RCH Dawlish closes

[Gerald Fiennes]

If you are not already aware, the Railway Convalescent Home at Dawlish has now finally closed. It shut in March because of COVID-19, but it has now been announced that this is to be permanent. A shame, as I had been looking forward to going there one day but I guess too much has changed in the wider world, not least the idea of convalescence itself, for it to last much longer. And the gradual decline of the town of Dawlish itself in the past decade probably hasn't helped.

 

[Rob F]

A shame. My father used the the Ilkley home for a period of convalescence in the early 1960s and always said how well they looked after him.

 

[Watford West]

I know that it should probably be self-explanatory, but were these Railway Convalescent Homes originally set up by the Railway Companies for the benefit of their employees? If so, when did they come into existence, and how many were there?
Many thanks

 

[WesternLancer]

That's a shame - seems like it was the last one too from what this link says - I seem to recall there were others at one time from adverts you used to see in Railnews if I have that right.

RCH Bridge House – Dawlish Devon

If you fancy a break away then Bridgehouse in Dawlish, Devon with nearby resorts of Torquay, Teignmouth, Paignton and Exmouth make for interesting and relaxing days out.

www.rch.org.uk

Makes me realise I have no idea when they became a separate charity and not part of the railway.

I guess part of the era when the 'railway family' meant more than just the people (as it were), but extra facilities for the people too - like the old children's homes eg Woking, and the one in Derby (St Christopher's?) - which I recall features in a 1950s BTF film unit film
Ah yes, mentioned here with a rather nice recollection about making that film

BTF Productions - BT362 "Care of St. Christopher's"

nicwhe8.freehostia.com

(verging off topic as not RCH of course)

 

[davetheguard]

The building itself is listed, and surrounded by landscaped grounds that lead down to Dawlish Water - the stream that flows through the town & into the sea by the railway viaduct.

What can be done with it in future? Convert the building in to private flats, or turn it into a normal hotel?

 

[6Gman]

That's a shame - seems like it was the last one too from what this link says - I seem to recall there were others at one time from adverts you used to see in Railnews if I have that right.

RCH Bridge House – Dawlish Devon

If you fancy a break away then Bridgehouse in Dawlish, Devon with nearby resorts of Torquay, Teignmouth, Paignton and Exmouth make for interesting and relaxing days out.

www.rch.org.uk

Makes me realise I have no idea when they became a separate charity and not part of the railway.

I guess part of the era when the 'railway family' meant more than just the people (as it were), but extra facilities for the people too - like the old children's homes eg Woking, and the one in Derby (St Christopher's?) - which I recall features in a 1950s BTF film unit film
Ah yes, mentioned here with a rather nice recollection about making that film

BTF Productions - BT362 "Care of St. Christopher's"

nicwhe8.freehostia.com

(verging off topic as not RCH of course)

And Webb House, Crewe started life as a railway orphanage.