i was there in1952 dont rember much only queing up for food and putting on a tabard to keep cloths clean i rember sports day looking out of a window in sick bay think i had chicken poxs thy was a show that went on and i was dresswd as a sailor and was just put on the stage thats it
I remember most of you i was in south vale my name is marcus
Victoria wasnt you with your brother
I was in Woodvale in 1960 I was then 10 years of age and a lot of stuff which I buried is now coming back to me. I'm agreement about the council. Perhaps we should talk.
Hi mate. I remember Stamford House. It was at Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush. It wasn't a Borstal, it was a remand home, and I have some very VERY vivid memories of it.
I was at Woodvale for a few months around 1963/4, in "Larches".
A nasty cockroach infested place with a few memorable staff members; Mr. Swaffer being one, and the thug named February, who loved caning kids, another. I'm Mike Chenery, and I remember fellow residents like Walkerdine, and Hugh Dennis ( not the famous one!)
This message is for Faye. I am Richard Jackson who lived at Southvale but my memories of living their aren’t great.
I remember being moved out within 3/4 days after something happened and got moved to Kent
It’s faye send me you email mine is
I lived here with brothers Robert and Richard I ran away and ended up here from an abusive foster home with Chantelle and Michael lived here also.
Hi does anyone remember Faye I was young at the time like 6or 7 close to Chantelle
Hallo Bruce, I was in there for some of that time but do not have photos, Colin Howard of by
Are you able share this picture my dad was there throughout all of his childhood. I am desperate to locate a picture of him
Are you able share this picture my dad was there throughout all of his childhood. I am desperate to locate a picture of him
Please feel free to contact me at
I remember Rinska too ...was there a couple of times...up until 1978/9
Can anyone help please. My sisters and I believe that our dad (who passed away last year) was placed in the orphanage sometime during the late 1940s. His name was Andrew Imrie - he was a difficult child but his mother had placed him in there, later followed by his younger brother Crighton and sister Margaret.
We would really like to find out exactly how long he was there for - are the records kept anywhere?
Many thanks, Mandy
down down in Norwood Home far far away, where we get bread & cheese 3 times a day. Eggs & Bacon we don't see, we get sawdust in our tea, that's why we are gradually, fading away.
The matron here is crazy, The Principal is just the same.........
My brothers were in Woodvale in 1955. There was abuse going on which we suffered from . Any one who remembers the names of staff please contact me.
I think Cummins rings a bell.
Thanks
Tim
hi ken i was also in hutton,thames house,all the houses named after rivers,what house was you in my friend?
Hello.
I like you went followed the same path, left Hutton res in 1958.
I also went to Scarborough for a holiday, did you know a Eddy Siverio and a John Ballard? They were my best friends, was very unkind to them when they visited me when I had left Hutton, would like them to know how sorry I am.
Looking for anyone who was at Woodvale Children's Home in 1952
Hi Alice When I left Fred Neibour used to vkisit me at home in Batterseas
I was in Elms house in the early 1950s. Changed my name to Michael Harrow for family reasons in the 1960s.
When I was at Elms house my name used was Michael Finan. I went to the local secondary school,
Any info would be appreciated.
Contact email is
Hi I'm ken t my self and sisters Sue and Francis in woodvale arond1960/to 1965 don't remember a lot but if any one can please let us know elm or larch comes to mind cheers
Yes I was there in 1985 when I was 9 till 1986 my names peter
Hi my name is Peter I was in south vale back in 1985 when I was 9 years old what year in the 80s where u there would like to hear from any1 that remembers me
Yes I remember Terry he had a older brother called Patrick if it’s the same Terry my name is Peter I was there in 1985 to 1986
Hi my name is Peter I was in south vale back in 1985 when I was 9 years old what year in the 80s where u there would like to hear from any1 that remembers me
hi my name is lisa,I was in southvale in 82 I think,I am looking for someone called terry who worked at the home,a great guy,also a lovely girl called jill neaves I think ,can you help,also I remember rinska
I have photo's of my last day at SouthVale in 1987 and possibly some others taken on holiday with a large group of staff and young people, we slept in sleeping bags on a church hall floor I think!! I was only 19 years old when I started there! I kept in touch with Barbara Klein for yours even meeting up when we both had a baby in 2000, I lost touch with her after that. I'm happy to hear from anyone from those times.
Hi I worked at South Vale from 1983-1987, I was only 19 years old when I started working there , I have some photo's taken whilst I worked there, name wise I mostly remember Barbara and Anthony Klein, possibly also a girl called Eleanor. I have photo's from my last day and one of them is of a girl with a big afro can't be sure if mixed race or black girl though, I'd have to look the photo out! I'm happy to hear from anyone who thinks they remember me.
Hi, please get in contact with us
I was in south vale from 1985 to 1986
I was also in south vale from 1985 to 1986
I'm also looking for Chantelle she was a tall black girl . I'm Bimpe Salami and my brother is called segun. We were in South Vale children's home together. Does anyone remember Mr Williams . The police contacted me in early 2000 to give evidence in court for child sex abuse . Foster care and children's homes really messed me up I've only decided to get counselling and I'm 35 years old . I want to know that all the survivors are strong and still alive. Mr williams was a tall black guy with a weird American accent does anybody know if he was convicted I hope so . Victoria do you remember me?? Email me at
hi guys I was in southvale in the 80s ,I was looking for a member of staff called terry,or anyone else who could of been in at the same time as me,my name is lisa chowdhury
hi guys I was in southvale in the 80s ,I was looking for a member of staff called terry,or anyone else who could of been in at the same time as me,my name is lisa chowdhury
When you were in Stanford house did you do boxing on a Saturday afternoon . Starboard against port Side!
i was in wood vale 19 50 too i also was sent to beecholme was in jamine house
Hi Christine
Did you know Tom(brown)at woodvale children home?
I too got out there around 1960 era.
Very clearly remember the iron gates.
All the houses was named after tree's
Elms,beeches,etc.
Did you know Mac?
Hope hear back from you.
Tell me your experiences at woodvale.be good to listen.
Best regards. Tvaran Newson
tvaran newson
Hi everybody
I got placed at woodvale around 1961
My name Peter Brown.my brother,Tom also placed there.
One girl deeply had love for me.she cried days and refused to eat.
Does anybody remember Mac?
Any one known Abraham.
rtyrty
mr goodall was violent complaints were raised in 1976. social services protected him
My email is
I was in that hell hole before the silver jubiliee & up til 79 when we were moved to north wales. My name is darren Lloyd & my brother was Stephen Lloyd.I was beaten up by staff & by Mr renforth/ renford, husband & wife from Yugoslavia.
I was on wood vale from 63-64 I think I remember Mr Lawton and slim just wondered it anyone else was there then who might remember me I was in the house that was closes to the street could see the bus stop from my window and would wave to my dad after he dropped me off my email is
I was in the Larches in the late 1950's the housemaster was Mr MacDonald known as 'Mr Mac'. Not a particularly pleasant experience I always remember having a freshly made bed ripped apart because the housemaster didn't like the way it was made and trooping down the long curved staircase to have a cold shower in the morning. I was 8 years old!
I am replying to your ad I am a house cleaner I charge 1o hour if interested thank you Karen.
Hi there, I've just moved to St Bernard's Close at the junction of St. Cloud Road and st gothard road, I viewed the property 5 or 6 times before deciding to move and the area seemed quiet and safe, but it would be great to hear the experiences of anyone else living in the area? Thanks, Steve
I was in woo ale in 1958 then went to bee hold in Banstead left in 1961 ( ariel22@ btinternet.com)
Hi Raymond, I'm David, lived in 17 Chatsworth Way, walked to Kingsdale School with Stephen B every day. Years ago I found out (from Stephen, Paul L. & Michael R. who lived with me in the Gabriel House) that a certain Mr Rayment was in charge of the files. He sent 100s of pages (copies) to my brother, Biff. There were few relevant pages on him and only 3 links about me? Considering I had also been there till 1970, that was a bit strange considering the others had page after page in their files?
Nice to read that you are around and perhaps going to the plaque unveiling on 11 September?
Try Historic Southwark: Camberwell Southwark and Bermondsey. They have a photograph of a small group of children from Woodvale Childrens Home dated circa1950
Does anyone remember a Florence Bowyer that worked at Wood Vale in the 50's. She was my Nan and I remember going to meet her at the gates. Can't remember exactly what position she had but would love to hear from anyone that remembers her.
Hi Claire
Did you ever manage to find anyone? Would be great to hear! Yes I remember Rinske!!!
Hope you're well xx
Hi Claire
Did you ever manage to find anyone? Would be great to hear! Yes I remember Rinske!!!
Hope you're well xx
Hi again!
Did anyone manage to find anyone from Southvale? Staff or kids? Would be great to get in touch. I was there in 87. Xx
Woodvale, in Elder Road, was once part of Lambeth workhouse, Charlie Chaplin and brother stayed there as did my Grandmother c1896 to 1908 . Bob Bunce
Yes I was in Woodvale in 1958 and i have 2 photos
This is the Lambeth Shirley Oaks Survivors Association who are investigating abuse in Lambeth children's home. After 2 years we finally got the government to investigate the whole of Lambeth. We are now working on Woodvale/Southvale and we need to contact as many people who were in the home in the 1950's - 1980's, especially those who suffered sexual or physical abuse. Please call ********7 or email
Hi Terry, my name is John and I was in Woodvale in 1959 and I went on a holiday to Deal. I would love to see the photo you have, could you email it to me as I dont have very clear memories of my time there but they were good times for me. my email :-
Hi l was at w/v late 50s in beech house and l remember Mr Cummings very well ,not a nice man made us swim in the n.... he was moved to Shirley oaks near croydon
hi does anyone remember the Malla family of two girls and two boys who were at home in the 1800 any information would be appreciated thanks
does anybody know of theMalla family that were in the home around the 1815 of two brother and two sisters any infor would be appreciated many thanks carole
The larches most likely.
The larches most likely.
My name is Janette I am the daughter of Fred Powell. My dad is still alive but I'll in hospital. I remember you you came and stayed with my nan Mona in Durban Road West Norwood Se27 . I would love to hear from you
hi bruce its me andy your brother?I always thought we were there for two years?.We were sent to Newington lodge first.1957 for six months and then to woodvale childrens home for two years,from which I ran away,but was caught and sent to Stanford house Borstal for two weeks.!then returned to woodvale for the remaining part of the two years.We were then sent to Beech-home Banstead surry.for two years.We were then repatriated with our parents 1962 to Leighpark Nr Havant Hampshire.Going back to woodvale. It always haunts me crossing the road a girl got run over and killed.outside the main gate, blonde hair,about six years old?the skin of her face was stuck to road, the car which I now know was a light brown Austin severn. it never stopped.!! The only members of staff who I can remember a navy guy who taught us boxing and a mr Cummings house master.
My Name is Michael Rothwell I was in Wood vale in 1963 the only friend i remember was a boy called john and we went to see Churchill's funeral also his mum lived in Barnfield Gardens Plumstead Now I have seen the name mister Lawton and slim I belive he smoked Lawton and had bushy hair slim had just straight hair just wanted to know if anyone remembers me thanks Mick msupermicky2@aim,
Hi, my name is John and I was at woodvale from Easter 1959 to march 1960 and I remember going to Deal on a weeks holiday . A boy nicknamed poodle I think stole some cigarettes out of the hotel bar (Rays bar?) which I didn't know and I got in trouble for looking after them. I would like to see any photos you have. My email is.
hello bridget i was in southvale and highland rd around the same time my name is jimmy emery was u flat sharing with tracey in brixton rd my email is
I was in woodvale in the early 60s,and I was in a play and the song in the play was (I think) woodvale wanderers this is part of the song.WE ARE THE WOODVALE WANDERERES AND HERES THE HORIBLE CATCH IT MUST BE SAID WE WOULD DROP DOWN DEAD IF WE EVER WON A MATCH
Does anybody remember some of the more nasty things that happened at Woodvale in the 60's? I am talking about abuse.
Feel free to share your experiences. I was there in the 60's. Lambeth Council seem to have forgotten about it! You can contact me at
OKOPL=P[;[=P-
Hi I was at Wood Vale after being moved there from either Hillingdon Convent or Henniker House. My name was Ann Glenys Wheeler and I have a few memories of being there!! i can't recall many names and those I do may have come from any of my childhood homes...i remember Miss Beautell and Miss Godden but they may not have been here.
would be interested in contact from anyone who was there around the same time. Hope happy lives followed leaving there.
email me at
Hi, I think this may be where my mum was at some time during her childhood, her name was Ann Glenys Wheeler, she always mentioned WoodVale when we drove through Dulwich as children and she was previously at a pace called henniker House in Fulham. would be great if anyone remembers her!!!!! despite the rocky childhood she is the best mum ever x
I was in woodvale in the 1950s before I went to bee home in Banstead Surrey
I remember Zona Fishpool! She was very good at sport. My sister Sadie was in her house and I was in Larches house. I remember doing cooking lessons in her house. From Larches I remember Leonard Weddon and his pigeons, Jimmie Box, Tony Parsons and Robert Pearce. Ted Belcher was in Elms House and we met again in Beechholme where we were moved to after 6 months. I remember people used to abscond quite regularly and there were frequent raids on the kitchens at night. I also remember the open air disused swimming pool where people went for an illicit smoke. We went for a holiday in Pont y Pant in Wales in the summer. Wow! Brings back memories of polishing the brown lino floors - and Mr Lawton. And being allowed out into Norwood on a Saturday to spend our pocket money. Woodvale was an education in itself. Thank or reminding me.
Hi I was at woodvale from 1960 to 1963 when I left school.I can remember miss foster the matron,miss Parker ,miss murphy and I think another helper we use to call Minnie. I was friends with a girl called pat who I think when she left went to live with foster parents I think in the brighten area. Also remover pat brindle,Linda Townsend.I was put in there in need of care and protection and not going to school.THe ironic thing is the school in woodvale was more or less none existent as we use to go over to the school in the mornings and make hot chocolate and cakes,occasionally do a bit of dress making on an old singer sowing machine.ANy one want to chat about old times in the home feel free to email.me.my email address is my maiden name.
EGO night club will be opening back. Reunion will be 6th September. LGBT venue is returning to west norwood as a gay club.
I remember you, i'm Victoria Idowu. I also stayed here in the eighties. Still have pics we took with chantelle. I've been trying to find everyone. Pls contact me. Take care.
Hi lisa, im claire my friend wrote on here for me about gerry, i remeber mrs western, the two sues, big sue and little ginger sue, joy with glasses, and diana wood, oh yes u couldn't forget rinsker the russian or german lady, she was well built, but anyway i would so love to see diana, but more so gerry, so if that number still works lisa and someone knows where i could contact gerry i would be very appreciated. Thanks for getting back to me.
Everytime I go to the walworth page it asks me to submit an advert!
Please sort it out!
Hi any one who remembers me I was there in the eighties my name is georgina Henningham... I was 11 at the time.... I'm mixed race and had a huge afro lol if any one remembers me please get in contact.... Staff or residence xxxx my email is
Go to Facebook memories of west norwood
Go on to Facebook look for memories of west norwood their are pictures of woodvale ask to be member and I will add you
Woodvale!
That certainly gives me the shivers.
Larches, or Larch was the house I was in, around 1963. I remember the Cockroaches, and horrible food.
Mr. Swaffer, and Mr. February, who liked to beat the crap out of the boys with his cane.
Yes, I remember Woodvale, Stamford House, The Hollies at Sidcup, Battledown manor, near Cheltenham and finally, Park House school near Godalming, Surrey.
You know what? I never stole anything or committed any crime; they just wouldn't let me live at home!
I was there in 1954-1960, would love to hear from you. My email address is
Hi I was there. 1961 live in house on gipsy hill biff and Wolfy are 2 lads I rember
Hi Roger, I was in Norwood circa 1954-1959. I recently tried to find the home with no success, but I remember singing a ditty:
There is a mouldy dump down Norwood way, where we get bossed about 10 times a day. Eggs and bacon, we don't see, we get sawdust in our tea. That's why we're gradually fading away. The nurses are so barmyy, the matron is as bad, but when it comes to Cummins, he nearly drives us mad. Saying, get out of it, get out of it, before you get a clout. Good times........would like to hear from you. Ps my email address is
I'm looking for chantelle cunningham and Richard and Robert jackson
I'm looking for chantelle cunningham and Richard and Robert jackson
Yes it does exist
Hi there
Just moved to the area, I have seen a few posts about a Book Club, does anyone now if there is one set up?
Thanks
I was in wood vale in 1953 , can't remember name of house , but mr warren what's the house master. I was 8 years old at the time and stayed there for one year . My brother and sister were there at the same time. We then moved to bore ham wood . Not a very good period of our lives!
Hallo Barry !
I was in Woodvale during the early 50s. I think I was at Larches House, but cant remember to much about the House Master ect. I have quite happy memories of Woodvale and if you have time please contact me. Since leaving the Army, I have lived in Germany.
I was in southvale in 1974 for a short while
Hello I am making enquires on behalf of Colin Barrington who went to Woodvale from about the age of 7 for about 5 years, he was born in 1950. He remembers names such as, Suzanne and Lillian Goodwin, Kevin Jackson and Colin Brewer and the names of other childrens homes, The Hollies and Skaysbury or Skarsborough?
He cannot access a computer and I said I would try to find out more for him. A few years ago ,he was sent two photocopies of the very big Victorian building, (with a fire escape on the left side) and the dormitory with wooden partitions and a fireplace at the end and a chair which sat an adult! Any more details would be greatly appreciated, many thanks
Hi. If you need someone to clear your garden just send the e-mail for me. Thanks
Hi Raymond
I don't know if you remember me my parents were houseparents in Stephnie House, my name is Celia Lyons, their youngest daughter, I remember you, and especially Mrs Kostick.
After my father sadly died my mum stayed on at Norwood for a little while then left. I live in Australia and have been here for 43years, would like to here from you
Best best regards Celia
Seen a few messages about a maybe book club in West Norwood. If one gets started (or if there's already one out there), I'd be interested to :)