St Raphael's House, Torquay

[terryleaman]

2 more pictures of St Barnabas

[monovette]

Hi, A relative of mine was at Pitt House School in the late 1950's early 60's and no family member seems to know why he was sent there? I have tried to find out the history of the place and understand that social services or local authorities would have been involved? Would you be able to give me any information,I.E. what was Mark Sneddons involvement in the schools were they just a money maker for him or did he have a personal interest in the welfare of the children sent to them? There is some info in the national archives but because of the 30 year disclosure cannot access them just yet! Would be extremely grateful for any information.

[cheshiremog]

Hello Monovette
Sorry can not answer your specific question
But just wanted to say
WELCOME to Rootschat and please keep posting
The local library may be able to help
http://www.familia.org.uk/libraries.html

[sleepybarb]

I worked at a special school near London some years ago,we had mostly 'malajusted'and problem children often with behaviour problems.we sent at least one lad to Pitt House.
                             Barbara

[monovette]

Thanks Barbara, that gives a little insight as to the sort of school it was,I gather that it was a private company running the three schools so am wondering why the authorities were placing the children from all over the country in them? will have to dig deeper? Kind Regards.

[suffolkpunch]

hi, who is the lad in the phs uniform?my name is michael dunne, i come from ipswich, in suffolk. i was at phs from 1963- 1967 it was a school for malajusted boys, i think it was a dumping ground, for local authorities, the length and breadth, of Britain,to put lads, for what ever reason. 

[Babbacombegirl]

A close friend of my mother was Matron at Pitt House I believe in the sixties by the name of Betty Errington.  I was a child at the time but she scared the life out of me so goodness knows what she did to those boys.  She lived in a lodge near the school and I often had to spend time there.  Not pleasant memories.

[suffolkpunch]

hi babbacombe girl, yes, i can remember mrs errington, she was in charge of the house mothers, i have, a vivid picture of her, in my mind, and her big detached house, overlooked, the playing field.its ironic, that my sister, whom i had not seen for 50 years, lives in teignmouth, so i often have a drive around, the old school, thanks for your interest

[Babbacombegirl]

As a young girl she was very harsh with me.  I can remember being on the beach with her and making a fuss because I wanted a towel to undress with............also she made me eat Marmite sandwiches which I hate and still do.  She also was quite cruel when my grandmother died telling me to stop crying.  So if she was like that with a friendīs little girl I donīt know what she would have been like with the boys!