Together Trust Archive

This year’s Explore Your Archive campaign from T he Nat ional Archives runs from the 14th - 22nd November and aims to get more people aware of archives and what can be discovered within their collections. It’s also a reminder that archives are everywhere. Not just within the large libraries and universities of the country but also within small businesses, charities and even within the family home. It ranges from the thousand of records stored at the National Archives in Kew through to the family letters hidden in the drawer of a writing desk, or the hundreds of email correspondence of a long standing publisher. Part of the Together Trust Archive collection

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the Together Trust came to a stop to remember. The Armistice came into being 97 years ago to remember those who had fallen in World War One. It has since become a symbol of remembrance for all those who have fought for  their country.  Together Trust Poppy Display, 2014

Cheadle's Big Bang is ready to let off some more fireworks... Bringing in Guy Fawkes at Belmont The main event will consist of two firework displays (both a children’s and main display) alongside a bonfire, hot food and drinks, and a selection of fairground attractions for all ages. Always hugely popular it has the added bonus that money raised from the ticket sales go towards the Together Trust , as well as other local charities. Belmont has always celebrated Guy Fawkes night and was a popular event for the children who lived at our homes here in Cheadle. If you're looking for a firework display to go to this weekend. Why not pop along. We'd love to see you there!

I came across a ration book in one of our files today. Dated from the 1950s and still containing a lot of its coupons, it’s a good representative of life in the UK after World War Two. Every young person that was in the Belmont Homes during that time would have been issued with a ration book. So what were these and what were they for? Ration Book 1953-1954

The Together Trust has been working with the V&A Museum of Childhood over the last few months in conjunction with its new exhibition that opened on Saturday entitled, On Their Own: Britain's Child Migrants . The exhibition tells the true stories of Britain's child migrants who were sent to Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. Running from the 24th October 2015 to 12 June 2016 it gives visitors an insight into the migration schemes that ran between 1869 and 1970.   Map showing location of Receiving Homes in Canada

A casual stroll around Albert Square in Manchester reveals statues of many prominent figures in the history of the city. The large memorial to Prince Albert rests happily alongside a bishop ( James Frasier ) and a politician ( William Gladstone ). Also within this square stands a statue of Oliver Heywood , a prominent banker in Manchester and the city's first Honorary Freeman . Statue of Oliver Heywood, Albert Square

As we enjoy, what could be, the remaining few days of warm sunshine before autumn approaches, it seemed apt to return to Old Colwyn and the seaside home of Tanllwyfan, which opened 100 years ago. This provided for children, not eligible for admission to the permanent homes, a recuperating agency by the seaside for several weeks. The new home at Old Colwyn

We’ve spoke before on this blog about a training ship moored in Birkenhead called the Indefatigable . The Refuge had an arrangement with the committee of the Indefatigable to take boys who entered the Refuge and had a constitution for the sea. Hundreds made the short trip across to Merseyside to learn the sailor life and went on to have successful careers in the Navy. On board the Indefatigable

Today is a momentous day in history as Queen Elizabeth II officially becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch . She overtakes Queen Victoria’s previous record of 63 years, seven months and two days. She also becomes the longest reigning female monarch in world history. Of course the Together Trust has seen the reign of both monarchs. In fact it has witnessed six sovereigns rule over England during its lifetime.   Charity's Homes in 1952

“The first fruit of our mission from the Charter Street Roughs” Robert was admitted to the Central Refuge on Francis Street on the 1 November 1875. The first admission book, where his entry is recorded, is scant in detail, as was typical for the first few years of the charity. We do know however that he was admitted at the age of 17, both parents having passed away and that he was ‘rescued’ by the charity from the notorious district of Angel Meadow.  Admission Entry for Robert, November 1875

Last week we looked at the different types of boys that were admitted to the Strangeway Homes at the turn of the century. This week we turn to the set of homes at Cheetham Hill to give a breakdown of the type of girls that found their way into the charity’s care. Elder girls in the laundry at Rosen Hallas

The Annual Report of 1909 gave a breakdown of the type of boys admitted to the Strangeways Homes at that time.   Boys at the Refuge were admitted for all kinds of reasons