Sutherlands Ave Childrens Home

posted by dave on 08 Feb 2009 at 3:39 pm

As a child I was at sutherlands ave childrens home does anyone else remember being there,would have been 1969 ish?

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Yes Dave I Was There

posted by linda beirne on 07 Dec 2010 at 7:12 am

hi dave i was there between 62-67ish

Sutherland Ave

posted by carl dobson on 14 May 2011 at 8:43 pm

Does anyone have the name of the children's home in Bexhill as my mother went there in 1955ish and does anyone know of any archives of that home as the Bexhill's website doesn't even say anything about it.

Sutherland Avenue

posted by Jude on 15 May 2011 at 1:37 pm

Carl - In the 1974 Kelly's Directory there are two children's homes in Sutherland Avenue - nos 9 and 39 - both called "East Sussex Children's Home". Number 39 also lists Herbert B T Jones as residing there - I'm not sure if he had anything to do with the home itself.

There are limited records at the East Sussex Records Office. One about a visit by the Queen and Prince Philip in 1966 to number 39, here:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=179-c_2-3&cid=1-42-1&kw=east%20sussex%20children%27s%20home%20sutherland%20avenue#1-42-1

And another about quarterly receipts etc, also at no 39, here:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=179-c_6&cid=3-16-2-3&kw=east%20sussex%20children%27s%20home%20sutherland%20avenue#3-16-2-3

I couldn't find any other archives but it might be worth contacting East Sussex Records Office to see if they know if any other archives exist.

Number 39

posted by dave on 24 May 2011 at 3:03 am

yes thats the place, had great memories there,I remember one birthday, you had to stand on your chair and everyone had to sing happy birthday, glass of milk and a biscuit before bed,used to watch marine boy on a saturday morning on tv if we had been good all week,
derick and david sloat were there at the same time,I can picture many of the girls but sadly cant remember any names,the garden was very nice, i spent hours on the swing, and I remember being taught how to tie my laces right in the middle of a fire drill,,,, I learnt very fast.boys room was top of the stairs on the right girls was on the left, good memories.I cant remember how many times I was there 3 or 4 I seem to remember. long walks down to collington woods , great fun,even down to the beach for ice cream on the hot sunny days,crossing the foot bridge at collington halt was exciting at that age especially if the trains were coming.

Sutherland Avenue 1989

posted by Natanya Thomas on 06 Jun 2011 at 7:41 am

Hi im looking for anyone who went to Sutherland Avenue in the late 80s, I went there with my brother, my best memory was that I remember someone called Jody, she made my costume (butterfly) and my brothers a (wizard) we entered a competition which we won at King Offer School and had a picture taken with the Mayoressin.It would be great to get in contact with anyone who went there thanks.

Sutherlands Ave

posted by dave on 25 Jun 2011 at 3:32 am

I was there in the late 60's into 70's.Im glad the old place is still going . I wonder how many people have stayed there over the years???

Sutherland Avenue Home

posted by keith sadler on 28 Jun 2011 at 8:50 pm

i had 2 friends from scholl who lived there dave brown and peter meactham. and i rember pam jenner who worked there.

I Knew Them

posted by linda beirne on 02 Jul 2011 at 9:31 pm

hi keith, i was in the home with peter meactham,he had a brother i knew pam as well,i was in there with my brother john beirne.............

Dave

posted by michael sloat on 16 Aug 2011 at 11:33 pm

hi dave
im afrade i dont remember you back then but i remember nicola and denise who were there when i was there i had great memorys with denise ,i go to bexhill two or three times a years where i visit collington beach and remines.
kind regards
mike sloat

Micheal Sloat

posted by dave on 10 Oct 2011 at 4:29 pm

omg micheal sloat did you have a brother called dave?
i remember you 2 well hahahaha i still remember the toy draws and my cars going missing hahahaha good times eh.

Marc Seymour

posted by Lauren Stevens on 13 Oct 2011 at 6:13 pm

Hi all, my partner was here in the late 60's I think, well he will be 50 in January, I'm trying to find any information or records I can to compose a scrap book for his birthday, If anyone knows him or knows of anywhere I could gain information, maybe school reports etc, I would be really grateful!!! He's name
Is marc Seymour... Thanks! :)

Mike Sloat

posted by michael sloat on 08 Nov 2011 at 5:39 pm

Hi Dave and all who stayed in sutherland ave , i have a older brother Paul and a younger brother Derek ,i think we all stayed in the home ,i remember paul getting moved to number 9 sutherland ave, but after a fire in the cloak room ,Paul was moved elsewhere. I think a mr and mrs Jones ran the place
Lauren I'm afraid i don't remember Marc ,so sorry

39 Sutherland Avenue

posted by Pat Lawrance on 06 Jan 2012 at 4:40 pm

I was in the children's home in sutherland avenue in 1957. Mr. and Mrs. Hamer were the House Parents then and their younger son David lived there with them. I have a photo of us children taken in the garden, I was about 10 years old. I absolutlely loved it there and was heartbroken when I was moved to a foster home.

Derek Sloat

posted by dave on 29 Oct 2012 at 2:42 am

Yes I have great memories of sutherlands avenue, watching marine boy saturday mornings and collecting conkers on the downs up by st Stephen's church,Micheal did you once live in buxton drive, I used to spend alot of my time there and up the old railway, good times indeed.

Do You Remember

posted by derek sloat on 10 Nov 2012 at 10:30 pm

Hi all that spent apart there youth at sunderland avenue i was there at the same time as nicole and denise cottage . We went to bexhill downs primary school now called king offa, anyone know whats happened to these ladies?

Memories

posted by Michael Sloat on 20 Dec 2012 at 5:50 pm

Hi Dave
Yes i did live at Buxton Drive on and off, my Sister still lives there, and derek lives in Sidley. I now live in Ireland, ive been here for 9 years now,are you still in Bexhill ?

Hi Micheal

posted by dave on 23 Dec 2012 at 3:42 pm

I moved out of Bexhill a few years ago and now live in Canada,I visit quite often and Im amazed at how quick the town has changed, some good some bad, I see they have finally starting the bexhill bypass,I remember them doing the land surveys in 1972 with all the fuss that went with it,good memories of sutherlands road and the down and the old railway,good to hear from you.

Sidley

posted by Michael Sloat on 12 Feb 2013 at 9:12 pm

Hi Dave
Just to let you know there's a great page on Facebook ,name "Sidley" it has great pictures of the old sidley railway station and the track and many photos days gone by.
Regards
Mike

Railway

posted by dave on 14 Feb 2013 at 1:40 am

Cheers mate I will take a look.

Another World

posted by john sawyer on 13 Mar 2013 at 3:34 am

I was there with my brother David in the late 50;s early 60's .I remember Jock Hamer, Bernie Jones, Aunties Margeret and Mary.Peter meacham had a brother.. Leonard.I used to hang out with askinny guy called mick .Maybe that was you .I have a photo which my sister got from auntie Margaret.It's got Mick. a tall girl with glasses called Elaine, the twins and their brother and a tiny ginger haired boy called Douglas.I hope you all had happy lives

Summerwine

posted by john sawyer on 13 Mar 2013 at 8:46 am

just remembered.. the skinny guy was Mick Bath

Sutherlands Avenue

posted by dave on 17 Mar 2013 at 5:25 pm

They were great memories for sure, I was there several times in the late 60's and early 70's,

39 Sutherland Avenue

posted by Pat Lawrance on 21 Mar 2013 at 12:02 am

Message for John Sawyer, the 'tall girl with
glasses' you mention in the photo was probably Elaine Inglis. We were in the same
home in Hove before moving together to Bexhill. I had left Sutherland Avenue by
then unfortunately. I wouldn't mind seeing
the photo. I left in Sept. 1957, so I don't
know if our paths crossed. Elaine is now in
Australia.

Elaine

posted by John Sawyer on 23 Mar 2013 at 8:44 pm

Hello Pat...I;ll try and get copies of the photo;s made. I;ll have to work through the mediator to get an address to send them to.. It wount be fast but I;ll get there

Sutherland Avenue

posted by Pat Lawrance on 26 Mar 2013 at 11:36 pm

John, would it help if you had my e-mail address to send them. What dates were you at Sutherland Avenue? Just wondered if we were there at the same time. I don't recognize your name but then it was a long time ago !
Mr. and Mrs. Hamer were the House Parents and their son David lived there with them too.

False Memories

posted by Mark on 06 Sept 2013 at 11:27 am

I was there mid 60's with my sister. Worst time of my life; beaten and continually mis-treated. All I remember is hateful adults, and an outbreak of chicken pox. Glad someone had a good time there. I certainly didn't.

Good Times.

posted by dave on 09 Sept 2013 at 2:19 am

I can remember playing with the train set HO gauge that they would set up if you asked nicely in the front room near the road. I learnt to tie my shoe laces there sitting on the bottom step of the main stairs.always had good memories there, walks down the collington woods to build a camp. or a trip down town through the paths and through the bunny arch tunnel under what is now beeching road.
watching marine boy on saturday mornings.some good times for sure, I seem to remember someone there called webb but not who who it was.

Photos Of Elaine

posted by pat lawrance on 09 Sept 2013 at 4:44 pm

Message for John Sawyer. My e-mail address is patricia.lawrance[AT]btinternet.com. If you can send me the photos you have I would be very grateful. Thanks!

I Want To Acsess My Care Files,is This Possible?

posted by Helga Akitt ( Sutton ) on 29 Oct 2013 at 10:13 pm

I was in Sutherland avenue from around 1981-1985
I'm desperate to get hold of my records as they may hold some answers to questions I need answered.
I'm 44 now and frequently think about my years at Sutherland avenue but to be honest I don't remember a great deal! If anyone knows how I go about getting hold of my records if they still exist I would be most grateful
Helga x

Sutherland Av. Home

posted by pat lawrance on 25 Nov 2013 at 7:33 pm

Message for Helga - try East Sussex C.C.,
Daniel Ellis,Data Protection Officer. e-mail
foi@eastsussex.gov.uk. tele:01273 482913.
Also, Brighton and Hove City Council, Kings House, Grand Av., HOVE. BN3 2LS. Mr. P. Bode, Records Manager. tele 01273 296634
where most of the records are kept now. Give them all your details and I think they charge £10.
Wish you success
Pat Lawrance

Bad Memories

posted by maggs on 02 Dec 2013 at 3:10 am

I was at 39 Sutherland ave in the 70s..we had to call all staff aunti or uncle, which I found false back then..lots of beatings to us kids, not all staff were cruel though..gobsmacked I have found this site..

Sutherland Av. Home 1955-60

posted by elaine pearton on 04 Dec 2013 at 9:53 am

For Pat Lawrence:
I am interested in any photos u may discover from that period... particularly those that I may feature in.
If there is anyone who was there in that period ... I would like to hear from u on my e-mail.
One name I remember is David Barnes... who was 4 years old when I was there.

For Pat Lawrence

posted by elaine pearton on 09 Dec 2013 at 5:25 am

I need to change the name of the boy david barnes , his name was Anthony barnes
this is a great site and I hope to get in contact with any kids who were there when I was in middle to late fifties ,

My Time There.

posted by dave on 16 Dec 2013 at 1:36 am

Maggs sorry you had bad memories of the children's home, I only have great memories of that place and never once did I see or hear of any beatings, some of the kids would fight that is normal but the staff were fantastic but strict, they had to be in control will a house full of kids. I would love to go back for a visit and see how it is now.

39 Sutherland Avenue

posted by Pat Lawrance on 17 Dec 2013 at 6:43 pm

Elaine, I have posted some photos for you as I couldn't get through via your e-mail address. Perhaps you have changed it. It might be an idea if you state your maiden name as people on the forum may remember you then. We went to Sutherland Avenue in March or April, 1957 not '55. I left, unfortunately, in Sept. the same year. It would be wonderful to meet up with you in 2015! Thanks for card received today.

For Pat Lawrance

posted by elaine pearton on 03 Jan 2014 at 4:29 am

my maiden name was Elaine inglis... pat, can I please correct u... I went to the home at age 11, in 1955, (I was born in 1944).. u were 9 1/2 and carol was 12.
thank u so much for the photos, especially those of the 5 of us at 2 landsdown rd hove.
my email address is: Elaine_bill[AT]hotmail.com.au.
would love to hear from anybody who remembers me...
happy new year to u all from "down under"
(summer's day here...36c!)

Pat Lawrance

posted by Helga Akitt on 26 Jan 2014 at 7:51 pm

Thank you pat for your advice which I followed up seeking my care records from 1981when I was placed in 39 Sutherland avenue.
Yesterday I received my records which went way back before I was put into care. They went right back to me being 5. I have no recollection of what I read and must say it was a harrowing read and had no idea my life as a small child was so bad as I stated before I could not remember much of my childhood. It hasn't really sunk in yet,it's almost like I've read a book on some poor wee souls life! There wasn't too much regarding my time at 39 Sutherland avenue just social workers records. Although it has made me very sad it has given me great understanding as to why I have trust issues etc xxx

Sutherlands Ave Home

posted by chris atkinson on 16 Feb 2014 at 5:29 pm

does anyone remember a jim atkinson who would have been there possibly between 1955 to about 1962,any information would be a big help for the family thanks

Convalescence?

posted by Rosie Duignan on 07 Apr 2014 at 9:59 pm

Hi, think I was sent here about 1967 with my little sister. We were told it was for convalescence but I don't know. Was there an old rocking horse with hair there in one of the rooms? I can still remember the smell of the place. So weird.

E-mail Address

posted by elaine pearton on 15 Apr 2014 at 1:54 am

Dear all,
I just wish to clarify my e-mail address..
it is:

elaine_bill[AT]hotmail.com.au

this is a great site... thanks!

For Rosie

posted by Dave on 20 Apr 2014 at 1:36 am

Yes I do remember a rocking horse, in the front door first room on the right if my memory serves me correctly, mind you it has been a while. 1960's and 70's

For Rosie

posted by Patricia Lawrance on 22 Apr 2014 at 4:34 pm

Yes, I remember the rocking horse in the front room on the right as you go in. I was there in 1957 so he served the Home well !

39 Sutherland Av.

posted by Pat Lawrance on 03 Sept 2014 at 8:39 am

Message for Elaine Pearton (nee Inglis)
Many thanks for the card. I sent an e-mail to you with the details to get your records but I had a failure notice. If you look at the post I did to Helga further up the page on this site the details are there and she was successful

1984 - 1986

posted by Dave Symes on 28 Sept 2014 at 8:11 pm

Hi everyone!
I've tried many times to trace people I knew from Sutherland Avenue over the years, but to no avail.
I suppose some people would just rather forget what may have been a difficult time in their young lives.
I went into Sutherland Avenue on the 4th September 1984 and was met by Auntie Anne! Such a genuine lady who really did care for you. Someone who I'll always remember. Someone mentioned Anthony Barnes in a previous post - I remember him, I'm sure. I did hear staff and residents mention Helga, though from what I recall, she left just before I arrived there. I have been trying to contact Paul Miles, Clyde Smith and Darren Keane without success. Unfortunately, I heard Dominic Bone is no longer with us now. I'd really like to hear from anyone who may recall either myself, or those above being resident at 39. There was a darker side to a couple of staff there though.

1979

posted by Jennie Lee on 04 Feb 2015 at 2:16 am

Does anyone here remember being at no 39 in 1979? That's when i was there. I ran away.... frequently.... and was constantly found and taken back. It's not that I hated the place, I hated having to call the staff "aunty" and "Uncle" it seemed very wrong. Lots of goings on during my time there, and not all good. There was no rocking horse in the sitting room when I lived there, it was the tv room tho it did have a piano in it, lord knows why as I don't recall anyone ever playing it. The room to the left opposite was a day nursery when I lived there.

39 - Day Nursery

posted by Dave symes on 05 Mar 2015 at 10:33 pm

Hello Jennie.
I'm sorry but I went there in 1984, obviously way after you were there. I never had to call anyone Uncle or Auntie except from Anne, who was a genuine, caring lady.
I, too kept running away and being taken back (usually by the police!) as I simply didn't want to be there at all.
I hope you find who you're looking for!

Sutherland Ave

posted by Natanya on 18 Jun 2015 at 6:27 am

Hi I went to the same Childers home with my brother Michael. In the 80s I remember an Auntie Anne as well, I remember going to king Offer School and I remember going into town and having pocket money and taking it to a bank, I also remember the speak and spell and I remember a carer who had a M.G back then, I also had some dark times there too. I'm looking for anyone who would remember me I remember a Peter, Gary and Ashley also Jodie can't remember any other kids. Please help me.

39 Sutherland Ave

posted by Andrew Stillwell on 22 Jul 2015 at 7:42 am

I was in 39 sutherland Ave in the late 80's some fond and some definately not so fond memories of the place I remember Aunty Anne and the two Stephens, Daniel Jacobs and the manager Richard arnison. I remember a brother and sister there the bros name was Peter. Anyone remember me can comment or email me thanks.

80's

posted by helgaakitt on 29 Jul 2015 at 8:37 am

I was in sutherland avenue for around 4 years in the 80s so met many kids over the years.
Auntie Ann was a treasure and I shared a special bond with her,so special that we are still in contact to this day and meet for lunch from time to time.
If anyone would like to contact me my email address is helgaakitt[AT]hotmail.co.uk

For Jennie Lee

posted by Helga.Akitt on 29 Jul 2015 at 9:56 am

Jennie how long was you there for?
I remember a Jennie and I use to go and visit her nan with her in little common,is this you?


The people I remember from there are della Mckenzie who sadly has passed away. Anne marie myers, sharon moon,Helen Latimer, John Robinson, Keith williams,Michael Hutchinson. There were lots of little ones there and 3 siblings I remember well as they was so young,zoe,Dean & Craig who was adopted all together.
The staff which we had to call auntie & uncle were Audrie, brian,aAnne, Richard, Christine, Theresa,Julie and Ricky the cleaner and Sherri the cook.

Dave Syms

posted by Helga.Akitt on 05 Aug 2015 at 8:21 pm

Hi Dave
Spent the evening with Auntie Ann and we spoke about you. She said you remained in touch after you left the home. She would love to know what happened to you?
If you email I can pass her number on to you as she would very much like to be in touch.
Helga

Helgaakitt[AT]hotmail.co.uk

For Dave Symes

posted by Helga.Akitt on 10 Aug 2015 at 10:30 pm

Dave auntie would like to make contact with you. Please email me so I can pass on her number x

Helgaakitt[AT]hotmail.co.uk

Helga Sutton And Dave Symes

posted by Darren mason on 11 Sept 2015 at 7:41 pm

Hi Helga and Dave how you both doing? I was there in the early eighties!, wow what a blast from the past! I well remember auntie Anne, I remember going to badminton match with you Dave at the de la war and getting told off for being noisy ha ha!!!!

Helga Sutton & Darren Mason

posted by Dave Symes on 14 Jan 2016 at 11:05 am

Yes Helga, I'll drop you an email!
I see Anne is still in W Road and it would be really nice to see her. Such a nice lady who deserves the very best happiness.

----------------------------------------

Hi Darren "Frightened the life out of me"!

Remember that foster place in Eastbourne?! Drop me an email:
Jordanss@live.co.uk

For Natanya

posted by Dave Symes on 22 Jan 2016 at 8:01 am

Hi Natanya,
We were obviously there at different times, but the little white MG belonged to Theresa Boyce!
Sherri the cook - it was always a race to try and help in the kitchen as you sometimes got a little treat!
Helga was there in the early 80's, and I was there from 84-86. I can't remember those who you mentioned, but maybe someone else on here will.
The best of luck!

Sutherland Avenue

posted by fiona green (carr) on 10 Feb 2016 at 5:38 am

My brother and I where in and out of that place, horrid place...nothing but bad memories overall....we grew up in many foster homes and children's homes all over the south coast and as far as I'm concerned, that was the worst place ever!

Sunderland Avenue Children Home

posted by malcolm marshall on 12 Feb 2016 at 10:11 pm

Hello my name is Malcolm Marshall i was over that way recently and drove done Sunderland avenue my brother Paul and i were at 39 and went to the local school the people who ran it were name Jones then went to the one right at the bottom run buy Mr and Mrs Burrow do e mail me

Remembering 39 Sutherland Ave.

posted by Len meachen on 10 Mar 2016 at 3:10 pm

I was at 39 Sutherland avenue from the late 1950 to the early 1962. We always called the people auntie & uncle. She was a tall thin lady with a small white dog that used to go for people's angels and was a big man who was a teacher , I forget they name . I was 11 when I left they moved me to foster parents in Robertsbridge.
I often wonder if it is still a children's home.
I have happy memories of that place.

Now Owner Of 39 Sutherland Ave

posted by Linda Holley on 11 Apr 2016 at 9:55 am

Can someone please describe to me how the interior was laid out in respect of when it was a childrens home. Sometimes people turn up to show their children where they once lived and to take pictures of the outside. Many thanks. Linda
PS When I purchased the house it had been used by Lewes Council as offices for fostering

Linda Holley

posted by helga akitt on 15 Apr 2016 at 7:50 pm

Hi linda
How lovely that you own the house. I would love if possible to come and visit my old home.
I now live back in Bexhill.
If you would like to get in touch my email is helgaakitt@hotmail.co.uk.

Darren Mason

posted by helga akitt on 15 Apr 2016 at 8:11 pm

Hi Darren
I remember you ????
How are you? What became of you and where are you living now?
Be great to hear from you x

Children's Records

posted by Jackie blows on 22 Apr 2016 at 7:50 pm

You can request your records from the council this is called a subject access request there is a fee of £10 your records should have been archived by now. I deal with these as part of my job. Any questions please get in touch. There was also a children's home in Pankhurst rise Bexhill.

For Helga

posted by Jennie Lee on 02 Oct 2016 at 2:52 pm

Yes that was me, I remember Della, cannot believe she has passed. My Nan in Little Common is sadly no longer here. I remember Sally, ran away with her. Also remember Craig, Dean and little Vicky. Such beautiful kids, also remember the Aunties, Sally Anne, Mark, Little Sharon, I remember that when the young ones came, we were not allowed to have the news on the tv for about a week. I hope they thrived. I often wondered what happened to Mark and Sally, we held a oujji board game late one night when we were supposed to be asleep. Also snuck out of the fire door on the landing late one night for a skinny dip down the beach....we were panicking in case the door was locked when we got back. I ran off with the circus while I was there. Fun days.

Jenny Lee

posted by Helga Akitt on 02 Oct 2016 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jenny
How are you,what became of you?
Drop me an email helgaakitt@hotmail.co.uk be great to hear from you x

Hi Len

posted by j sawyer on 26 Jun 2017 at 8:21 pm

Hello Len. Did you wear a leg brace? I remember a Len who had a brother called Peter There were a few weird Memories ..but mostly good and some very good I was there until about 1961 with my brother David .Bernie Jones took over from Jock Hamer During our stay which was a turn for the better. Aunties mary and Margaret were memorable for different reasons but both kind people.What are you up to these days? John Sawyer

Thanks

posted by Natanya Carmichael on 30 Jun 2017 at 2:46 am

David Syme, thanks for your message, anyone remember a Gary?that was there between the 80s-86? Me and my brother was there until we got separated he got adopted. I really would love to get in contact with Ann maybe someone could mention me please I live in Wales now, but would love to hear from her my email is natanyacarmichael@gmail.com. Hope someone can help, thanks.