Alan Esdaile… They used to have these fund raising events with stars from television in Bexhill on a regular basis. Remember going to one where Albert Tatlock (Jack Howarth) Coronation Street, was sitting under a tree handing out maltesers to anyone who gave a donation.
Wendy Weaver… I was there. Must have been 1980 as it was the first entire year I lived in Hastings.
Nastassja Kaschevsky… I remember that! I think The actress Gwen Watford did one as well.
Catherine Ireland… I was there, lovely afternoons also Brian Rix did some.
Keith Cowper… I saw Vera Lynn there and Chitty the car !
Jacqueline Marsh… I went to the same stage school as Gwen watford it was called the orchardcschool and was in a large white Victorian mansion at the top of Sedlescome road north. Just before the mini roundabout. The school has long been demolished but have many happy memories of learning to act and sing and even perform at White Rock Pavilion
Wendy Weaver… Gwen Watford was involved with The Stables Theatre. They have the Gwen Watford Gallery there.
Andre Martin… The Orchard School – Miss Catt’s establishment oh boy she was strict
Mark Sevia… I worked at Colwall Court in the 1970s. It was not easy to combine care of the children with fundraising and hosting the stars. Sadly Sheila Rawstorne chief executive died in 2018 just months after Peggy Cummins chair and movie star in 2017. They continued to fundraise until the end of their lives for the benefit of children with cerebral palsy. Extra ordinary commitment.
Jan Warren… This is a “long shot”??? but just wondering if anyone who worked at Colwall Court in the early 70s remembers Yvonne Jones? she was a good friend of mine, beautiful, hippy girl, long, blond(ish) hair, I know she worked at Colwall Court (maybe a girl called Lisa as well) – I’d love to know what happened to Yvonne?! – her parents had the radio/tv repair shop in Western Road, Bexhill and I believe Yvonne lived in Hastings a few years later …………. any info would be much appreciated, thanks
Margareta Reinecke… Hi Jan Warren… I worked at Colwall Court in Summer 1977. Were you working as an Ass. Houseparent? William Simpson was the Manager…. Helen, Jane, Ritsuko, Susan. Stars Fiesta with Leslie Crowther, Ronald Leigh-Hunt… I still have pics!
Jan Warren… Hi Margareta, 1977 would have been too late as I meant the early 70s, but thanks anyway!
Margareta Reinecke… This was all in summer 1977. With an autograph by Leslie Crowther. I will be back this July.
all photos… Margareta Reinecke
Dave Nattress… Well…for the sake of it, I think I remember Yvonne Jones – and I think a mate went out with her for a short while. Recall the TV shop connection I’m sure. Was her brother Tom Jones? who I knew/saw around for a while. Think Tom’s been mentioned on this website a few times. Used to sing in bands. I’m going back to 1969/1970 and the memory is faint!! But, I’m sure the description of Yvonne fits the bill as the Hippy Girl with long blondish.ginger hair? A good few of us were (weekend mainly), hippie types in Bexhill back in those days. Left school in 69 where hair had to be a certain reasonable length then grew it without cutting it for yonks. Remember the Colwell Court stars do’s well and went to several. Used to be a big deal in Bexhill as a charity and fund-raising for children with serious disabilities.
Mark Sevia… Good to know there is still interest in Colwlll Court. after so many years. In the 1970s there were many stars on the list of Stars Organisation for Spastics, but very few actively involved in management . At Colwall Court, Vera Lynn, Leslie Crowther, Dickie Henderson, Peggy Cummins, Francis Matthews Pierre Picton were the most directly involved. Others turned up for the Fiesta and photo opportunities. It was assumed that such a high profile charity had a lot of money but this was not the case. Very few staff were actually employed , and students recrutied for pocket money in the busy season. The onsite Manager was expected to fund raise, publicise and organise events as well as oversee the manangement of the centre. It was a tough assignment and serious challenge. Good to know that the Memorial Plaque at the ramp to the beach has over come political correctness and is to be replaced soon with an updated version! Well done to the campaigners.
Susan Goto… (in reply to Margareta Reinecke) I worked at Colwall court from 1976 to 1979 I met my husband Ryuji there, we have been married for 40 years this year!
Nick Bloomfield… I was involved in one of these days. I met Albert Tatlock and Lorraine Chase (Her of ‘Luton Airport’ fame from the Campari Ad.). I was more popular with the kids though as I was dressed in cardboard and as a robot. It was a very hot day. Probably around 1980ish…
Mark Sevia… The passing of Vera Lynn attracted a lot of attention. Little mention of her incredible charity work which started in Bexhill and continued all her life. From making the curtains to chairing the committee and organising charity balls in Park Lane Dame Vera was an inspiration yet formidable boss.
Harry Randall… His daughter was married to Phil Lynott not a lot of people know that!
Leigh Wieland- Boys…. me standing next to Harry Secombe’s car outside Colwall Court circa 1973
supplied by Leigh Wieland-Boys
Nicholas Rosenberg… I worked at Cole all court for one summer around the late sixties or early seventies. My enduring memories are against the backdrop of “Only You” by the Platters which was played over and over again on the record player. I still like that track to this day.
Mick Toms… I worked at Colwell Court in the Summers of 1974 and 1975 during the School Holidays, Helped out in the Kitchen and also helped out on some of the Day Trips out in the Mini Bus… My Mother Julie Cooper worked here for many Years and my Step Father was Brian Cooper the Chef… they kept in touch with Mr Simpson for many Years…. I remember meeting many of the Celebrities who supported the S.O.S
Mark Sevia… Brian and Julie were a great support to me when i was manager before Mr Simpson. The Committee were very demanding at events and although the budget did not really cover it Brian produced wonderful meals.
Colin Bell… My Dad and Gwen Watford went out together, don’t know for how long, i know Dad was quite keen, she could have been my mum potentially!
I worked at Colwall Court in the 1970s. It was not easy to combine care of the children with fundraising and hosting the stars. Sadly Sheila Rawstorne chief executive died in 2018 just months after Peggy Cummins chair and movie star in 2017. They continued to fundraise until the end of their lives for the benefit of children with cerebral palsy. Extra ordinary commitment
Hi Jan Warren… I worked at Colwall Court in Summer 1977. Were you working as an Ass. Houseparent? William Simpson was the Manager…. Helen, Jane, Ritsuko, Susan. Stars Fiesta with Leslie Crowther, Ronald Leigh-Hunt… I still have pics!
I worked at Colwall court from 1976 to 1979 I met my husband Ryuji there, we have been married for 40 years this year!
Well…for the sake of it, I think I remember Yvonne Jones – and I think a mate went out with her for a short while. Recall the TV shop connection I’m sure. Was her brother Tom Jones? who I knew/saw around for a while. Think Tom’s been mentioned on this website a few times. Used to sing in bands. I’m going back to 1969/1970 and the memory is faint!! But, I’m sure the description of Yvonne fits the bill as the Hippy Girl with long blondish.ginger hair? A good few of us were (weekend mainly), hippie types in Bexhill back in those days. Left school in 69 where hair had to be a certain reasonable length then grew it without cutting it for yonks.
Remember the Colwell Court stars do’s well and went to several. Used to be a big deal in Bexhill as a charity and fund-raising for children with serious disabilities.
Good to know there is still interest in Colwlll Court. after so many years. In the 1970s there were many stars on the list of Stars Organisation for Spastics, but very few actively ivolved in management . At Colwall Court Vera Lynn Leslie Crowther, Dicke Henderson, Peggy Cummins, Francis Matthews Pierre Picton were the most directly involved.. Others Turned up for the Fiesta and photo opportunities. It was assumed that such a high profile charity had a lot of money but this was not the case. Very few staff were actually employed , and students recrutied for pocket money in the busy season. The onsite Manager was expected to fundraise, pubnlicse and organise events as well as oversee the maangement of the Centre. It ws a tough assignment and serious challenge. Good to know that the Memorial Plaque at the ramp to he beach has oversdome political correctness and is to be replaced soon with an updated version! Well done to the campaigners.
I was involved in one of these days. I met Albert Tatlock and Lorraine Chase (Her of ‘Luton Airport’ fame from the Campari Ad.). I was more popular with the kids though as I was dressed in cardboard and as a robot. It was a very hot day. Probably around !980ish…
The passing of Vera Lynn attracted a lot of attention. Little mention of her incredible charity work which started in Bexhill and continued all her life. From making the curtains to chairing the committee and organising charity balls in Park Lane Dame Vera was an inspiration yet formidable boss.
I worked at Cole all court for one summer around the late sixties or early seventies. My enduring memories are against the backdrop of “Only You” by the Platters which was played over and over again on the record player. I still like that track to this day.
I worked at Colwell Court in the Summers of 1974 and 1975 during the School Holidays, Helped out in the Kitchen and also helped out on some of the Day Trips out in the Mini Bus… My Mother Julie Cooper worked here for many Years and my Step Father was Brian Cooper the Chef… they kept in touch with Mr Simpson for many Years…. I remember meeting many of the Celebrities who supported the S.O.S
Brian and Julie were a great support to me when i was manager before Mr Simpson. The Committee were very demanding at events and although the budget did not really cover it Brian produced wonderful meals.