Social Work career. Harrow and the Hill, 1970's

The train journey from my home town to London took six hours. I was very nervous but also very excited. I was met at Kings Cross station by Mr and Mrs H who took me by car to their detached house in Harrow. I was introduced to their 16 year old daughter, 19 year old son and of course the 3 year old who I was to be nanny too. The couple explained that their plans had changed and they were not going to American for three months as planned but they still wanted me to care for their young son. 

The home was quite plush and spacious particularly in comparison to my mum's council house. The couple outlined my duties which were basically caring for Charlie. I soon learnt that the mum, older son and daughter wanted little to do with young Charlie who in my view was thoroughly spoilt and used to getting his own way. Compared to the children that I had worked with in the children's home this little boy had everything materialistically but like the other children he did not receive much love.  

Charlie's father was born and bred in a working class family in the East End of London and on one occasion he took me in his Rolls Royce to show me the council flats where he had spent his childhood. He told me that he had made some good choices in business and was now successful. Mr H seemed to enjoy showing off his wealth to people and waved to onlookers in a fashion similar to the Queen. I actually felt quite uncomfortable. 

I have few memories of my time with the family other than taking Charlie to London for him and I to see the sights, which I loved. During one trip to London on my day off I met a young African man named Chris. He was very polite and invited me out for coffee. Although it sounds odd but in my home town I had never seen or spoken to a black person. Chris fascinated me and we soon became good friends. Although this was the 1970's and in swinging progressive London  I noticed that racism was all around us and when I was in Chris's company I was called names and on one occasion spat at. 

However I promised Chris that I would visit him and maybe return to London in the near future. 

I returned to my mum's house and quickly found employment as an assistant house mother in a small children's home in Hull. 

I have far more memories about the placement in Hull which I will write about tomorrow.

take care

Pat