Horsington House was opened in 1945, but who owned the property before Dr Barnardo's. In 1923 the house and park were owned by Catherine Campbell Noyes, who sold the house in 1939 to Malvern Girls' college. The house and land was sold to Dr. Barnardo's Home and was used as a Home from 1946 until July 1972  when the home was closed. Barnardo's sold it and subsequently Horsington House became an hotel.

Horsington House photo web site by Peter Turner. Photos taken by  Geoff Whitehorn (Dad)

Calling all old boys do you remember John "Jack" Johnstone now living in Canada, he would like to hear from you. You can contact him jack.johnstone@goldonian.org

HORSINGTON HOUSE TEMPLECOMBE, SOMERSET

Sadly and inevitably, some things in life must draw to a close, and yet, looking back, there is no cause for gloom-memories stir up so much happiness.

Horsington is a much-loved, roomy house, ideally - situated in about twenty acres of ground, commanding superb and extensive views from every window. Village life has given contentment, and these grounds have provided great space for loads of activities and freedom of movement for the many child­ren who have known this place as home.

For almost twenty-six years, it has been alive with noise and laughter, storm and calm, sorrow and heartache, accompanied by a host of interests and activities such as church attend­ance, school, Sunday evening services at home, art and photography, concerts and gang shows, parties-especially Christmas ones- clubs and the more vigorous outdoor games, plus treasure hunts, camping, swimming and lots more, and, over the latter years, Youth Hostel­ling.

Our large family of children and staff is now well scattered, even to the far ends of the globe. Some have wide experience of travel, yet still think of the Old Home. Although now grown-up and separated, many meet up with each other. The majority are progressing well in their varied occupations; a fair number are serving in H.M. Forces in different ranks, the rest of the boys working in all kinds of jobs-as mechanics, farm workers, bank and insurance clerks, accoun­tancy and directorship, also in public service, police, ambulance service, and transport.

Several previous members of staff keep in touch and have continued in the line of caring for children, either in Child Care or teaching. We have very pleasant encounters in meet­ing the friendly wives of our Old Boys, and it is completely rewarding and pleasing to see them working together to build up their own homes, with obvious love and care for their children. Many romances have flourished here!

It was a great day for us when, a week be­fore Christmas, about 150 of us met under this roof for a "Get Together". The place became alive again. Lots of photographs were hung in the different rooms, setting a start for conversation. Everyone was happy to meet each other and amused by the change of appear­ance over the years. Of course, we all enjoyed the celebration tea, reminding us of previous Christmas parties! We thank God for the quality and character of these men, shown by their general ease and friendliness. With all the ups and downs, and with few exceptions, a genuine love is shown for the Home.

Special thought is given to those who are finding it difficult to adjust to life, causing anxiety and pain to themselves and others. We sincerely hope their problems will soon be solved.

Reproduced from The Guild Messenger August 1972