18 June 2024
I have a reason for asking if someone has particular memories of Dean. He joined the Nursery in 1972, was later at Lacton Hall and was in the Colt House in 1979-80. CA told me that Dean had died in the August holidays, still just 14, from a brain haemorrhage. I saw three boys there shortly before term started who had heard the news previously but were still a bit shocked and dismayed. Dean had been popular.
In the summer I watched Dean playing tennis with another Colt House boy who had younger brothers at Hatch. In reply to a question from me, Dean said that he had no brothers or sisters.
In the old days children were not told things concerning them. Dean had a half-brother, three years younger, from the same area of London, also in care etc. This brother first found out that he had a half-brother fairly recently and later discovered by accident that Dean was long dead and had been at Caldecott as a boy, although in holidays mostly at a children's home in Mile End.
Dean's brother contacted Caldecott Foundation and was put in touch with the Caldecott Association as regards his wish to hear from someone with memories of Dean's daily life. Of course, 1980 was years ago and remembering someone that died young may be uncomfortable, but his brother would be grateful for any information.
I would hope that local authorities these days would not keep children in ignorance of a brother or sister (whole or half) but I have no expertise on such matters.
If anyone wants to pass on memories of Dean or to talk to his brother please let me know.