Allonby, From The North c.1955

Photo ref: A289005

I have no good memories of this place. Cruelty and abuse are the only memories I have

My Auntie and Uncle lived in a wing of Allonby Reading Room; it was called Melville House. Their surname was Hill and their Christian names were May and Joseph. I spent many summer holidays in the 50s and early 60s with them and enjoyed the time with them; riding horses, spending time on the beach and going to the Lake District. I went to Auntie May's funeral and she was buried in Allonby church cemetery. It is not ...see more

Should remember the Solway Hotel as this was where I was born just after 5,00 am on the 10th October 1947. Born to Annie and Stanley Harold Pearson who owned the Hotel. I spent my early years roaming the village with two cats in tow - Darky and Topsy. Moved to my Grandmothers in Silloth when my parents separated. Spent the next 12 years travelling backwards and forwards.

I can remember going to the Allonby Sunshine Home as a very young boy, where an aunt and uncle were in charge but I cannot remember their names. I went there on a personal visit, not as a resident as I went with my grandmother Alice Lancaster from Workington (now deceased). I remember various children being there in a bright and airy room and they did not seem to be very happy. Does anyone have a recollection of people who were in charge round the mid 1950's?