Home, alone

A local auctioneer now based in Bournemouth, Philip was put into care in the mid 1960s at just eight years of age.

"Some of those who were in care have happy memories." Philip confides. "Others regard their time in care as being unhappy, or have repressed the memories of their childhood. For me, many of my memories in care were of unhappiness, but if I hadn't been taken into care, my life may well have been unhappier."

Far from forgetting his early years Philip has embraced his time at the Highfield branch of the National Children's Home (NCH) in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. After obtaining a copy of his file (number 44783) a few years ago he has not only built a website around his experiences but also written a book about the history of his childhood in care.

"Everyone in care has a file of official documents, reports and medical notes. For most children when they left care that was the end of the matter.

"Only a small number know they can look at their files and are finding out about their past."

So what possessed Philip to share his story?

"Seeing my file tidied up a few loose ends but it was very much written from an adult's perspective.

"It was a bit of a shock at first. I understand they were trying to help but I felt slightly angry that sometimes their interpretation of a situation wasn't necessarily a true representation of events.

"I thought completing my file with my memories, observations and explanations would create an interesting document - and might encourage other children in care to retrieve their files."

Thus theirhistory.co.uk was born. But what began as almost a personal exorcism of Philip's past soon grew into an historical archive containing many hundreds of pages of information. From NCH history and homes, to photographs and contributions from other NCH children and staff, theirhistory.co.uk has evolved into a valuable source of information for academics and future generations alike and has even inspired the NCH to create their own virtual museum of memorabilia. Perhaps more importantly though, it has been instrumental in enabling former residents to make contact, share memories and shake off some of the shackles of their past.

"If you were brought up in care you haven't experienced childhood the way most people know it," explains Philip.

"The website and chat groups give people who've had similar experiences growing up a chance to talk about their past and lay their ghosts to rest."

The success of the website encouraged Philip to publish not only his official files, "the most important possession of my past", but a book incorporating the history of his life both before and during his time at the children's home.

Named after a comment his house parent once made, Philip: A Strange Child, is a poignant recollection of a young boy struggling to survive in his new surroundings. From punishments to pocket money, Christmas celebrations to chores, meals to mischief this book offers a valuable and honest insight into life in care.

"The National Children's Home did its best to give children a good start in life." Philip concludes. "Without their intervention, my life would never have been as varied and as interesting as things have turned out."

• For information on NCH records and details of how to access them, visit nch.org.uk. The annual NCH reunion for ex children and staff is held in the main offices of the NCH at Highbury in London. The 2008 reunion is scheduled for the first Saturday in July.

Philip: A Strange Child is published by Dalkieth Publishing priced £9.99 and is available from Burlington News, Bournemouth and Westbourne Books, Westbourne.