West Lodge

Finally tracked down an image of West Lodge. Not a good one unfortunately. I was told that it was taken from a moving car. The image was given by Michael Holehouse a former resident of the childrens’ home. Demolition was started in April 1990.

Comments about this page

  • I and my 4 brothers lived at West Lodge between about 1974 till about 1977. We believe it was West Lodge’s biggest single family intake up until then. We believe it may have been due to our mum’s dying wish for us to be kept together.
    We were first invited to check out “brand new clothing range” before moving on to the towels and toothbrushes before being shown our own 5 bed bedroom, we had our own dining table with a two handled teapot to be proud. We also had no need to worry about the school dinner ladies strike either as we started each day with a three course breakfast, (but omg waking up to the smell of them kippers and the morning sound of roosters crowing). Midday we made do with a snack meal and then a three course teatime meal all cooked by just one amazing Cook without any microwave ovens. The first superintendent was called Dave Wilson and wife Ruby, who came across as stern but they would always be the first to speak up for you. After retirement the superintendent was Ray Sparkes and wife Norma, who we also have many fond memories of. Whether it was the superintendents, other care staff or the cleaners it seemed everybody just wanted to be there for the kids.
    When my daughters asked me “was it horrible for you in a kid’s home?” I replied, “No our time at West Lodge was the best time of our lives”

    By Alan Camm (23/02/2024)
  • I lived at West Lodge mid 70’s till early 80’s and have very fond memories of my time there.

    By Barrie lloyd (12/01/2023)
  • At West Lodge in 1954 to early 1956 as a new born. Vague memory of the Champney family and their daughter Elizabeth.
    No photos folks but would love if anybody knows the names, all I hit is a brick wall??

    By peter dodsley (12/03/2021)
  • Is there be a record of residents? I’m trying to trace a relative who I think may of been moved here from the Workhouse.

    By April wood (10/08/2020)
  • Agness Holehouse was my dad’s sister from Victoria Street, Mansfield. I was in West Lodge in 1969, only have one photo of the front of it, I was in the top left bedroom sharing, and I attended Pleasley School then. I do not see anyone anymore great memories = M.D.HOLEHOUSE.
    The carers at the time were Peter & Betty Willeton.

    By Michael Holehouse (29/06/2020)
  • I was in West Lodge 1972-1976, they called me Jimmy James because there was already a Paul and a David.

    By Paul James (02/05/2020)
  • I was in west lodge from 1981 to 1986 I loved messing about in the celler. A bit creepy but fun.

    By BRIAN SMITH (Dosser) (25/11/2019)
  • I was at Westlodge from 1970 to 1976 and have many photos and memories of the home.

    By Adrian Hickling (12/05/2019)
  • I was a resident there in 1984-1985 loved every minute of it, would love to meet some of the guys who were there when I was

    By Andrew Jowett (21/04/2019)
  • I was in west lodge children’s home from 1986 to 1988 .

    By Donna (20/12/2018)
  • Jeffrey,

    Can we suggest you do a separate page with some of the photographs you mention on it. It is not possible to add them to this page.

     

    By Editors (05/06/2017)
  • I have a number of photo’s taken around the time Mark was born at Layton Burrow of Bert & Betty, together with many of the children.

    By Jeffrey Derbyshire (03/06/2017)
  • I am married to Mark Knight, the son of Bert & Betty Knight and he has very fond memories of living at West Lodge with all the children before moving to Edwinstowe, which they too looked after leaving West Lodge.

    By jess knight (14/10/2016)
  • West Lodge, Yes, I was there for a little while, leaving in early summer of 1959, having moved lock, stock and barrel from Layton Burrows children’s home on St. John’s Place in ’58.

    Remember the gardens at rear, lawn perfect for cricket, fruit trees a-plenty, we had a full-time gardener in those days.

    Thinking back, West Lodge was a little old, with stone stair-cases that went up and up, remember the bedroom the boys shared, top rear at one time, but as children moved in and out it was ‘all change’ as some room’s where larger than others.

    We were looked after by Bert & Betty Knight who was devoted to caring for all the children.  It was a very happy family of children from far and wide, we were very lucky to have been cared for by such devoted and loving heads.

    By Jeffrey Derbyshire (03/11/2014)
  • Whilst doing family research I discovered that one of my distant relatives was placed into West Lodge as a young child. I did have an idea where the home was located, but after seeing this photo it certainly jolted my memory. I also have discovered very distant relatives residing in the workhouse and have some interesting stories.

    By Angela Roche (10/06/2013)
  • I remember West Lodge, and I also knew an Agness Holehouse, she lived in the Victoria Street area…( Maybe Related ). Made me think of that time in my life and reflect on how lucky I was. I cannot recollect any old folks homes in the 1930s or 1940s, only the workhouses come to mind. At that time, old people either went into the Victoria Hospital, or if people could not afford to keep themselves, they were placed into the Workhouse , and if at all possible, had to work for their keep. Many young unmarried young ladies who found themselves pregnant, were also often placed in the care of the Workhouse, they to had to work for their keep, including the keep of the new babies.

    By alan curtis (08/06/2013)

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