I have begun searching for any archive information, or even better, contact if possible with people who worked, or were detained at the above establishment in the 1970's
(The building was eventually demolished - the hospital itself also eventually moved away from Carshalton - so there is no connection with any of the many premises currently having similar or identical names to the Cherry Tree House being referred to here.)
The purpose of the house was understood to have been a facility of Queen Mary's Children's Hospital in which to try and use new, psychological and 'groundbreaking' treatments to address social and emotional difficulties in young boys.
A psychiatric presence was active in the house but these staff were not always present. Other non-psychological staff were reported to be present at times. However, questions are raised on many fronts.
In contrast to care and support, what the children in fact encountered is alleged to have been a barbaric regime - too dreadful and upsetting to hear of right now.
The building is described as having operated under a cloak of secrecy. The lack of knowledge seems to have been confirmed by the lack of any reported information discovered.
Reports are emerging, suggesting that numerous unlawful acts occurred to some (or many) of the children 'detained' in Cherry Tree House.
Croydon police are investigating and should be contacted with any information that could help.
Any clues or leads discovered here also will be passed to the police at Croydon who have been very supportive. In today's climate, resources are limited. The police need the support of the community in cracking this one.
If you wish to pass information anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers who are utterly safe. They take enormous pride in keeping identities confidential.
If offences did occur at the above location, a number of persons may still be able to help with enquiries.
If the accounts are true, many other children will have been traumatised, to the extent that some 45 or so years later, flashbacks and night terrors remain.
Learning what what wrong in the past offers some extra protections for others in the future. It also helps victims. Finding strength to talk about suffering and injustice allows light into parts of the mind, helping the affected to deal with any fear and anger still present.
Any help is appreciated. Ideas for getting hold of archive material on the operation itself and of the premises would be very helpful. So far the NHS have helped but are reported as being unable to locate any records currently. We do not yet even have a picture of the building - it is as if it never existed.
If you can help, this will be wonderful.
With the warmest of thanks.
