Fegans Old Boy: Roy

Roy M. B (Number 53)

Until 2005, Roy was under the impression that after the closure of Fegans Homes a few decades ago, the organisation was no longer in existence. At least he obtained his papers which were held at Fegans and learned a lot about his past. 

Something all Fegans boys seem to remember clearly is their 'number'. Roy was no.53. He was born on November 9th, 1934 in Croydon, Surrey and despite his time in Fegans at Stony Stratford, (Dec 1945 - July 1948), he returned to and still lives in Croydon, South London. 

Only child Roy, found himself in the care of Fegans following the break up of his parents' marriage. This he puts down to two issues; the War and his father's constant telling of lies.

He recalls a little of his time at Fegans, but does remember Captain F. 

Unlike many of the boys, Roy did not move onto the Training Farm, instead he went straight to work. He tells of many jobs he had: working on the railway, a time in the Army, working on the docks. An obvious lover of early mornings, he also spent time as a milkman and working for Post Office, until he retired. 

He married in 1958 in Croydon, and sadly, was widowed in 2010. He has two children. 

Roy M. B (June, 2016)

We are proud to have worked with children and families for more than 150 years. 

In both our Spurgeons and our Fegans children's homes we were able to give amazing opportunities to children in their time of greatest need. We were proud to be there for them when their families couldn't be. 

These stories are part of our historical record, and we acknowledge that some of the approaches of the time to disciplining the children which features in these stories, whilst common practice at this time, are no longer acceptable. However, after careful consideration, we feel it is both honouring and transparent to include all the boys' experiences in the stories they have chosen to share with us. 

If you have been impacted by the content in these stories, or you just have questions about your or a close family member's time in our homes please do be in touch with our supporter care team.