Hutton Poplar Message Board

Gerald Cohen

Tel Aviv

10 May 2010

Gerald Cohen

I am writing to ask whether you can help me in obtaining information with access to childhood records. I have very limited knowledge of the period in which I was in child care. I was resident in Norwood Jewish Orphanage from February 1949 to June 1950 (with a break in between). Unfortunately Norwood has lost my file except for some basic information from a registration card":

I have no idea how many years I spent in the Hutton Residential School and Langley House LCC Home and any others. I do know that I was evacuated during the war to East Grinstead. I should add that at 11 years old, having passed the 11 plus, I was brought home from Norwood by my parents.

I realize that the records are now some 60 years old but I am hoping that someone may able to point me in the direction to finding out more information about my childhood.

Gerald Cohen, Professor Microbiology, Tel Aviv University www.tau.ac.il/~coheng/

Hilary Charlton

24 February 2010

Additional Keywords: john stafford dora kilby

John & Dora Stafford

Both my maternal grandparents were involved with the school before and after it was in Hutton. My grandfather was a master tailor and my grandmother first a cook and then, after her marriage, a house-mother. I have some letters and photographs which may be of interest perhaps to Elizabeth Chaston. Has her book been published?

My mother was born in 1904 before the move, but all her childhood was spent in Shenfield. The family lived in Priest’s Lane, Shenfield and she and my father were married in Shenfield Church.

My grandfather was John James Stafford and my grandmother was Dora Sarah Kilby before her marriage.

Perhaps you would put me in touch with anyone who might be interested, or who may be able to help me fill in the gaps in my knowledge.

Elainie Bennett
nee Eldred

29 January 2010

Additional Keywords: jo eldred

Joan Eldred

My mum Joan (gone now, bless her) was sent to Ongar children’s home after her own mum passed away in 1930. Joan was just 6. At the time I started tracing family history Mum was a bit forgetful and could only give me a few hints of names - but I did find out that she went to Poplar Training School and left when she was 16, just as the war was getting interesting.

From what I made out, Ongar Residential School was for children under 6, and then Hutton (or Poplar) was the junior' section where they learnt crafts and skills.

Mum described the building as big, with the boys living one side, and girls living on the other side of a big field. A bell tower on top of the main building rang at certain times of the day. They all ate their meals in a grand hall in the main building.

Mum was in and out of hospital quite a lot while she was a resident, so she missed a lot of learning, which did affect her in later life. I do have a photo of her as a child, in a group of schoolchildren, which I am now sure was taken at Ongar.

Maybe someone else’s parents are in the same photo. It is a shame there are no names written on the back.

Anyway. thought you would like an insight to another 'inmate' i.e. my mum.

Edward Dorney

Plymouth

10 November 2009

Additional Keywords: ed dorney eddie dorney

Reunions

Please contact Edward Dorney (of Plymouth) about any reunions because he wishes to attend. Phone 01752 290 450.

Jacqueline Vitale-Simpson

13 October 2009

Additional Keywords: betty dunne bettie dunne elizabeth dunne jackie dunne jaqui dunne jackie vitale simpson jaqueline simpson jackie simpson jaqueline dunne jaqueline simpson jackie simpson

Derek & Betty Simpson‏

I am the daughter of Derek Simpson (born 27.3.1928). My dad passed away 1987. I know he went to Hutton but can anyone tell me anything about his childhood or his sister Betty - who has also passed away?

Lyn Ashby (Mrs)

23 August 2009

Which Hutton Residential Home?

In 1959 I was put in a ‘Hutton’ residential home but I see that there are two.

When I arrived there was some building work going. When it was finished I moved into this new ‘wing’ or extension. Upstairs there were three dormitories. Boys, Girls and babies. Because I was one of the eldest my bed was screened off.

Because I wanted to be a hairdresser I used to do some of the Staffs hair. I had to catch a bus to go to school. My memory is a bit vague.

I would like to know which ‘Hutton’ I was in and would appreciate any information that would jog my memory. Is there a group website or a list of friends?

Any help gratefully received.

Linda Sallows (now Mrs Lyn Ashby (Mrs)

Jane & Roger Bennett

30 May 2009

Additional Keywords: edith worth edie worth dot worth

Edith Jean Worth and Doreen Worth

We have come across the attached picture postcard. The picture shows my wife’s Mother and Aunt and the card is from my wife’s maternal Grandmother to, we think, one of her sisters. The addressee name of ‘Miss Mitchell’ does not help in determining whether it was Florence or Hilda (Dinah). Florence was born c.1890 and we have little information about Hilda, except that she was somewhat younger. It seems therefore that, whichever it was, was on the staff at the Training School in 1925.

We would be grateful for any more information on staff at the School.

Click on images for bigger pictures.

The card was addressed to ’Miss Mitchell, Block 7, Poplar Training School,

Hutton, Shenfield, Essex and the message reads:

Dearest - Ethel, Watkin and Betty came yesterday, your letter had reached them. Ethel was writing so no doubt we shall see something of you on Monday. Fondest love from all, Edie

Kevin Roberts

28 May 2009

Additional Keywords: james cunningham peter murry

Jimmy Cunningham and Peter Murray

I'm a veteran from 1965. ‏I am looking for contact information for Jimmy Cunningham and Peter Murray – who were great mates of mine.

Sharon Akhurst

21 May 2009

Sharon Akhurst's Aunt (97)

I have recently learnt my aunt, now aged 97, went to Hutton Poplars School from age 5 to 15. She was not an orphan, it was only her father that died. Does anyone have information on this?

Frances Brooks

Treasurer - Family and Community Historical Research Society Limited

www.fachrs.com

21 April 2009

Additional Keywords: antony dixon anthony dixon

The Dixon Family

I was recently asked if I could find out anything about the family of my brother in law, Tony Dixon. All he knew was that his father had been sent to a Training School in Brentwood as a child. I found his father aged 4, with siblings, at the Poplar Training School on the 1911 census and we were able to build a basic family tree back through the census.

However I think our real interest is in the more modern family and what may have become of the siblings Alice Dixon born c.1897, Rose Dixon born c.1899, Walter Dixon born c.1901, Henry Dixon born c. 1903. and William Dixon born 1907.

Would it be possible to put these names on the message board to see if anyone else is researching this family?

Jill Warland

Canada

9 March 2009

Additional Keywords: susan roberts lena roberts

Roberts Family

My grandmother and her siblings were enrolled at HPS right from its early beginnings after being orphaned in late 1906. Are there existing records around of students enrolled there? I see they were still living at the Huttons in the 1911 census.

Looking for Alice Roberts b. 1901, Susan (Lena) Roberts b.1898?,
Nellie Roberts b. 1900 and Alfred Roberts b.1899?

E Jones

9 March 2009

Robert Ellis

I'm looking for any information about Robert Ellis . He was in the home from 19th January 1934 left in 1935.

Mark Abernethy

12 February 2009

Cottage Family

My grandmother her sister and brother were orphans and residents.

Grandmother: Maud Cottage, Brother: Albert Cottage, Sister: Leiza Cottage,

I would like to know when they arrived at the Poplar? Any other information on how long they were there? What they after (service?)

Only dates that I have is they were all on the 1911 census.

Anne and Victor Young

10 January 2009

Additional Keywords: anne young annie young anne triphook annie triphook florence triphook nellie triphook helen triphook

Annie May Eugenia Young (nee Triphook)

My husband and I took my mother-in-law, Annie May Eugenia Young (nee Triphook) to attend a reunion in 2007. She also attended a reunion in about 2000 (may be later, sorry can’t remember) with her sister, Florence.

Both of these ladies, plus another sister, Nellie and possibly a brother, all lived in the home there in about 1920s.

At the last reunion in 2007 one of the organiser said she thought my mother-in-law must be the oldest surviving pupil from the school.

We just wanted to let somebody know that Annie May passed away on 21 December just before Christmas at the grand old age of 99 - she would have made 100 on 16 July 2009!

Augustus Bainger

26 November 2008

Evacuation of the Duke of York's Military School from Chelsea to the Poplar Training School During the World War 1

I would like to know about the evacuation of the Duke of York's Military School from Chelsea to the Poplar Training School during the World War 1. If you have recently been asked this by an ex-Dukie, then they may have already got that info, so you need not repeat it for me. It is an historical event which not many ex Dukies are aware of and the OBA cannot find any real details about this event.

Simon Hall

21 November 2008

10 April 2008

Photographs

Please contact Simon Hall if you have any photographs of the school you would be prepared to share with him.

Audrey D Francis (nee Wilmot)

3 November 2008

Message for Pat Whitelaw

Try this huttonpoplars.hasit.

There is another site can't put my hand on it now but I'll search for it, then send it on.

Message for Frank Curran

Hutton Poplars Reunion is held EVERY year 2nd Bank Holiday in MAY. If interested I do have a few Photo's of 2008 event. Here's a Sample photo. Mrs Healy. House Mother of Humber. wearing a Yellow top.

Click to enlarge.

Jackie Hobbs

Bursar, St Columba's Catholic Boys' School

3 November 2008

Dingle Lane School in Stepney

Has anyone come across a school called Dingle Lane in Stepney (about 1909 onwards) as our family attended there prior to Langley House & Hutton School.

Grahame Carpenter

3 November 2008

Additional Keywords: edward carpenter ada carpenter emma carpenter

The 1940s

I am after some help in trying to find information on my dad and his sister. They were both at Hutton Poplar when they were younger and we are trying to find the date when they both went and left the school. Is there any way we can trace this information back. We think they were there in the 1940's.

My dad's name was Edward Carpenter and his sister's name was Ada (Emma) Carpenter. I particularly want to contact anyone who knew them.

Linda Cherry

28 October 2008

Additional Keywords: michael stanley conn michael conn

Michael Stanley George Conn

Please could you help me. I would like to trace a Michael Stanley George Conn born 28th June 1944, and Hutton Residential School in Shenfield was the last known address for him back in 1948/49.

Kevin Hobbs

27 October 2008

Early 1900s

I have just learned that my Grandmother and two of her brothers were transferred to Shenfield School from Langley House Children’s Home in 1911 and stayed there for about four years. If you have any pointers to help with our research it would be greatly received.

Venus Mellor

6 October 2008

Additional Keywords: nicolas skitini nick skitini nic skitini

Mr Nicolas Skitini - Hutton Residential School 1955-1958‏

Mr Skitini attended Hutton Residential School 1955-1958 and he would like to find out more information about that period in regards to old pupils and staff.

During that period all the houses where named after rivers and he was in Katrine. The Head Master was Mr Horowitz, the House Master of that time was Mr Pierce and the Sports Master was Gov. Reilly.

June Barnes

6 September 2008

Frederick Barnes - Friend of George Lansbury

I am trying to track down information about my Great Grandfather who I think was called Frederick Barnes and I believe was involved in the running of Poplar Workhouse and was a friend of George Lansbury who was my Grandfather’s Godfather - I wonder if you may have come across his name.

Webmaster’s comment – For the Wikipedia entry for George Lansbury (who was closely involved with the establishment of the original Poplar Training School) see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lansbury

Geoffrey Hayes

19 June 2008

Additional Keywords: fred williams fred n williams frederick williams ada williams john williams caroline stoneham

Frederick N Williams

I am calling in from Australia, and I sincerely hope you can lead me in the right direction to find at least two former students; (both orphans) of the "Poplars Drive" Hutton, Essex, Training School.

Their names were:-

Frederick N. Williams. BC 1900

Ada Williams (Sister) (Frederick Williams gave her name and address as his Next of Kin on his WW 1 Enlistment papers in 1916).

You will be delighted to learn that as a former student, Frederick Williams went on to be a most distinguished soldier for his adopted country Australia, and went on to serve both King and Country in both WW 1 & WW 2 in the A.I.F. He enlisted here in Australia for WW1 at the age of 16 years, 9 months, and then had another stint in WW 2.

We all are here in the land of OZ , are very appreciative of his early education, and so should the "Poplar School" at Hutton that obviously taught him those important tenets of life at such a young age.

My research to date from family held certificates /documents state that their parents were:- John Ambrose Williams ( Born Cardiff ??) and Caroline Sarah Stoneham.

I please hope you, or somebody at your web site can direct me to a starting point whereas I can continue my search for some unanswered questions which still haunt our current day family members here in Australia.

Linda Harvey
(nee Cullen)

1 May 2008

Additional Keywords: linda cullen

Search for Siblings

I was a resident at Hutton Residential School between 1947-1953.. I am trying to confirm whether I have any siblings.

My foster mother thought I had a brother but had no details of him, (I have found out about a sister, Sandra Cullen born in 1947).

I would really appreciate any information you may be able to share with me.

Janie Stanbridge (Mrs)

15 April 2008

Charles Hailes MC - Essex Regiment

I have been researching my late Fathers history recently. He was a Military Cross holder in the Essex regiment called Charles Hailes.

I have just come into possession of his military records. These are proving to be useful in helping me to find out more about my Fathers early life. From these records I discovered that he was at Hutton school and Shenfield school between 1921 and1926.

Could you tell me if there would be records of the pupils attending. I am trying to find out if he had any siblings there and if there is any more information to be gleaned.

Pat Whitelaw

Brisbane, Australia

31 July 2007

Additional Keywords: patricia whitelaw brisbane australia

Search for a Hutton Poplars Message Board

My husband and his sister were both in Hutton Poplars in the late 1950s to late 1960s.

About 2 years ago I found a website that dealt with Hutton Poplars only, including a message board. My sister-in-law is on holiday with us at the moment and I wanted to show her the site, but it seems to have disappeared - neither NineMSN nor Google list it.

Would you happen to know whether that site is still operating and its current address, please?

*Webmaster’s comment – If anyone finds this (Pat wrote to me before this message board was set up) please let me know and I'll feature it prominently on my webpages about Hutton Poplar School.

Lesley Spencer

7 June 2007

Additional Keywords: henry white cecil white hyman white ethel white gertrude white

The White Family Ethel, Gertrude Hyman Cecil and Henry

Following a visit to the Metropolitan Archives in London I have established that my grandfather Henry Smythe Scarle White and his brothers and sisters were admitted to the workhouse in Hackney on 11th May 1891. During the next few months they were admitted to the school in Brentwood where they each appeared to stay until "maturity", the youngest Cecil aged 2 on admission staying until 1903.

I would be grateful for any information about the school during these times, especially on the court case in 1896. I would like to find out if possible why they were admitted. Their mother apparently being in touch with the guardians as each child, apart from Hyman, was discharged to her care.

Does anyone else apart from the Metropolitan Archives hold any records? I would be grateful for any help or pointers anyone can give me.

Sheila McLachlan

4 May 2007

Poplar Workhouse Board of Guardians for the early 1900s

Is there anywhere that I can find a list of the Poplar Workhouse Board of Guardians for the early 1900s? I am trying to trace one who 'adopted' my grandmother but I only have their initials.

Summarised on Facebook's "Hutton Poplars kids Fan Club!"
where there may be further information

Frank Curran

25 April 2007

Additional Keywords: francis curran

Reunions

My name is Frank Curran and I was at Hutton 1958-1963. I would love to know if you have any knowledge of reunions, if so where they are.

My sister, Jane Curran also went there at the same time. We were both in Katrine House.

June Schuit

18 February 2007

The Late 1940s

When I was a small child my mother and younger brother contracted TB and were in hospital for many years. During that period I was moved from children's home to children's home and have really no idea how long and during what periods I was where. And of course as a child time becomes distorted. I believe I was at Hutton Poplar Children's Home for a short while during the late 40s.

I am at present putting together my memoirs for my children and grandchildren and would like to get the time lines as correct as possible - therefore my interest in the home.

John Peddubriwny

5 January 2007

Additional Keywords: jonathan peddubriwny jonathon peddubriwny johnathan peddubriwny jonothon peddubriwny jonothan peddubriwny johnathon peddubriwny

Information About Hutton Poplar School

I and several members of my family were resident between 1965-68.

Listed under "Employees" is Maurice Horovitz. His official title was "Superintendent".

At the time I was there it was a Children’s Home, run by the London Borough of Hackney, where the majority of us came from.

The children were allocated into "houses" that were named after rivers and lakes in England and Wales. Prior to that they had been named after "heroic" Individuals such as Grace Darling and Florence Nightingale. Based on your map, the houses were ran around the outer ring more or less, alphabetically. As best as I can remember, the names of the houses were Avon, Bala, Cam, Dart, Eden, Fal, Grasmere (later renamed Neath), Humber, Medway, Katrine, Kennet, Windermere, Windrush. Windermere was a staff residence. The Inner Ring were sports fields.

Again, as you can see from your map, coming from Shenfield, there was a Primary School, run by Essex County Council immediately before the entrance to HP. The majority of Primary age residents attended there. The majority of those of Secondary School age attended St Martins in Hanging Hill Lane, or Brentwood County.

Charlotte Germain

8 December 2006

Additional Keywords: charlie curran

Request for Information

I am trying to find some information about Hutton Poplar Orphanage in Brentwood. I was wondering if you had any information.

*Webmaster’s comment – Although this request is very general and difficult to respond to (especially for me - having little detailed information about the School) I put this request here to keep Charlotte (Charlie) in the loop .

Joan Bruggen

28 November 2006

Additional Keywords: janet curran

Is there a list somewhere of pupils admitted and discharged between 1911 and 1926?

My father, his 2 older brothers and his sister went to this school.

My father was born in 1911, his father died before he was 1 year old and his 3 siblings went to the school. I believe my father went there when he was about 5 years old, after a period of foster care.

He joined the army as a boy musician at 15, so left the school in about 1926.

I have some photos of my father outside the school, when we visited about 10 years ago. He was then in his 80s.

Is there a list somewhere of pupils admitted at that time?

Summarised on Facebook's "Hutton Poplars kids Fan Club!"
where there may be further information

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