The photograph dates to 1950-54. High Beech, dating to Edwardian times, was built (in grounds of 20 acres) for Robert Carter, a successful London stockbroker. As a committed Christian, Carter deliberately chose a site for his home near South Nutfield Church. After the Second World War the house was too big for the elderly Carters, and in 1949 the house was sold to the London Police Court Mission to become a probation home, the idea of David Carter MBE, one of Robert's sons, who became the first Warden. The photograph clearly shows the lighter coloured brick, to the right of the house, which was the extension put on at this time to enable the house to cope with its new role. The photograph also shows the very tiny figures of David Carter (standing) and a group of boys (sitting) on the strip of grass, just to the left of the new front entrance. David Carter (1916-70) retired as Warden in 1954 - he subsequently founded Northease Manor School, near Lewes - but High Beech continued its work as a probation home until 1978. The house is now (I believe) back in private ownership.

(Tony Meredith, David Carter's son-in-law)

in 1957 i was sent to high beech for 1 year,at the time their was a waiting list as it was perceived as the best in the country. the staff were very fair and we were taught a number of skills, the recreation and outdoor activities were second to none, looking back on the experience it was one of the best periods of my life.

k dawson

I was sent there, I was a young teen teraway not a happy time. One year there then home to Kuala Lumpur. 15 years of age no job no hope. Joined the Army. Boys service. I did not get homesick I had got used to being away.

I WAS SENT THERE FOR A YEAR IN 1962-63 FIRST TIME AWAY FROM HOME.IT MADE ME STAND UP FOR MY SELF AND ALL STAFF WHERE VERY GOOD AND I OFTEN THINK OF MY TIME THERE. I THINK THE WARDEN WAS A MR WALKER.

Used to go High Beech as a young kid with my father (who worked for LPCM - later Rainer) for the cricket matches - the pitch fell victim to the M23. Still have a table leaf produced by the carpentry shop. Think a Mr Nicholls was on the the staff there.

I lived in a cottage in the grounds of High Beech, from birth in 1954 until I was 18 years old. My father was the horticultural instructor at the probation home at High Beech - Mr William Philip Smith. He also taught animal husbandry. It was, as I remember, a very successful school for young offenders and I still have letters of thanks that were sent to my father from boys who had worked under him and then made good in their lives. I remember there were several occasions, as I was growing up, that different young men would turn up, with a wife and family, to see my father and show him what a success they had made and to thank him for how he and the school had helped them. I remember that the home was run very strictly but there was fun too - like the making of guys for the huge bonfire and fireworks display on November 5th every year. The home taught the boys a trade - cooking, gardening, animal husbandry, woodwork - and above all self respect and respect for others. Such a pity that such places do not exist now.

I was here for 10 months during 1967. My name then was Kevin Patton. The warden was a Mr. Walker & his wife was the Matron. One of the staff, whom I remember as Peter Smith, lived in a cottage in the grounds with his wife. During that summer Mr. Smith moved to an approved school, i think in Buckinghamshire. All the boys were allowed a week on home-leave, but because i had no family i went with Mr. Smith & his wife for a week in their new home.I cant remember all the lads names but there was a Mick Jones-Leeds, Tony Wright-Kent, Zigmund Fialka-?,Dave Smith-Manchester,John ?-Somerset, & a John Hickling(?)-Nottingham. You had to stand up for yourself there, but it was still a pretty good 10months there. If I hadn't done wrong I would not have been there, but i certainly learned to stay on the straight & narrow after that.

1966-67 I was sent or take to high beech (Michael Wilde) I had a stoke in 2002 but can remember some parts like when I got there I think Mr Walker tuck me to Regate to buy some thing to wear in a Humber car I think changing my life for the good . Mike

My father was sent to High Beech in Oct 1957. He recently passed away and we found two photo's, a postcard of the home and a picture of him with another group of lads in Wales on a trip. His name was Edward Birch and he came from Stockport Cheshire. Would love to hear off anyone who knew him.

I was sent there in 1962, and remembering a good time.

My working career started here at High Beech in 1972. Terry Whedon was in charge at the time. I could say much about my time there, and “go on” for a long time, but all I will say is I have many, many, many fond memories of my time there, and I continued in the work at numerous other establishments until I retired nearly 2 years ago at the age of 67!

The first two months for hard the next 10 working on the business and then Mr Nichols and building the bungalow in the garden I enjoyed every minute anyone who remembers me please get in contact JJ

I was sent there in 1973. I remember building the roof on that bungalow, this was to be the start of my building career, which has now spanned 40 years. I also remember going to the Sovereign Youth Club, which Umberto would take us to. Fond memories of the place which set me on the straight and narrow.

In 1965 I lived in Sidcup, Kent. I was 16, and part of the 'Mod' scene. I stole money from Mum and Dad's Gas meter. It was December and I was remanded to a place in Mitcham, Surrey. I returned to Bromley Magistrates Court in January 1966 where I was sent to High Beeches for 1 year. At first it was hard, there were a few bullies there, but I stood up for myself and they left mae alone. After about one month I was given the chance to work in the carpentry shed, under the guidance of a master called 'Guv' Cook. He was my saviour, he taught me carpentry skills, painting and even French Polishing. In the summer myself and two other boys built a small sailing cruiser. We painted it all by hand, and with the excellent teaching of 'Guv' we learnt how to lay the layers of paint onto the hull. When it was complete, Mr Walker took us in his car, towing the boat down to Chichester Harbour, we helped launch the boat and helped sail it. After the saing, Mr Walker took us and treated us to Fish and Chips. I was eventually released almost two months early because of my good behaviour. After about 18 months from my release, I joined the Army, and attached to the 4th Batallion, the Queens's Regiment. One of the best decisions I ever made, I finally made my Mum & Dad proud. Thank you, High Beeches, Probation Home.

I stayed at High Beech around 1975-1976, and remember Umberto, really nice guy. Had a lot of memories specially our sing song as we used to drive past the police college coming back from the youth clubs.

I was there in the seventies i was there with sid jones and a few others great times with gov and umberto sovereign club can't remember name of other club we went to but fond memories been a builder for nay on fifty years built schools hospitals colleges houses all down to them putting me on right road