Dr Barnardo boys

[crankedup]

Just on the off chance any PHers happen to be a Barnardo boy, share experience maybe.

[308mate]

I have a good family friend who is one. He made it to Perth in Western Australia (I think via Barnados, can't be sure) and has 5 kids. Lovely bloke.

[crankedup]

Thanks for reply, Barnardo boys and girls are far flung all over the World. I am not an orphan but when Mum was taken seriously ill and dad couldn't cope bro's and I were taken in and looked after. We had two stays at the home, they helped where others failed. The two 'adventures' certainly left an impression with life long memories, not all good, but without them taking us in Lord only knows where we may have ended up, family split up in council care perhaps.
Any other Barnardo boys or girls?

[Catweazle]

My mother worked for Barnados in London during the 1950's.

[Eric Mc]

It was only recently that I learned that Dr Barnado was an Irishman from Dublin. He was poorly remembered as a great Irishman in Ireland - probably because up until recently the only Irish heroes allowed were those fighting for Irish independence.
It's very good that these formerly unsung "Irish" heroes are at long last being recognised in their home country.

[crankedup]

With the charity still going strong hopefully the founder will continue in garnering even more richly deserved recognition. All the homes have been closed down years ago of course, but Barnardo's is still helping kids.

For those interested my three strongest memories of the home and it's discipline is :
Being instructed on how to make my bed each morning ready for inspection, think army.
Stripping off and queuing up with all the other lads on 'my floor' waiting for a bath. It was one bath of hot water for four boys and then change the water for fresh. Hope I'm not boy number four tonight!
Birthday, open your card at the breakfast table, well Oliver Twist style trestles, and pass the card amongst all of the boys. Birthday boy always had a special treat of a boiled egg for breakfast.

Thinking back now to that time, walking out from the breakfast hall and matron would tap each alternate boy on exit on the head. The tap mean't you played outside in the grounds otherwise you were indoors for the day.

No sympathy wanted, during the early post war period it was a very different life to what is now. As I mentioned the other alternatives for my parents would likely split up the entire family back then.