st monicas

[cavan]

Hi. Does anyone have any recollections of a mother and baby home called St Monica's which was in Kendall Cumbria. My wife was a resident there in the 1960s and has unpleasant memories of the place. She is trying to bury a few ghost's and wonders if anyone recalls the place, and has any comments.

[weeal]

I hope someone on here can help her, and put her mind at rest.

I searched on google for any info but only the Parish Church and the School comes up in my search for any info.

[weeal]

I've only found one St Monica's home for mothers and it was in Bradford which isnt close enough.

[cavan]

Thanks Weeal
The St Monicas in question was actually in Kendal cumbria.

[madboutcats]

heres the web site for my local newspaper in cumbria
www.newsandstar.co.uk. The main newspaper for the region is the cumberland news and it has many sister papers and i think that there is one for kendal region. maybe you could get in touch with paper and they might be able to help.

[weeal]

Was the home run by the catholic church? or nuns? maybe you would get some info from the local church.

I assume the building is now demolished or used for another purpose?

[cavan]

Thanks to all who have answered my query. What we are actually looking for are memories of the place from ex residents, i.e. young unmarried mums who were frowned upon in the 1960s and shipped off to these establishments. My wife has bad memories and would like to hear from anyone with the same. and finally put it to rest.
thanks again.

[WestCumbrian]

I was born there in 1952 and I am also anxious to talk to someone who was there. I did get a copy of an article from the Westmorland Gazette about it. Also visited the home - which was quite unnerving!

[luckylel]

Hi there, I was in St Monica's. Arrived end of November in 1968. 6weeks before baby was due. Gave birth on January 11th, and looked after baby for 6weeks before she went to adoptive parents. I was a bit aprehensive at first, as had never left home, I was 16 at the time. But found the place pretty good, everyone was in the same boat. we all had jobs to do, before and after the birth. Food was good, and staff excellent. Fanny was the cook, Sister Thompson was the live in nurse, and cannot remember the matrons name, but still have the hankie she gave us on Christmas day. I hope this helps you. We all came from different walks of life, one was on her second pregnancy. Some had knowone to turn to, they kept things quiet from their families and friends. I have just met up with one of the girls after nearly 40 years through Friends Reunited. Often reminise about the old times. Hope this helps.

[glenvine]

According to records obtained from Kendal BDM office I recently learnt that I was born ther in 1940. My birth mothers name was Marjorie Elisabeth Smith and here address is shown as 7 Ribblesdale Place, Chorley. Unfortunately ther is no fathers name on the record.

[natters23]

hi would just like 2say, the home which was st monicas has not been demolished it is still standing, it is now a residential home 4 the elderly i have worked there for 6 years now and have had quite a few people come 2the home requesting 2look around as they were born there or had stayed there.. its so strange for them but amazing 2hear some of there stories.