114/1 Childhood Memories a photographic history of Dr Barnardo's

17/6/08 via email

I lived there and left in 1969, and I can confirm there had been boys and girls at Arnhall since at least 1961. They came from a boys home The Marfords Bromborough, Cheshire with the new Superintendents, Mr and Mrs Fuller. I too have treasured memories. The latest sad news I have heard is that the building is in the hands of the developers which probably means it will be knocked down.

Yours

Mrs Diane Hemmings

Mrs Joan Lawler, née McLocklin  recalled her time at Arnhall for the Barnardo Guild Magazine in 1988:

I often think and dream of Arnhall. A lovely, large mansion that was once my home, set in beautiful grounds.

The girls I haven't heard of or seen for 30 years now. I can recall their names and faces still. In our family or dormitory were Pauline, Kathleen, Pauline B, Molly, Jennifer, Anita, Pamela, Irene, and Doreen and many more.

The small simple joys like going down for a swim in the oh so cold Irish Sea and the squeals of laughter at the fun of it all. Walking to school round the bay of Llandudno on wild stormy days, when the waves were that high they hit the promenade with such ferocity.

The long, dark winter evenings by the fireside, in the big girls' study and sitting room, listening to exciting serials on the radio, such as 'Journey into Space' and 'The Archers', music from the shows and comedies, like 'Life with the Lyons'.

The tennis courts given generously by the town Rotary Club, where we 'spent many happy summer afternoons and evenings. The fun of going for long walks over the hills nearby. Sitting in the woods listening to Miss Crossley reading excerpts from exciting adventure stories, before having to tear away for tea-time. A trip occasionally into the town to one of the large cinemas was a lovely rare experience.

Christmas was a very special time to recall. After saving our pocket money all the year our shopping lists were written and off our little family groups would go to Woolworth's. We would also watch the post-van arrive each day, full of parcels of every shape, imagining and hoping some were for each one of us. The Christmas parties held in grand hotels and large winter ballrooms were really something to always remember as there were so many children also from the town. Fun games and good party fayre and always a super present to bring home afterwards.

In the summer season we would sometimes climb up the steep slopes of the 'Great Orme' in the Happy Valley to listen to Walderin and his brass band.

A team of medical students and nurses would arrive from Liverpool to spend their holidays bringing their Christian message to holiday makers. 'Joyful Juniors', a group they called themselves. There would be simple choruses and Bible stories and prize-givings for the Bible quizzes that followed. It was great fun and filled in our mornings during those long summer holidays. I can write many stories of those days growing up with companions and friendship and it really seems like yesterday, not 30 years ago. It was a wonderful experience to have lived in that lovely house that was our home, Arnhall. Those times will always have a special place in my childhood memories.

Joan Lawler, née McLocklin

Reproduced from The Guild Messenger Summer 1988

N.B The surnames of the girls have been removed from the original copy.