FIELD HOUSE FOUNDATION STONE RESCUED WHILE NORLAND NURSES LIVE ON

By Jeanne Hambleton

The chairman of the town council’s planning and licensing committee, councillor Don Eldridge, has been keeping a watchful eye on Field House in Gloucester Road and The Esplanade.  The historical building, built in 1908, was due to be demolished by developers and replaced with new all purposes flats to meet the demand for one parent families and first time buyers.

A historical geographer, Don Eldridge took a particular interest in this block of purpose built flats opened in 1909 at 4 Field Row, as the Bognor branch of the Norland Nurseries.  He had studied the history of Bognor at the University College of Chichester and researched many of the local historical buildings.

As chairman of the planning committee, with members, councillor Don Eldridge had earlier considered a planning application to demolish the 16  ancient flats and redevelop the site with 24 modern flats.  In March the recommendation made to the Local Planning Authority – Arun District Council - was that the proposal was an appalling destruction of a fine 1907  Edwardian property, although it was recognised the building was in need of restoration.  Councillors agreed the building had been an asset to the town and felt it should be retained as a historic heritage and they were opposed to the “mass of glass” and modern structure.

As the town council had objected to the application, this was considered by the development control committee at the Civic Centre and the town council was invited to support its objections.  – Don Eldridge defended the town council’s views.

At that meeting he asked that some artefacts be rescued for posterity. Luke Leleu from Hamlet Homes agreed to help if he could.

Controlled by Government planning guidelines Arun District Council could find no reason to object to the application and permission was granted. During the demolition Luke Leleu salvaged the foundation stone and delivered it safely to the Bognor Regis Museum.

IN HINDSIGHT

Don Eldridge told the Bognor Observer, “Building construction had progressed so much in recent years, that I realised it would not be economical to try to adapt the original building to meet the required regulations. I was pleased that we were at least able to salvage the foundation stone and that it is safe in the Museum.  On reflection I know Arun District Council made the only decision open to them, but we still regret the loss of this and some of the fine historical buildings from by-gone days.”

FIELD HOUSE AND THE NORLAND NURSES

Emily Mary Jane Lord, born in 1850, the daughter of a wealthy landowner in Lavender Hill, Battersea, married  Mr Walter Ward. In poor health herself Mrs Ward  agreed with a  Dr Davis that Bognor was the resort in which to rear rosy children. She  and her husband settled in Bognor and built Field House flats. These were used by her own trained Norland Nurses to look after children on holiday in the town “in relays”.  Field House was officially opened in 1909 and was constantly filled with visitors including three Greek Princesses.  During the 1920s the House was extended with additions and extensions.

On 15^th June 1930, suffering with a weakened heart, the remarkable  Mrs Ward, died. But her achievements live on and her nurses still go out to families. The Norland College now based in Bath, is under the control of  Mrs Kay Crosse who is the principal.

The college is internationally recognised as the premier provider of child care training and education. Norland trained early years professionals are employed world-wide as Nannies, Nursery Nurses and in other positions in a variety of early years settings. Norland graduates earn the top salaries, hold the most sought after posts and enjoy a busy life often working for the rich and famous. Such is the reputation of the quality of training at Norland College that the demand for Norland graduates always exceeds supply.

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