Bryan Dickson has always been keen on promoting what Lochvale House, in Dumfries, was like to reside in and the positives that the home provided for him.
Writing of the story of the home has been a task that Bryan has been considering for many years.
He said: “It is an outstanding item on my bucket list that needs to be ticked off before both my time and memory expire.
“I placed the task on the list as I have an obligation and duty to tell the story of Dumfries Lochvale Boys’ Home Trust, the children’s home that I had the good fortune to attend from September 1960 through to September 1967.
“For whatever reason, I have been privileged with the possession of the original books and records of Lochvale Boys’ Home Trust, from its foundation as a boys’ home, at Lochvale House, Georgetown Road, Dumfries in 1923, through to its closure in 1980.”
Bryan says his experience of life at Lochvale will have been “unique” to him but suggests the overall experience would have been typical for almost all of the boys.
He also hopes people will discover many unknown and positive facts about the home, adding: “This is the untold history of Dumfries Lochvale Boys’ Home from 1923 to 1980. What life was like for a child in Lochvale Boys’ Home. And importantly, to present the facts of Lochvale Boys’ Home as it was and to dispel any negative reporting that may have taken place or may do so in future years.
“The reporting in newspapers and on social media of life in children’s homes is often negative. This is understandable when abuse or neglect have been uncovered.
“However, this story is intended to be an uplifting story of hope, success, and gratitude. It is to pay tribute to countless unselfish people in the Dumfries community, the board of governors and the staff who assisted throughout the years, who all gave their time, moral support, gifts and money to aid the upbringing of the 474 boys who passed through Lochvale.
“The most important thing they gave each boy was a chance in life.
“I am one such boy and proud to be known as a ‘Lochvale Boy’.”
Later this year, Bryan will host a gathering at Lochvale Home on Saturday, June 7.
This will include ex-Lochvale boys, their families and relatives, as well as Judith Hewitt, curator of Dumfries and Galloway Museum; Anne Rinaldi from Dumfries and Galloway Council archives department; and any other interested persons.
