HOLLYMOUNT CONVENT/ children's home,BURY

[Jinxy]

Hi Jomar
I too was disturbed to hear of the book A Labour Of Love'  in regard to Hollymount.  More like a 'Labour Camp' according to my mum. She would have been there in the 30s and possibly EARLY 40s, so wouldn't have been there at the same time as yourself I'm afraid.

I was never able to understand how and why when children are in such a vulnerable situation as being away from those who they love, they are then treated so badly.

For all that, my mum was a wonderful caring person, as was my auntie who sadly has also died now, and my uncle who is still alive.  they all raised  their families well.

As to a Hollymount reunited... not sure about that one.  This thread seems to have brought quite a few people of like together, I hope that one or two of the other posters get in touch with you also.

How sad that you were orphaned at such a young age, (although its bad at any age).  Brilliant that you didn't let any of those early events blight your life.
will PM you
Jinxy

[donnaelleray]

hi Jomar,

I,m sorry to hear that you were in Hollymount, my gran and her sister was there in 1910 there about. I have the book labour of love its about experience of a woman that was in there from 1920's on wards. Yes they were subject to hard work and strict order but the nuns they couldn't give true love as they had to distance themselves from the children, so they didn't favour anyone. I know from what the book say's they took them out for picnic's etc and give them education. Which when my gran was young her elder sister and brother were starving and didn't have any education they weren't in the convant. The convant relied on sponcers and money from people to keep the place running. I did find the book very interesting, yes I got upset in some places what the children went though but which could be worse them being on the street fending for them selves in them days.
The time that you were in must of been different from the early days so I cannot speak of what experience you had and what it was like, and I,m sorry that you had that experience.
But from what my gran told me she was glad she was there, yes she had some bad times but it didn't stop her from keep visiting them in her later days when she had my mum. My mum still has the bible that my gran had from when she was in the convant.
My book is on loan at the moment so I,m unable to send you any photo's out of it, but if you go to Bury Libruary and ask for it , it cost £3.50 I haven't got the other book yet that migy told me about.
You also said you are trying to find your family, have you got your birth cert and has it been doctored. My grans was it said she was born 1908 but infact she was born 1907.
Find out who your parents were and where they lived at the time you were born, it is going to be hard as the census records only go upto 1901 but the new census is coming out in 1912 which might be of more help to you. Are you on genes they have a find family and friends section which people have got in contact with each other.
I hope I have given you some help.

Donna

[jomar]

 Hi Donna

Thank you for your posting which I found extremely interesting.

I'm not quite sure what to say to you in that, although, as you say, some effort was made to feed and clothe the children, much has gone unsaid. Perhaps it was better than being on the streets. Perhaps the nuns couldn't offer the essence of what all children need as there were so many of us.

I too went back occasionally to take some children out for a day and offer some respite to them. I always took those children who were described as "bad children who didn't deserve to go". Perhaps I was  rebel fighting back against the veil of hypocrasy. Don't be offended please but I know how it was. I am also not too naive to recognise that there were odd moments of reasonable treatment and particularly outings like picnics and a trip to Freshfields.  But these were not for everyone and often some of us were deemed "too wicked" to go even at four, five and six years of age!!

However, I'm pleased that some had a different experience and am sure they will give their own credence to that.

I am not a victim of those events by any means - simply because it taught me that the well-being of children is paramount in all areas of their development, spiritual, emotional and physical. Perhaps the rebel in me gave me strength and determination in later life.  For that
alone, I am grateful.

Yes, I do have some info re my mother, although it is  very limited. Thank you for your suggestions which I will certainly explore.

Take care

Jomar

[Mr. MIGKY]

Image removed as it may infringe copy rights
Migky [/b]

[CeeJay2]

Hello, jomar

I just wanted to say that I am positive that you are not the only one whose memories of their time spent at Holly Mount are somewhat less than blissful - as, indeed, evidenced by some of the earlier posts.  Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to find a forum where it is possible to exchange views which may differ from the official/standard take on events, and I sincerely hope that you will have some replies from fellow 'rooters' whose experience (first or second hand) resonates with yours.

The very best of luck with your venture, and take care.

                                                                                                        CeeJay2

[Mr. MIGKY]

Hi CeeJay2, Can i ask did you or any of your family spend time in Hollymount? As it is always good to hear all views on any who spent time in Hollymount.  I am always looking for any photos of children who were in Hollymount. The more people i can find and talk to about there time of family in there the better as it gives me great insight on maybe how my mothers life was back then. As there are no records( we none to speak of ) I maybe lucky one day and find some who spent time there with my mother or maybe a picture of her as a child but that might be wishfull thinkin   
Migky

[jomar]

Hello CeeJay2

It was kind of you to say what you did and I do appreciate your sincerity. Thank you!
Like Migky, I wonder if you have any knowledge of family, friend or,maybe yourself, with direct experience of how it was at Hollymount? As you may have seen, Jinxy (fellow rooter), certainly has had some clear insight from her own family which strongly resonates with mine.
Mighy's photos are quite something!! These will be of tremendous help to many looking to make sense of their own or loved ones' lives back then.

Thank you CeeJay2

Take care

Jomar

[jomar]

Hi there Migky

I noticed that you responded to CeeJay2 regarding info or insight into life at Hollymount!  Perhaps also you might find a post to Jinxy helpful.  I, personally, was there and have very strong memories.  If you wish, I could PM you rather than open forum.  If I can be of any help please let me know.

Thank you again for all your hard work re photos!

Take care


Jomar

[jomar]

Hi Mighy

Yes, I can imagine your mum will have some difficult and unhappy memories but thankfully, she is able to share them with you. That sharing will be very much a part of healing for her.  I was there between 1943 - 1949!
I had some prob sending you PM so will limit the content of this info.  For me, Hollymount was a cold, hard and uncaring place. It still haunts with memories of hunger, unkindness (bordering on down right cruelty) and I doubt if anyone left there feeling of any worth.   Thankfully, like your mum, I have a family who are special!  I have had a career working as a child psychologist and childrens' wellbeing, protection and security are very important to me.  I will, when I sort it out, find a way to give you more detail when I can PM you.

Don't worry about photos.  You have done so much, and no one can call u lazy!  I know you will forward them as and when you are able.  So sorry that I haven't got any to pass on to you!  It wasn't something we were given in those days.

Thank you Migky and best wishes to your mum

Jomar