Memory Tree
“I remember how the ladies came to the dress rehearsals of Hampton Players in Fentham Hall. The ladies were very fond of Gary (village policeman) and when he came on stage they always shouted, “Hello Gary” and/laughed at his performances whether it was a comedy or tragedy.”
“Thank you for putting on this exhibition. My mother was involved in a similar scheme in Bearwood where residents were moved to “care in the community” and I remember the local opposition… let’s hope folk/are not so narrow-minded today and would be welcoming to those of all abilities J - Mary (Lyndon People)”
“So thrilled to be here to see the amazing work Claire & her team have done! - Mandy Stonier”
“A great exhibition! Brought back happy memories of working with residents when they moved into the community 1995 – 1997!! – Alison Kempster, Richard and Daniel”
“I enjoyed looking around, watching the videos, especially seeing my old friend Ronnie – Pauline”
“In loving memory of our Ronnie (Overall) 1935 – 2019 with love from all the staff and residents at Creynolds Lane”
“Excellent work for Hidden Lives, so proud of you mom Kathy O’Bryan with your work the stigma will stop one day”
“So many memories of Middlefield residents Harold Postlethwaite, Albert, Tommy, Ralph, Derek and others. Ralph in his shorts always told me when the clocks were going back or forwards. I gatecrashed Harold’s 80th birthday party – John Bragg”
“A most informative and well put together exhibition. Thank you to everyone who has obviously worked extremely hard putting it into such a succinct and easy to read format – Carol Jackson”
“In the 60s I worked at the George Hotel and then the Greswolde Hotel in Knowle. Most of the kitchen porters were residents from Middlefield. We found them to be competent workers and sociable people.”
“I will always remember George, Lesley and Ronnie, and everything that I have learnt from working on the Hidden Lives Remembered project. Well done Claire on the exhibition you have worked really hard and the residents stories will always be remembered. It has made me/reflect on my own life and how lucky I have been to have a job at SATA and now at CASBA”
“I worked at Middlefield briefly in the early 1970s. Happy memories of lovely people and dedicated staff/In loving memory of Eddie Pers, who was a Charge Nurse at Middlefield and who made a huge difference to people’s lives. Thank you Eddie, from Richard”
“My sister Megan worked at Middlefield in the late 60s and early 70s I followed her in the first Solihull College placement in 1973. Stayed with the client group until 2013 – D.H.”
“Many happy memories of lovely people now long gone.”
“My mum & dad both worked at Middlefield from 1975 until it closed (Margaret Pers & Eddie Pers). Me and my sister (Fran) both grew up on the grounds of Middlefield and have many happy memories of going on holidays with the residents. This is a fantastic exhibition that honours the staff and residents at Middlefield. Thank you, Elena Pers”
“I lived in Cheswick Green when Bromford were buying some houses in the area for people from Middlefield to move into. I remember some of the neighbours protesting about this! I didn’t agree with my neighbours.”
“We have many fond and happy memories of coming to the Manor to read stories to the girls, and to enjoy their company. We loved buying Christmas presents from the craft shop./It was always great to pop over from the library and see everyone. We shall never forget the girls. With love, Sue and Karen (Hampton Library)”
“Really lovely to see the work my mom Kathleen done, very proud of her, son Robert”
“I have the pleasure of working with some of the residents at Newlands Bishop Farm – Liz”
“I worked at Middlefield Hospital from 1975 til it closed. Both my daughters were born there. The residents had a good life, and looked after by dedicated staff. They were taken on holiday. Only political reasons caused Middlefield to make way for houses. The residents will stay with me forever – Margaret Pers”