Tone Vale Hospital was built in 1897 and closed in 1995. This is now pretty much totally converted into homes, and a few leisure services.
The main recreation hall is really the only derelict piece of interest left. Situated bang in the middle of the development, it contains a curious selection of junk – presumably from people now living in the converted parts…
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David I have read your book, “Delivered unto Lions”, and think it is very good. I think they say that to improve your writing it’s best to read, and you say in your book that you read a lot. It’s obviously paid off because your book is very well written. It’s a hell of an achievement for anyone to write a novel, and have it published, so you must be very proud.
It was when you mentioned the Electic Light Orchestra’s Telephone Line (on page 157 of your book), being played on the radio, that I properly remembered who you were. As far as I can work out you returned to the unit for the second time probably about 3-6 weeks before I left. When you came back I think you were on the very end bed or a bed very, very close to the end, near the sinks. From what I can remember you cried a lot, as I think most of us did, and you always had some sort of teddy bear or cuddly toy with you. You don’t seem to mention a cuddly toy in your book, so I hope I’m not embarrassing you in any way by mentioning it. It was just that it was the way that I managed to piece things together, and eventually remember you in the end. I never really knew you properly and from what I remember I don’t think we ever spoke to each other. I do remember when you returned that time, and were crying a lot, one of the female members of staff saying to someone: “David’s been here before”. Although you’re much older now, I also just about recognised you face on the picture on your book.
I had to hurry and finish the book quickly in the end, because someone else had requested it from the library. It’s probably another ex-patient.
Your description of Merrifield brought back quite a lot of memories, especially the lay out. Being there a lot more than me I suppose it’s easier for you to remember better. It was so long ago. I think that tears are something that most of us can associate with Merrifield. I was admitted to Merrifield when I was 11 in 1976 and was there for roughly 6 months. I remember that there was snow on the ground when I arrived, and when I left we had the heat wave of 1976. I went on to another institution where I was safer and the staff were nicer. But I would add, the significant damage was already done, so to speak. Like you, I cried like hell on my first day, and cried myself to sleep every single night from then on, until I reached the age of 16. For me, Merrifield was the beginning of a series of events which resulted in me crying for about 2-4 hours every single night, until I was 16.
Merrifield certainly ruined my life. It was despicable the way in which some staff treated some of the children. Even now, coming up to the age of 46, every now and then I come across a problem that I should have been dealing with years ago, but was too busy dealing with other problems to do it. At least now perhaps I’m catching up more.
As I’ve said I think the book is very good and it’s a pity that there only seems to be about 1 copy of it between about 400 libraries or perhaps the whole of the South West! I may well buy my own copy of it. I wondered roughly how long it had taken you to write the book. Perhaps you could let me know.
Ellie
The alleged notes you are referring to seem to be on another website similar to this one. Try going on the one that says “Urban Exploration”. These were the notes that I was on about some time ago anyway. Myself and David Austin have comments on that site. I hope this helps.
Hi David
Thanks for your comments. Yes, that could well be me you remember – though it gets confusing as there always seemed to be several Davids at Merrifield at any one time! (There wouldn’t have been a David Austin, though, as my surname was Thompson in those days.) The time you talk about was a period I don’t really remember very well (probably because of medication), but I remember earlier and later periods at the unit very clearly, and that’s what I was able to draw on in the book.
All the best
David
hi iwas at merrifield from 1979 until 1981 i was put there with very bad behavioural problems under dr ************** and became addicted to valium whilst at merrifield and numerous other drugs i was given to keep me calm yes i was a bad boy at the time but nowhere near as bad as some are today { wouldnt dream of beating a old lady half to death for her pension like some would today } i havnt turned out to bad though married for 12 years to my lovely wife claire and have two beautiful boys aged fourteen and eleven years old . have some bad memories of merrifield and still in touch with some people that were their at the time i was although i will say if i hadnt been put there when i was i wouldnt be where i am today yes there are a few people that are not here today who should be but there in my thoughts { i suppose i was one of the lucky ones} thinking of all the ones that were their from 79 till 81
I was there 1992-94, one of the ‘munchies’. Needless to say, the ‘treatment’ did more harm than good. I’m basically a veteran of various ED units (and remain so to this day) and yet the impact of that Merrifield admission still affects my ability to engage with professionals and I often have to outline what we went through in there when I’m working with people so they can understand where I’m coming from.
There were some good times though and I met friends to whom I remain very close.
It would be good to have a ‘Merrifield Survivors’ group or something because no-one can really get what it was like unless they’ve been there.
after a long think years lol im going to sue for the crap that went on not just for me but for us all so herei go will let u know xxx
Good luck to you Darling, the experience sounds awful and I wish you all the luck. I have lived in Cotford for nealy 6 years and am planning to move. I feel there is an underlying current here, as if everything is a cover-up. The village seems fake in some way x
goodluck Debbie, it will be a long hard slog for you and as you know memories will be stirred but I do wish you the best of luck and hope that you will get the answers and the justice you deserve and need to move forward with your life. These b..st..ards deserve everything they get.
This brings so much back. I try to forget but can’t help coming back to this site.
Hi guys, I was at Merrifield briefly in 1990. I cried most of the time and begged my my mum to let me come home which she eventually did. I had group counselling when I left at The Mount in Taunton and I’m pretty sure the kids in the group had all been in Merrifield at some point. The doctor treating before, during and after Merrifield was quite a small man with messy dark brown hair. Does anyone know who I mean? I can’t for the life of me remember his name. I remember a girl with anorexia who was really poorly, a boy who wouldn’t talk, Jane Hemmings whho ran away alot and a girl called Claire Chorley but can’t remember any other names. Does anyone remember me or any of the people I’ve mentioned. It’s a part of my life I’d blocked out until recently.
Nicky
I think the girl who was quite poorly with anorexia was helen. Wasn’t she on bed rest. I do remember Jane too. The only Nicky I remember was from Bristol. Was that you?
Does anybody remember a chap named Michael Bird? I was there in 1991 (aged 14), and he is somebody who I would really like to get back in touch with. He was 17 at the time, and was a good friend while I was there. xx
Does anyone remember Bridget Rodgers in 75/76 or Robin Ball 1990-95?
Nicky, I *think* the doctor you’re thinking of is Alan Cockett.
Hope that helps,
x
Hi there Nicky
I was there at the same time as you I think … I remember Claire and yes Docctor Cockett (or Cock it Up as we used to call him) I remember you were very into sport and exercise? Its been a long time. Many hugs to you xx
This is Jane Hemmings…..
The anorexia girl was Helen,
Like most off you , i also blocked off that part off my life….
But has now decided to remember that parts off those years and the friends i made in my time off need.
Hope you are all ok!!!!!
If any off you would like to keep in touch, add me on……..janehemmings123@hotmail.co.uk
Take care…J…..XXX
Hi Jane
I do remember you! I can remember catching the train from Bristol Parkway to Taunton with you when we went home one weekend. Did you live in Yate?
Hi, Yes did live in Yate, Not anymore.
I would like to say i can remember you, but i don’t know your name.
Hope you are well!!!
Keep in touch..XX
Hi, was Michael the lad that was really into queen? I do remember a few other names. Chris, Alvin, Jamie and two girls named rachel as well as the ones already mentioned (Helen and Daffyd). I can remember more faces then names although they have probably changed since then. x
I must admit that (until this morning) it’s been a long time since I looked at Ian’s forum – it could do with more support. I notice there’s some useful reminders there about how people can get hold of any surviving records on them from their Merrifield days (not that I’ve had any luck myself – but will try again).
Hello all,
I am new to this site and am moved by the stories that I have read. My Mum was in Tone Vale Hospital a couple of times between 92 & 94 and I have lots of unanswered questions, sadly she is no longer alive. I live in London, but recently visited the hospital site which is converted into flats. I have to say I receiveved a hostile reception from a couple to the people now living in the flats, even though I don’t think I was invading their privacy or being offensive!? Anyway it’s hard because I have few memories of my Mum when she was well and feel a bit closer to her there, not sure why!? Xx
Merrifield survivors may be interested in the ‘secret’ (i.e. hidden) Merrifield Children’s Unit group on Facebook where members can exchange memories, views and information in privacy. I know many of us have found this forum extremely useful, but it’s open for the world to see (which has also been useful in many ways!). You can join the ‘secret’ group via existing members (you can contact me for more information via my website).
I’m afraid this group was taken down.