"Bowl of Beauty" peonies with foxglove
My short stories have been published in Scottish literary magazines such as Northwords and Pushing Out the Boat. Some of my stories are “written in American,” but increasingly they come to me as narrated by a vaguely Scottish/British voice. To read one, click on the title (under “Short Stories”) on the bar on the right.
Hi christine
Just thought I’d mention that I was brought up in St Martha’s Home which was run by the nun’s of St Margaret’s Convent which was adjacent, from aged aprox 3 until the home closed in 1973. Some of the nun’s and stories I remember are both funny and sad at times – but my siblings and I all grew up to be normal law abiding people
By: Chris Pollock (nee Kelman) on January 16, 2012
at 8:06 pm
Hello Chris! How very interesting. I never knew that there was a children’s home next to the convent. I’d always assumed that it must once have been a very large convent, because there are so many rooms, but perhaps what I was looking at was in part the children’s home.
I’m also interested from the point of view of being an adoptive mother. My experience of modern adoption and the care system, and my acquaintance with older local people who grew up in old-style “orphanages,” leads me to believe that they were in many instances a better environment than what many “cared-for” children currently live in. I bet you do have some sad and funny stories…
Thanks so much for your comment!
By: christinelaennec on January 18, 2012
at 11:08 am
Hi Christine
Yes when you look through the gate of 19 Spittal the large building was the Children’s home it housed at one time up to aprox 60 children we were divided into houses ie Robins, swallows and sparrows. As you say it seems it was a better enviroment than many today.
Chris
By: Chris Pollock on January 18, 2012
at 6:34 pm
Hi Christine do you remember me liz ogg. I remember you and your siblings. I have so many good memories and some not so good. Have a few photos I got from mother verity before she passed away which I am sure you are in and probably some other kids you would remember. If you want to get intouch just e mail me or ask for me in marks & spencer I work in ladies wear 1st floor. My married name is Macrae. Hope to hear from you.
By: Liz macrae on April 8, 2012
at 7:45 pm
HI Liz
Firstly apologies for delay in replying to your message and yes I do remember you and would love to see photo’s and also get copies if you would’nt mind as I only have 2 or 3 of myself as a child.
I remember my sister Mandy saying she often would bump into you in
M & S. Her daughter is due her second grandchild (A boy) 1st week in May so I will be in Aberdeen then and would love to catch up with you.
Chris
By: Chris Pollock (Kelman) on April 10, 2012
at 8:05 pm
Hi Christine would be happy to meet up and show you photos. I finish at 3or 4 most days so we could meet up for a coffee. Just let me know when you are free. It would be good to catch up. Tell Mandy I am asking for her.
By: Liz macrae on April 10, 2012
at 8:46 pm
Hi Liz Thanks I will let Mandy know and get in touch soon.
By: chris pollock on April 12, 2012
at 4:22 pm