Ryecroft Home, Worsley

In 1938 Mr and Mrs A Smith gave a donation of £5,400 allowing a new Home to be built in Worsley. Mrs Smith cut the first sod on 10 December 1938 and the foundation stone was laid in February 1939.

It is unclear whether the residents from the existing Worsley Home for Boys were able to move to their new Home that year. The Society's magazine Our Waifs and Strays for Autumn 1939 records simply 'Worsley have gone to Shap' as part of the evacuation during the Second World War II.

The residents were able to move back early the following year and an official opening ceremony was held on 10 February 10 1940 in the presence of friends and supporters. Hymns were sung to mark the occasion and the key was presented to the Home's benefactor, Mr Smith. The Bishop of Manchester dedicated the Home and made a short speech after which there was tea and a tour of the Home.

In around 1950 it is thought that the Home started to take girls as well as boys.

In 1968 the residents of the Rycroft Home travelled to Redcar in Cleveland where hikes, boating and concerts were enjoyed by residents and staff.

The Home changed status in 1973 and became an Assisted Community Home.