Child Haven, Tiptree / Hutton / Stock, Essex
In 1905, Robert Rowntree Clifford founded the Baptist Mission in Plaistow, which became known as the West Ham Central Mission (WHCM), providing practical and spiritual support, respite and guidance. In 1921, the the WHCM established the Child Haven convalescent home, which originally occupied a country house at Tiptree, Essex.
In 1928, the home moved to a property previously known as Burses, on Rayleigh Road, Hutton. The official opening was carried out by the Duchess of York on 10 May.
The Duchess of York opens Child Haven, Hutton, 1928.
Child Haven, Hutton, c.1928.
Clifford died in 1943, but his work was continued by his eldest son, the Rev. Paul Rowntree Clifford.
In 1948, the Hutton home moved to a property known as Greenwoods, at Stock, near Billericay. As well as a convalescent home, the premises also acted as a retreat, a conference centre and a place for holidays for children and mothers and their babies.
An establishment known as Orchard House was established nearby for boys in the need of care and protection.
On 6 January 1949, the Hutton premises were certified for use as an Approved School for Girls. Just over a year later, on 22 April 1950, the school's managers gave notice of their intention to resign its certificate. The property later became the headquarters of the Essex County Fire Brigade.
In 1965, under the charge of Ron Messenger, Greenwoods became a therapeuic community.
In 1998, Greenwoods was closed and subsequently became a country house hotel. The charity then moved its work to Basildon and begand providing counselling and support to children, young people and adults, both within its own centre and in schools,
In 2013, the charity was renamed Renew.
Records
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- None identfied at present — any information welcome.
Bibliography
- Higginbotham, Peter Children's Homes: A History of Institutional Care for Britain s Young (2017, Pen & Sword)
Links
Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.
