Our History
Historically, East Clandon was an “estate” village belonging to the Goodhart Rendell family but, since the war, the houses have gradually been sold to private owners. Cherry Trees was built in the early 1900s as Queen Alexandra’s Hospital for Children with Hip Disease. Its southerly aspect facing the North Downs was felt to be ideal for treating children with tubercular hips before the days of penicillin. Throughout its history it has always been some kind of home for children.
In 1980 Cherry Trees’ Founder and President, local neuro-paediatrician Helen Foley,
identified the need for a respite care home for children with disabilities. With
ever diminishing extended families to help, parents of children with severe disabilities
desperately needed a break from the constant sheer hard work of caring for them.
They also needed to be completely assured that their child would be happy and well
cared for. A group of local doctors, social workers, parents and one lawyer gathered
at the local hospital to discuss the way forward. A suitable house, competent and
loving staff and enough money were the immediate requirements.
Langford Cross, a charity which took deprived children from Greater London, then owned the building in East Clandon that is now known as Cherry Trees and was first known as Queen Alexandra’s Hospital. Their supply of children was falling because of different budget arrangements in the London Boroughs. They were glad to include some children with disabilities and, as their supply of London children ran out, Langford Cross allowed Cherry Trees to take over their lease and run the home.
Since then the home has seen many improvements including the Upstairs Appeal in 2003 that resulted in additional bedrooms for the children following the purchase of the house next door for staff accommodation and the building of a sensory room in the Barn in 2006. More recently funds have been raised for the Kitchen, Dining Room and Facilities Upgrade Project.
Cherry Trees has always been forward-looking and since 1986 has built up an investment portfolio to ensure its long-term future. Over the years we have been fortunate to receive a Variety Club minibus that enables us to transport the children to and from school and to take them on trips.
Even as we celebrate 30 years of caring in 2010, we are keeping a determined eye
on the future and on how to reinforce our commitment to helping local families regardless
of their financial circumstances.
To this end, we have set ourselves a target of
raising £300,000 for the 30th Anniversary Bursary Fund.
