Together Trust Archive

No record of the work of an English philanthropic public institution having to do with the care of poor children for the year 1914 can be written without the reference to the national crisis created by the terrible European war declared in the early days of August. Few will forget the quick transition in those mid-summer days from a nation absorbed in peaceful pursuits to one stunned at first and then springing to arms in the cause of righteousness. - Taken from The Children’s Haven , 1915 Refuge Volunteers, 1917

It’s sometimes easy to forget the work that went on behind the scenes for the smooth running of the Refuge. Many people offered their professional skills for free or at a reduced rate to help the charity provide for the children within their care. Annual Report 1900

It is said with fashion that when it goes out of style the look will invariably come back into use at a later date. This idea is not only restricted to fashion. Many things come in and out of popularity largely due to the successfulness of advertising at the time.  When the Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges and Homes began in 1870, despite the recognition and advantages the charity saw in the education of children, most were taught skills or a trade in order to be able to look after themselves and their future families. We’ve spoken before about apprenticeships within the blog but we’ve not shown our readers the type of work actually produced. Let’s take the joinery department as an impressive example.  Wardrobe made in joinery department