Leamington Home For Girls

The original Leamington Home, on Clarendon Avenue, was established by the Hon Mrs Leigh, wife of the late Dean of Hereford. It was transferred to the Society in 1884 with 16 girls in residence (aged 6-16) and became very successful under the management of Miss Butlin for 12 years. The Society's newsletter Our Waifs and Strays described Leamington as 'the most charitable town in England', and printed a glowing report of the Home's 'bright and attractive' dormitories.

The Leamington Home was the venue for the Society's first Pound Day and on 30 July 1891 members of the local community were asked to send 'a pound of something'. The resulting donations included mustard, soap, rice, tapioca, sugar, jam and tea, as well as two pounds in ' gold and silver...gladly accepted as a help to maintain a motherless child.' It was considered such a success that the Home decided to make it an annual event with people being asked to 'bring or send between the hours of 11 and 5, a pound of something useful to the Home.'

The second incarnation of the Home opened on 11 October 1893 with a dedication by the Revd WC Furneaux. This Home was 'roomy and commodious' in comparison with their old house at Clarendon Avenue, with a gravel playground out the back. This home ran from 1896-1915 and was called the Worcester Diocesan Training Home for Girls, at 4 Portland Place. Miss Meyer worked as Matron, with Miss Garrett as the Lady Superintendent, and Miss Grainger as Honorary Secretary.

The Home moved again in 1923 to larger premises (made possible by a £600 donation) and adopted the name, St Anne's Home for Girls. Although we do not know why, the Archdeacon of Warwick did not officially open and dedicate St Anne's until 14 March 1923. This home, situated at 6 Warwick New Road, kept much the same staff as before, with Miss Grainger as Honorary Secretary. The new building could accommodate 25 girls, aged 6-16.