Simpson Hill, Bury

[Jackie S]

Simpson Hill Was also known as St Anne's Mother and Baby home. I know as I was in the home in 1966. When I was there the babies were born in Fairfield so check Bury birth records. Good luck.Jackie

[Sheilaormsby]

I was at st Anne's on Simpson hill in 1973 it housed around 10 young expectant mothers I was 15 at the time and gave birth to my son at Fairfield general hospital in bury then we came back to st Anne's we spent 6 weeks with the baby then they were taken to foster parents or adoption . I kept my son would like to liaise with anyone who was at st Anne's or chat about what it was like .
Kind regards sheila

[Jackie S]

Hello there Jackie here. I was in the mother and baby home in 1966. Whilst it was hard at first, I think we did have some fun under difficult circumstances. I had to have my twins adopted which I have regretted to this day. Nice to find a like minded person.

[Sheilaormsby]

I was there in 1973 as a young 15 year old I found it quite traumatic I went to Fairfield hospital to have my son we returned back to simpson hill and I recall the baby nursery was downstairs and we were encouraged not to bond with the baby . I was fortunate I kept my son but life was always a struggle family disowned me for years .my son is now 41 and I never regretted my decision to keep him albeit he was fostered for some time I would not agree to adoption . I met many girls in my situation and often think of them was there anybody else there in 1973 . Love to share memories good or bad . Sheila x

[Jackie S]

Lovely to hear your story Sheila. So pleased you were able to keep your son. I wanted to keep my twins but was made to go down the adoption route. I think if I had had one baby I would have stood my ground but sadly I didn't. Knowing what I know now I would have done but hindsight is a wonderful thing and it did make me stronger. I was lucky enough to have three more children but I still cannot get my first boys out of my head. The only thing is that you have to consider their parents as it must be awful for them. I have done all I can to search for them but keep coming up against a brick wall. I have even applied to Long Lost Family without any luck. Best wishes Jackie x

[Sheilaormsby]

Jackie I wish you every success in the search for your twins if I could help you in any way please let me know were they born at Fairfield hospital .? In those days we were not given the support that young people get today we were removed from our family homes so no disgrace and shame was put on the family . Is the house on simpson hill still there ? I wonder if anyone has any pictures from the mother and baby home if they have and reading this please get in touch . Take care Jackie and get in touch any time . XX sheila

[Jackie S]

I have a photograph of the girls I was in the home with but don't know how to send it on here. I am still in touch with one of the girls I was in with. She kept her daughter. The home is still there but it is like a community centre I think. There appears to be a nursery built to the left as you look from the front. There are also houses built facing too. There wasn't when I was there. Was it called St Anne's Mother and Baby home whilst you were there ? Who was the Matron was it Maureen Suckley and was Mrs Young in charge of cleaning?. Jackie.xxx

[Jackie S]

 
Sorry Sheila yes born Fairfield.

[Sheilaormsby]

I don't recall the staff names but remember the nursery being on the left and having a big communal sitting room  on the right where the girls spent there time socialising after doing there designated jobs . How old would your twins be I recall we had to spend the first 6weeks  with the baby then the social worker would come and take the baby or babies and you would leave the same day . Must be so many people out there went through our experience which stays with you a lifetime . My e mail is * if you could send me the pic you have . Love sheila x

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