’s very good for them to manage things entirely on their own and I try never to interfere. There was a boy who kept pigeons, a bright nice boy. After a time he started to sell them to people outside – nothing wrong in that at all but then they started to come back – pigeons do you see, and then he would sell them again. I thought well if people are foolish enough …. but in the end I had to put a stop to it.”
Every evening we took the children up to bed. They would take a flying leap into your arms to be carried to the dormitory. The confidence and love they poured out was such a gift to the spirit, but it was also heartbreaking – especially as I knew it was the only time it would ever happen to me. Frank Brice used to call her Mrs Fizackerly. I don’t know her real name but she was a great woman. She had an inimitable voice, but of course that couldn’t be allowed, and it is the usual numbing voice-over that is on the film.” (Clara) The film ends with a superbly lit corridor shot.
David responded enthusiastically to the anarchic and unpredictable nature of children, encouraging their freedom of spirit, and something of this can be sensed in CARE OF ST.CHRISTOPHERS, beginning with waking in the dormitory and going off to school, through to night time ablutions. No solemn moments are allowed as parents cuddle and lark in the grounds of the House. The film stresses the nature of the family at St.Christopher’s, how each child has his/her own talents and problems. It is a compelling moment when the younger of two brothers spots the camera on him. What a Grandparent David would have made, and how poignant his reflections on how this would never be.
In response to watching the film, by Sheila Taylor (nee Hewerdine)
I did go to Miss Seavers funeral and I often stayed at her cottage. Miss Bisset tells me quite alot of news regarding old pupils when she writes to me. My father used to visit all nine of us every sunday without fail, we used to stand at the top of the drive and wait for him getting off his bus at the bottom and run all the way down with our arms open! It really brings tears to my eyes, he took us to the sweetie shop as in the film and we chose our sweets off penny trays. I remember the guinea pigs too and the little garden patches that we tended. I was at St.Christophers from 1959 -69. I was 8 yrs old and still have the original admiission paper and letter from British Rail telling my father what time train and date to take us there. I could write about St.Christophers forever but there will never ever be a place like it again.
” I was a child who grew up in St Christohers from 1959-68,, I had many very happy times there,, and knew Miss Seaver, and Miss Bisset very well..regards…Mr J S Hewerdine
I was a child who also grew up in St Christophers 1959-68 as Jeffrey was my younger brother, there were nine of us in total and we have fond memories of the place we called home. I still keep in contact with Miss Laura Bisset and it was certainly a happy place.
There is a reunion at the Travellers Rest Ashbourne road Derby 2pm 22nd May Perhaps too late to notify you ( I have only just found this page). I shall be going with my wife Carol & my sister, Cherry I was at St.Kit’s from 1952(?) until about 1958-9
Regards.
Peter
I was there 1952-1958/9. There a is a reunion at Travellers Rest, Ashbourne Rd Derby 2pm 22 May.I shall be attending with my sister , Cherry. Sorry to be late, I have just found this page.
Dear Peter, I’m afraid your comments got lost in ‘Spam’ – but I hope the reunion went well, Rachael
Sheila if you read this please email me and I will put you in touch with Elizabeth (Liz) my big sister. I remember St Kits as it played a big part in making me the person I am today.
Miss Bisset was a real trooper I remember that when I went to Senior school she made my school scarf to save money… hw did she find the time to do that …run the home and play the organ in the chapel. andy@marshallart.co.uk
Hi to anyone who remembers me. My name is Georgia and I was placed at St Christophers with my brother Kelvin in 72 from Birmingham. I remember Miss Bisset ‘a real gem’ who didnt stop caring for anyone, her heart was so good and still carried on the good work even people left her care, would fins the time to visit no matter the distance and alsways bring big reassurance along with her, great woman.
Hi we was a family who lived at st christopher.Family name was Jepson. Diane was 10 year 1959 stayed till 1965.Anne was 9 1959 stayed till 1968.Ernest 2 1954 stayed till 1968. Janet thats me 1 1/2 1954 stayed till 1969. It was a lovely place. Miss Bisset and Miss Seaver was very lovely people.We all had fond memories.
ok
hi there,i am new to this,but does anyone remember me,my name is reggie harrison,thats wat every one used to call me(reginald is my proper name)i had a brother who was also there same time,and a sister named sandra,i went to st christophers ageg 3 years,in 1950 to 1959.
and my brothers name was mervyn.
Hi I am new to this. I was In st Christopher in 1954 my name was Janet Jepson does anyone remember the Jepson family? michaelball192@yahoo.co.uk
hi my family were their 1961 1969 i am a twin to carol quigley,a bother michael and keith. does anyone remember us, i`m elaine. would love to see photo`s of home.
@ Eliane Quigley:
Hello Elaine,
I was at St Christopher’s from around 1962 -72 period and remember vaguely possibly one of your brothers being a Coventry City fan at the time around 68/69? My two older sisters also stayed at St kit’s ofwhich do you remember a certain Janet Hughes? On a sad note when i learned that St Christopher’s had been demolished i was gutted because it was & alway’s will be a part of my early childhood where i grew up. Ofcourse back then as a small child i hated the place but now appreciate what the staff & the other children also the home meant. I know that Janet (my sister) often speaks about her early years spent in the Orphanage to her army of little grandchildren so the home can’t of been so bad afterall.
All the best
Hi Elaine, I remember your family (like my brother has said – Peter Hughes)we were at St Kitt’s for 10 years (1962 – 1972), I was 5 years of age, my sister Ruth was 4 and my brother Peter was 1 when we all arrived at St Christopher’s. (We could tell a story or two).
I remember your family well and have always wondered what have become of alot of the families that were at St Christopher’s.
I am just thinking of a few names that spring to mind at the moment, do you remember Miss Yanney (she was from Germany and looked after us for a couple of years), and other children who I grew up with (besides your family) are Nigel Fern, Olive, John & Anthony Wood (they had a sister but her name escapes
me at the moment). Do you remember going on camping trips each Whit week to different places, a few I went to was Clacton on Sea, Scarborough, Dawlish Warren and do you remember going to Skegness on a day trip each year on the train.
I hope you can remember our family, if you do not remember me perhaps my sister or brother, or if anyone else knows of our family, I would love to hear from you.
My brother Peter was one of the youngest to arrive at St Christopher’s as he was only a baby, so his childhood is really St Christopher’s at least I had a few years before going into the home.
Hope to speak to you soon.
Best Wishes to you and your family Janet.
Hi Janet i wonder if you remember me.We were in the same group with Thelma,Susan Lizzie &Ann.I remember somegood times and some rubbish ones too.hope you get this note Best wishes Elaine Adams formerly Robbins .
Hi Elaine (Adams), Yes I do remember a Elaine you, as soon as I saw the name Robbins, you have a good memory as I only remember Ann amongst the names you have given. I think because of being in the home for a long time you go through that many faces and names through the years.
How are you I hope you are okay and life is treating you well.
Best Wishes Janet Jones formely Hughes
Hi Janet (Hughes) Yes I remember you but perhaps you remember my brothers &sisters better. Peter, Kenneth,Susan,Lesley& Karen.When I started a reply I thought I was contacting Janet Jepson .I am still a novice at all this malarky & sulk like hell when I get it wrong.Anyway I hope life is treating you well.All the family are ok as far as i know we all keep in touch some still in Derby & some in the West Midlands.Best wishes to you & yours Elaine Adams nee Robbins.
Hi Elaine Thank you for emailing me .Do you remember the Jepson family and whot age was you ? Am sorry i can only remember littie bits .
From Janet Ball Nee Jepson
Hi
What a wonderful website
My sister, Christine, and I were at St Christophers from 1957 to 1963/4. We both have lots of fond memories of our time there.
In particular as well as Miss Seaver I remember Mr Melville, Mrs West, Miss Bissett, Miss Doherty, Miss Simpson and Miss Wingfield. They were an outstanding group of staff who really cared about children. Of course there were rules but there was also a tremendous amount of freedom. Camping, Cycling, keeping pets, Gardening, going to the Peak district, Outward Bound etc, etc.
The families we remember include – the Archdale’s, the Hewardine’s, Raymond Jones and his sister, the Tanswell’s, Gordon Mitchell, Michael and Peter Heaton, Peter and Patsi Taylor, Judith Wade and others
Occasionally we went back to the Old Pupils Days – and meet with John Dick and others.
We kept up with Miss Seaver until her death – I have particularly fond memories of her meeting both my own children Kate and Rebeccca, and my sister’s children Tom and Claire. Her response to them was the same as it had been to us “no nonsense” – she spoke to them as if she was truly interested in what they had so say, and gave them things to do so that they immediately felt useful and valued.
Given what might have happened when you lost a parent in the 1950′s – we were so lucky to go to St Christophers.
Tony and Christine Edwards
Does anyone know if the film referred to can be found anywhere on the internet. My wife Angela (nee Bates) was at St Christophers in the early 50s with her sister. We have just obtained a book about the orphanage and we are sure that one of the pictures is my wife on a climbing frame.
The film ‘Care of St Christopher’ is available from Movie-Mail on the British Transport Film, Volume 8 ‘Points & Aspects‘
I have begun to research my family genealogy.
My Father Maurice Bradley was placed at the Derbyshire nursing home circa 1948-1964 unsure of exact dates sorry.
i will post a pic that shows my father @ a reunion for the persons that were at the home ?.
in anticipation of any information
best wishes
kevin bradley
i believe he attended a reunion circa 1990 in derbyshire with his wife joan.
thanks
kev
I have been looking (again) at my past both here & Derby Bygones. I am wandering if there is a DVD version of the film available. Also, there is a book “A Real Railway Child” by Barbara Blanford, My sister Cherry Studden feels she might be in a a photo’ featured in the book. The big problem is, it seems to be out of print. Published December 31, 1993 by Multi-Faith Centre,University of Derby . I have sent a mail to the publisher, but as yet no reply.
hi am john wood was at st kits 1966 till 1970 family of 5 kevin anthony charlie and annemarie liv e in derby still came from hull
Hi John, My name is Janet Jones but back then in St Christopher’s I was known as Janet Hughes, I remember your family well, we used to knock around together in the home, we used to have some good times, I remember you, Anthony and Annemarie the most; do you remember me and my sister Ruth and brother Peter, we were at St Christopher’s for 10 years from 1962 thro to 1972.
~Hi John
My brother Andrew and sisters Jacqueline, Elizabeth and Deenna all stayed at St Christophers for about a year in about 1967/68. I only visited during summer holidays. We were from Glasgow and I remember playing football with both you and your brother Anthony and with Fran ? and his brother (also from Glasgow). Also remember Andrew Marshall.
You may remember me as a small scottish boy who played football. Can also remember the old swimming pool at back of building. – Billy Milligan
My name is julie lee i have three sisters Janet, Cynthia,Mandy and a brother called NoelWe left around 1974 anybody remember us we were from Birmngham and we were in aunty peggys groupe
Hello Julie,
I’m not sure if we ever met having myself leaving early 1972 but i was also in a house group 1971-72 ofwhich their was a house-mother called Peggy (Machloglan?) who arrived with her bearded husband and their two children. Before Peggy their was a Janet Gadsby looking after us along with a Miss Smith. The other day i was in Europe visiting my Sisters when one of them put on a DVD about life at St Christophers & it brought back so many wonderful memories (even though the Documentary was not made in the same period) for which i’d never thought i’d be saying lol. In Peggy’s group along with my two Sisters Janet & Ruth were the Docker Family of whom Mark i remember most. As for the other children in her group unfortunately their names i’ve since forgotton. I no longer live in the UK but still talk about my time spent in the Orphanage with my family as the missus also works in a orphanage thus we compare notes. It’s such a pity that St Christophers is no longer standing but atleast i’ve got a DVD of the home & the wonderful memories for taking to my grave:-) I also wonder what became of the Staff and children and what they are doing today if still alive?
Long Live the Memory of St Christophers
Peter Hughes (St Kits 1962-72)
Hi Peter
Do you have actual footage of the home it’s self, if so i would love a copy. I have fond memories of St Kits and thank God i have not heard of any abuse that took place there to spoil the good name and reputation. I remember bath nights and having coco cheese and crackers by the coal fire before going to bed. Do you remember the toy store room the big hallthe pottery room and the cook who would give you sweets covered ion fluff from her apron pocket for helping her to wash and dry up or chopped up mars bars lol, wish i could turn back time. Do you remeber Pauline she was close to Mids Bissett she was there for years?
Sorry Peter aunty peggy’s husband was called uncle ken and the daughter was called sarah can’t remember the boys name.
Anybody remember a African family call Razak, Moyo and Remmi they were in Aunty Peggies groupe around 1972 also Aunty Larry and her dog lol
Hello again Julie,
I can vaguely remember such a family who were in Peggy’s Group even during the last few months i was their. It’s also possible there might even be a photo of this family inside a old St Christopher’s Annuel Accounts Pamphlet dating from i think 1971 period?
By the way was it a certain Pauline Low who you’re thinking of who was with Miss Bisset along with another girl whose name i think was called Patsy?
I will try and also upload the St Christopher’s DVD i have onto Youtube so the likes of yourself and other’s can watch it if you want too. In the video are a very young Miss Bisset video along with a Miss Seever though the latter person was probably before your time at the home. I’ll see what i can do?
I should mention ofcourse that i still have lying around somewhere the above mentiond pamphlet ofwhich inside are some photo’s of Staff and children.
I think the person of whom reference is made for Pauline Low in Miss Bissets house group is infact incorrect. It’s possible the guy must be getting confused with a Margerate Low who stayed at the home for a long time with her brother and both were in another house group.
Hi Peter did you ever use the swimming pool or did you prefer the gym and did you take the short cut to school over the wall.Can you please e-mail me a copy of the pamphlet to julie.n.lee@birmingham.gov.uk i would live a copy
Does anyone have a contact number or contact with Miss Doherty ? She may remember a Thomas and Jim Stevenson in the late 1940′s. Especially Jim, who squeezed toothpaste all over her clothes!!
Hoping very much to hear from someone out there!
Thomas Stevenson
Oh also, can anyone give me some information about possible re unions – I missed the last one about a year ago, and I would really love to attend one.
Thomas Stevenson
@ Julie Lee:
I’ll certainly send you a copy of the pamphlet but at the moment i have to find it as it’s most probably hidden amongst a pile of old documents.
@ Thomas Stevenson:
I believe i’m correct in saying that sadly Miss Doherty passed away some years back. The last time i met the lady was back in 1976 in Shropshire when she came to the wedding of one of my Sisters. In the home Miss Doherty was one of those rare breeds of person that put 100% looking after the children thus she was much loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Myself and my brother Jimmy were in St. Christopher’s between the years of 1947 and 1950, following the death of our mother. We left St. Christopher’s when our father remarried and was able to take us back into the family home.
I am looking for anyone at all that might have been in St. Christopher’s at the same time that we were, and that might be able to share memories of St. Christopher’s with me.
My brother, Jimmy, became friendly with a lad whom I think was called John Henderson – but John’s father definately used to take my brother out to see Derby County play football.
I, myself, remember being confirmed at Nottingham Cathedral around 1949.
I have just found this site, and do not have the internet at home, but will be able to check any responses regularly through a friend. I realise there is a DVD about St. Christopher’s and also, a book – I would greatly appreciate it if anyone can tell me where I can get a copy of either.
I would love to hear from anyone who was in St. Christopher’s around the same time that we were – but I would also like to hear from anyone who has any memories they would like to share concerning any of the staff that I remember.
For example:-
Miss Henry
Miss Wapples
Miss Seavours
Miss Doherty
Miss Townsend – who used to take us out for really good day trips and weekend camping trips.
Mr Moult
Mr Peach
Mr Thompson ( I think)
As in my previous message – I would also like to hear about any reunions that might be planned – as I would dearly love to attend.
I do hope that someone out there will recognise the above details and respond. I realise that some of the children that would have been at St. Christophers around the same time as myself, might be getting on a little in years, but it would be good to make contact with anyone at all with shared memories.
Thomas Stevenson
hi ya everybody!! does any body remember the TONGUE famly, elaine and debra and vicky and malcolm, please get in touch kitten.cashman@hotmail.co.uk
Just reading through the comments, and i noticed my name appear in some of them, i do remeber the hughes family, especially janet,do you remember the discos we used to have in the big hall,i think it used to me mick ferguson, the liverpool fan usedd to do it for us,i remeber aunt peggy and uncle ken, they had a flat just down the corridor from our dormitary, we used to have subbutio competitions at nightin there,we all left there at christmas time,it must have been 1972,and there is a lot more i can write, but it would take too long, it would be nice to hear from anyone else who remembers me.
Mark Docker,
I remember you very well but maybe not the otherway round. Yes, those Subbuteo evenings held in the games room with Peggy’s husband Ken (reminded by Julie Lee) were i found quite enjoyable. Especially as i left St Christopher’s as the unbeaten champion at playing the game:-) ofwhich i remember my team was always Leeds United. I still have such a game packed away somewhere but as i’ve not played Subbuteo for going on nearly forty years i’m sure no-doubt i’m a bit rusty thus today yourself & the other’s who played in our mini league would probably all get your revenge by beating me lol. Anyway Mark, it’s great for seeing your name on here and thus hope that you, your brother & Sister (are they Stephen & Sharon?)have made good in their lives since leaving the home. Just like us the Hughes family have done with in particular myself who left the UK many years ago for trying out pastures new and having no regrets.
Cheers
Peter Hughes
NB: @ Julie Lee:
A complete photo copy of the Pamphlet you asked for will soon be on it’s way to your home address sometime this week when i’ve got some free time. I would prefer if possible for also sending you the copy of the St Christopher’s DVD i have but as i don’t have a recordable DVD player i’m having to try via other recording means for short the Video Clip.
Cheers
Hi peter
That’s great of you, if you ever need anything from the uk please let me know, mayb we will meet at the next renunion
Hi to the Hughes family on behalf of my Mum Aunty Peggy ,who I cannot remember but have seen photos of, as I was quite young when you were there.I do remember the Docker family and Julie Lee and your sisters Janet, Cynthia and brother Noel and I remember Georgia Maynard and your brother Kelvin who was in my class at Ashgate school.
Hi Sarah
so good to hear from you, how’s aunty and uncle, would love to see all of you. Noel died four years ago, but the rest of us are still here, would love to meet up are there any renunions planned xxxx
Hi Julie, Im not sure about reunions, my Mum and Dad are fine and my brother Nick lives in France.My mum has school photos of your family and others like when we went on holiday to Mablethorpe, she never throws anything away .xx
Hi Sarah
So good to hear from you, Janet lives in canada and Noel died about 4yrs ago. Say hi to aunyt and uncle is there any chance i can have a a copy of those photos as i don;t have any of me as a child. if possible send them to my home address if you e-mal me at julie.n.lee@birmingham.gove.uk i will forward you my home address xxx
Hello Sarah,
Where abouts in France is your brother Nick located? I moved across the Channel some years back (after falling on very hard times etc)and now find myself enjoying everything France offers it’s People ie: Cuisine, fine wines and it’s excellant hospitality and this despite what certain UK Newspapers print about the french people etc ofwhich i for one can vouch it’s cetainly not true.
I also have a holiday home over in Southern Brittany ofwhich we visit regularly. All this i suppose sounds like a long far cry from us (not yourself:-) so called unfortunate mere morsals who spent their early years at St Christopher’s. However like i’ve already posted on this Site, although life at the time seemed regimental and hard in the home i for one can vouch that for myself in my early years, they were probably the most beautiful years that i for one will never forget and thus will take beyond when i’m no longer around:-)
Regards to all of your family and tell your father Ken that i still have aspirations (even at 50+yrs) of playing Professional Football oneday either for my hometown Club Derby County or my Childhood team Leeds United. Ofcourse Pigs will probably beable to fly before i get to play on such sacred Football Grounds:-(
All the best and regards
Peter Hughes
The film ‘Care of St Christophers’ is available from Movie-Mail on the British Transport Film compilation, Volume 8 ‘Points & Aspects‘.
Hi Mark Docker and everyone else who reads the page,
Mark, we used to have some fun setting up the disco’s, do you remember myself and some of the other girls used to be “The GO GO Dancer’s” we used to think that we were Pans People (we were far from it but we had a go)and we had some fun, did’nt we!
I used to (with others) sneak out of the home (at night) and go into town to disco’s, one was called Cloud Nine and the other was the Lacarno I think that is how you spell it, we used to stuff our pillows in the bed, so it looked like we was sleeping.
Sarah Mcloughlin – Please remember me to your mom and dad, especially to your mom, I hope they are both well. I was wondering if your mom has got any photo’s of myself, my sister Ruth or my brother Peter as it would be lovely to have some copies.
Please get in touch, my email address is: janetejones@live.co.uk
Regards to all
Janet (Hughes)
Hi Sarah
Sorry gave you an incorrect e-mail address, here’s the right one julie.n.lee@birmingham.gov.uk, please make contact soon xx
hi
first time i`ve been on this site we were at st Christophers from 1962 there were 3 of us my two older brothers James (Jim) mcdade and Francis (Fran)Mcdade and myself Roseanne McDade i left in 1970 my brothers were still there till 1976 i remember charlie / anthony / kevin and anne-marie wood colin and merlin herd and billy i also remember the staff u all mentioned they were good days can someone let me know if you remember us
we are all married with 3 children and we all have grandchildren now i think i remember others
Dear Thomas Stevenson,
My name is Roy Shearer and I was at St Christophers from 1944 – 1950 with my younger Brothers Malcolm and Derek. I married Miss Whapples and were very happy for over 52 years, having had three children, one boy and two girls. Sadly Joy Sherarer (nee Whapples) passed away only recently on 29th July 2011. If you want to contact me to share memories of St Christophers i would really like to hear from you, please e-mail me via my Daughter at: joanna.brayshaw@hotmail.co.uk. I would really like to hear from anyone who remembers me and my family and at St Chritophers around the same time.
Is there anyone from Aunty Frances’s group? I have a photo of making our confirmation and there is a Susan ? and I think a Rosanne Mcdade. The date on the back is 1969. Also on the photo is my brother Andrew, my sister Deenna and Aunty Frances. I have a few other photos of Aunty Frances and I think somebody called Patsy. I’ll upload them as soon as I figure out how to!
Although i don’t recall the house mother Liz is asking about i do recall two young females by the names of Patsy and Susan who were both under the charge of a Miss Bisset. I think Susan had a brother also staying in the Orphanage but in another house group?
Good luck with your search
hi does anyone remember the quigley family. Michael,Kieth,and the twins Carol and Elaine. i remember ; roseanne mcdade ruth and janet hughes, ann and john cook, olive bryant, helga, Miss Bisset, Mr Thompson, Miss Doughty.
Hello Elaine, I remember your family well, I also remember Olive Bryant, Helga Ferguson, and the other people you mentioned.
How are you and your family, how has life treated you, I hope it has been good for you.
I remember your family arriving at St Christopher’s but I am not sure what year you left.
What part of the country do you live in, I live in Ironbridge, Shropshire, it is a lovely part of the country.
It would be nice to hear from you, it’s not very often that I look at this site, but my brother Peter Hughes has a look now and then and lets me know what is going on, it is a pity that only a few people from St Christopher’s know about it.
Do you remember going camping every year at whit week, the places I remember are Clacton on Sea, Dawlish Warren, Scarborough, Mablethorpe and many others, do you remember the tents we used to sleep in, they were massive and we used to have our clothes in big trunks, sometimes I wonder how they transported everthing there.
I hope to hear from you soon
Janet (Hughes)