Axholme House was opened 1962 as a mixed home. Then sixteen years later the children left Axholme House doors for the last time in September 1978 The decline in demand for residential places brought an end to the valuable service Axholme House provided. The Home finally closed in October 1978, on the retirement of Mrs. Eva Kay, who had been Superintendent there for twelve years.

46/1 Childhood Memories a photographic history of Dr Barnardo's

Consideration was given to changing the function of the Home to care for adolescents but owing to insufficient support by local authorities it was impossible to pursue the project. Many children have lived at Axholme House over the sixteen years it has been in operation, and those adults who paid a visit often reflected on their stay at the establishment.

Over the last three years, the changing need brought a much younger aged child to Doncaster, the majority of whom were only to stay for a short time until more appropriate long-term provision was found for them. By the beginning of September 1978, all the children had moved on, leaving a very sad yet dedicated team of staff behind. Three of these staff members transferred to other· Barnardo establishments within the Division.