I was resident at Nore House from 1956 - 1962. I remember my time there with great fondness and always recall being treated well. I was not an orphan, but I was there, I believe, because Bristol Social Services had concerns for my wellbeing. I do recall being fostered out to a family in Bristol when I was around 6 years of age, but this proved to be un-successful, and I returned to Nore House after about 9 months.
Obviously my memory of the building and grounds has altered over the years and my perception of it comes from that of an eight year old, but I recall the building being stone built, with a large entrance hall in front and a wooden staircase up to the 1st floor, and a corridor going left and right where different dormitories slept up to 30 children. Downstairs were 2-3 home group rooms where the children were divided up and looked after by a Nanny and an assistant - young girls at different stages of their careers. There was also a big kitchen downstairs.
The rear gardens were on 2 levels with a slope down to the 2nd level, steps to a wooded area and a path to the beach/sea and views across the Bristol Channel - I accidentally set fire to the woods when I was there, and almost got trapped in the fire!! I remember the rope swing and net referred to in an earlier post, and spent many happy hours playing there. The front of the house had a high wall and wooden gate with a drive up to the house.
The coach house was the Staff quarters - I never went in there so know nothing more than that. The tradition of firework displays was already in place when I was there; lots of Portishead residents attended, and I remember enjoying these events.
Overall my experience at Nore House was great. Because I was there for such a long time, I was almost treated as part of the furniture. When I was 8 years old, I was "transferred" to Sutcliffe Boarding School near Bath and remained there for a further 2 years before returning to my family home in Bristol. My life has been heavily influenced by my early experience at Nore House, and I am grateful the time I spent there.
I've never spoken to anybody I was there with, and don't recall any names, but I would love to be able to share my experiences with anybody who was there, or to see photos - I've got none myself.
