The 'Naughty Girls' School, Kingfield Road

Hi Michelle - I was the person who started this topic and that I feel rather bad having read your insightful comments. I grew up just three streets away from the school. Those imposing doors and watching the girls walking in crocodile fashion made this inquisitive child ask questions. We were told that the girls were there because they were naughty. Now I know that girls were being taken into care for other reasons I feel rather foolish. Please accept my sincere apologies.

Hello Bryn Thank you for your kind words back, but you didn't hurt my feelings and please don't feel foolish in any way as I would have prob been the same not knowing anything about a place, so there is nothing to apologise for. and as PhilipinCoventry says that is life and I'm ok. Regards, Michelle xx

Michelle's story is covered by the Coventry Telegraph today in this article

Hi all. It is a sad fact of reality, that many of our institutions (schools, colleges, churches, care homes & the like) have had their historical darker side revealed form time to time, even the big name ones. Caught up in these events are real people. A statement that comes to mind is "There but for the grace of God go I". Who knows how we or I would cope in similar circumstances. Somehow, some are able to dust themselves down & reclaim a life for themselves. Some are not so able & might need help. The one thing that we do have today is the most comprehensive means of communication in history, so that victims are able to express themselves.

I had just read the article in the Telegraph before coming on to the Forum site. I really regret initiating the topic now that I know more about what was going on. I wonder if this would be an appropriate time to archive the file or at least change the topic heading.

Hello Bryn, Please don't worry about this post. We all just read it and move on. That's what is so great about this forum, we state what we think we know and accept all points of view. I personally look on it as an education and consider myself at my age to have a fairly broad mind in these modern times. Hope we shall hear lots more of your memories. If you knew what we 'ladies' got up to at St. Joseph's you would have a fit. Yes, folks my lips are sealed.

Hi & thank you Dreamtime, Spot on Dreamtime. KHVIII had its sackings too. You told it as it was Bryn & that is a fact at the time. Please relax & enjoy your time with us.

Morning all, haven't been in for ages, been busy and also as you're all aware I hit front page of the news, but please don't feel you have anything to feel sorry for. Anything that's been said none of you knew about the bad things happening in that home, and I have nothing to feel ashamed about either. It's a topic which human beings all talk about on all types of things. I was reading through some comments of what some of you wrote and I thought I'd say to you I'm not offended, you have not upset me, it's day to day life now. So please say whatever you have to. Anyway I'll stop waffling on and hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend.

Hi Michelle, We love you coming on. Even as we get older, life is still a learning curve for most of us. Being part of our forum has opened me up to a better understanding of all sorts of issues. Please enjoy your time with us. Generally, sharing issues is better than bottling them up & besides, people read these posts who are not necessarily members. Who knows what a help that might be to someone with similar circumstances. Best wishes to you.

Hi, I too was in this home, but when I think of this place it makes my skin crawl and a sick feeling. It was a life sentence for me and other girls. I'm now 48yrs and there isn't a day that goes by that I think of what Donaldson done to us girls, we was put in sheets with nothing under them, ages 13-15. We was abused by him, made to feel worthless he stole what bit of childhood we had left. I was one of the girls who set the fire, wrong I know. But we tried to tell police social workers, but still no one listened, our cries was in vain. I was a runaway from home, I always remember the woods and the lad with his rabbits foot I learnt the art of the drain pipe climbing. I went to crown court and faced this vile man I thought that would be the end, but I was so wrong. It's a nightmare I don't want to be bitter but his now free walking the streets. While I'm still doing a life sentence. Please don't close this topic as it's sites like these which helps people like us to get the truth out, and may prevent it happening to others. Tc all.

You have guts Nana.

Hi Mic, its been a long time, good to hear your well, I often think of us all. The last time I seen you was the night of the fire when we was all carted off, I hear you remember me from Sheffield lol, its not Sheffield it was Shenley Drive. Bless you, I went to field house secure unit after the fire and then went back to brum, where I stayed till I was 16yr old. Look forward to hearing from you, take all

Merry Christmas dreamtime x