James King mentioned to me at the 1992 reunion that he was thinking of assembling a collection of written pieces from ex-Caldecott children on what they had thought of life when at Caldecott and I agreed to write something. Possibly I might have written a bit differently in 2022.
Random Thoughts on the Caldecott Community
4. Retrospective and Perspective
Former children at Caldecott (as well as former members of staff), with few exceptions, look back on life at the Community as a time of happiness and amusing experiences, even if we know that at some of the times there were difficulties to be overcome or endured. Life must be lived forwards.
Some of my contemporaries were, more or less, orphans and others had problems at whatever family homes they did have. Even without physical or sexual abuse, children can be emotionally scarred for life without realising it. All too often the sins of the parents are visited upon their children. However, I know that some of my friends from Caldecott have given their own children a family life teeming with love, enjoyment, understanding and essential stability, exactly the sort of quality family life that they themselves never experienced. Well, sometimes you get it right.
The past is said to be a foreign country. What of the future? Times change. Circumstances alter. Modern values have broken down some of the ramparts. Those who came after us have different backgrounds and need different methods. Past good and bad is replaced by present good and bad. In today’s world, children expect computer games, personal stereos, real time electronic communications, ventures abroad and other fruits of civilisation. It costs money but they deserve these things. The same goes for the uncertain period once they leave school and must make their way in the world. Most importantly, they need time, attention, support and affection from adults who can respond to their personal requirements, even for the most unlovely children in the eyes of society. It requires even more money to provide such staff and also the buildings and facilities to go with them. The children need them. Human relationships have not changed even if economic and social values have meant that charities must operate more like commercial businesses. The dividends here are priceless.
GTM