Old Boys and Girls Annual Reunion: Our Legacy and History
A group known affectionately as the Old Boys and Girls, who grew up in our former children’s homes from the 1940s until the 1960s, enjoyed an emotional and nostalgic annual reunion in London on Saturday 5 July this year.
National Children’s Home (NCH) was founded in 1869 by Thomas Stephenson, Francis Horner and Alfred Mager, and grew to run many large branches throughout England and Wales. NCH was to eventually become Action for Children.
Sheila Freeman and Pamela Atkinson grew up together at our Alverstoke home in Gosport near Portsmouth during the 1940’s, ‘50’s and early ‘60’s.
“It was fun,” said Pamela chatting at the event at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. “There was always someone to talk to and play with.”
Both Sheila and Pamela were babies when they were taken into the home, with Sheila leaving just before she was 13, and Pamela leaving aged 16.
Have you been in our care?
“If it was not for the National Children’s Home I may not be here at all”
Ronnie Archer, former NCH resident and presenter of Antique's Roadshow
Frankie Gallagher and her brother Richard Holdsworth were cared for by NCH: “I’m immensely, immensely grateful for my time in the home,” said Frankie.
“The best thing that ever happened to us was going to the National Children’s Home,” added Richard.
Antiques Roadshow presenter Ronnie Archer Morgan grew up in our care until the age of six, first at Woking in Surrey before moving to Westdene in Southport, Lancashire.
“If it was not for the National Children’s Home, I may not be here at all,” explained Ronnie. “They showed me care and stability in my life when I had none. They made me feel valued.”
Thanks to NCH, Ronnie said he grew up in the knowledge: “of what it feels like to be cared for.”
Speaking at the event our Chief Executive Paul said: “I’m very proud to be part of this community – which is an absolutely excellent community. There’s a real family feel and real warmth.
“As officers of the charity we take the legacy really seriously. These are our roots.”
When Paul told the audience we were opening five new children’s homes this year, the room filled with murmurs of approval.
“We are giving children care, love and support and everything they need to be successful adults and parent themselves,” said Paul.
Sonia Sacadura is the great-great granddaughter of NCH co-founder Francis Horner.
Francis moved from Ireland to London in the mid-1800s to look after the family business. He had a strong connection with the Methodist Church and joined forces with Thomas Stephenson and Alfred Mager to set up what was to become National Children’s Home.
“He devoted himself to this mission, to this greater cause,” said Sonia. Francis authored a book about the history of the charity called ‘Shadow and Sun’. “This tells everything from the beginning, about the faith that inspired him, the early days about the two boys they took in and the rapid growth of [NCH] and everything they had to go through to secure those homes.”
Young Ambassador Chan gave a speech about the ongoing work of Action for Children to make sure every child, whatever their background, doesn’t miss out on important opportunities and life chances:
That’s what Action for Children has always stood for. Not just protection – but potential. They continue to fight for children like me to have more than the bare minimum.
If you were previously in our care, we'd love for you to be at our next reunion and receive our Extended Families magazine.
Are you interested in attending?
