Care of St.Christophers, 1959 for BTF

“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.

Comments received for this post:

Unfortunately we lost some of the comments made to this Post. We have done our best to retrieve as many as possible. Please use the comment form at the end to continue…

Author : Roseanne McDade

E-mail : roseanneking@hotmail.com
Comment: 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.

Author : Elaine Quigley

E-mail : emm112@talktalk.net
Comment: My family were there 1961-1969, I am a twin to Carol Quigley, and brothers Michael and Keith. Does anyone remember us, I’m Elaine. Would love to see photos of home.

Author : Tony Edwards

E-mail : lud2@hotmail.co.uk
Comment: 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

Author : Sheila Taylor

E-mail: topknots2000@yahoo.co.uk
Comment: 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.

Author : Peter C T Studden

E-mail : peter.studden@gmail.com
Comment: 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

Author : Georgia Maynard

E-mail : thetwilightclub@yahoo.co.uk
Comment: 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.

Author : Elaine Adams. nee Robbins

E-mail : elaine2dylan@yahoo.co.uk
Comment: Hi Janet, I wonder if you remember me? We were in the same group with Thelma, Susan, Lizzie & Ann. I remember some good times and some rubbish ones too. Hope you get this note?  Best wishes Elaine Adams formerly Robbins .

Author : Janet Jones (Hughes)

E-mail : janetejones@live.co.uk
Comment: Hi Elaine (Adams), Yes I do remember an 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

Author : Janet Ball

E-mail : michaelball192@yahoo.co.uk
Comment: Hi Elaine, Thank you for emailing me . Do you remember the Jepson family and what age was you? Am sorry I can only remember littie bits .
From Janet Ball Nee Jepson

Author : Nigel Bryant

E-mail : Nigel.S.Bryant@btopenworld.com
Comment: 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.

Author : Scrutineer

E-mail : rachael@scrutineer.co.uk
URL    : http://www.davidwatkin.co.uk
Comment: The film ‘Care of St Christopher’ is available from Movie-Mail on the British Transport Film, Volume 8 ‘Points & Aspects

Author : Kevin Bradley

E-mail : kpbrad49@gmail.com
Comment: 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

Author : Kevin Bradley

E-mail : kpbrad49@gmail.com
Comment: I believe he attended a reunion circa 1990 in Derbyshire with his wife Joan.

thanks
Kev

Author : Peter C T Studden

E-mail : peter.studden@gmail.com
Comment: I have been looking (again) at my past both here & Derby Bygones. I am wondering 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.

Author : John Wood

E-mail : john_wood56@hotmail.co.uk
Comment: Hi, I am John Wood – was at St Kits 1966 till 1970. Family of 5: Kevin, Anthony, Charlie and Annemarie. Live in Derby still, came  from Hull

Author : Janet Jones (Hughes)

E-mail : janetejones@live.co.uk
Comment: 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?

Author : Billy Milligan

E-mail : wmilligan@btinternet.com
Comment: 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

Author : Julie Lee

E-mail : juliananvlee@hotmail.com
Comment: My name is Julie Lee. I have three sisters Janet, Cynthia, Mandy and a brother called Noel. We left around 1974 anybody remember us? We were from Birmngham and we were in Aunty Peggy’s group.

Author : Peter Hughes

E-mail : hughes1dave@aol.com
Comment: Hello Julie,

I’m not sure if we ever met having myself left early 1972 but I was also in a house group 1971-72 of which there was a house-mother called Peggy (Machloglan?) who arrived with her bearded husband and their two children. Before Peggy there 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 at least 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)

Author : Julie Lee

E-mail : julie.n.lee@birmingham.gov.uk
Comment: Anybody remember an African family call Razak, Moyo and Remmi they were in Aunty Peggies group around 1972 also Aunty Larry and her dog?

Author : Guest

E-mail : jeanmar10@aol.com
Comment: 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.

Author : Juilie Lee

E-mail : juliananvlee@hotmail.com
Comment: 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 love a copy.

Author : Thomas Stevenson

E-mail : maryjoan@fsmail.net
Comment: 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

Author : Thomas Stevenson

E-mail : maryjoan@fsmail.net
Comment: 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

Author : Peter Hughes

E-mail : onkyo4970@gmail.com
Comment:
@ 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.

Author : Thomas Stevenson

E-mail : maryjoan@fsmail.net
Comment: 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

Author : Roy Shearer

E-mail : joanna.brayshaw@hotmail.co.uk
Comment: 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.

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