Click here to return to the main site entry page
Click here to return to the previous page
Greville Watson, January 2010
Colton Ward,
Rushden Hospital
Holiday at Clacton 1983
Whenever possible, the clients (patients) at Colton Ward were taken on holiday.
Nursing Auxiliary Jean Watson is pictured with Nicky Harris
at Butlins, Clacton-on-Sea, in 1983.

Children first came in 1968 as parents were having to travel long distances for medical support.  Colton ward (named after Mr Arthur Colton) was converted to take 20 youngsters with varying disabilities to give parents a break from caring for their mentally handicapped child. After much fundraising, a hydrotherapy pool was added later.

During the day most of the children went to Fairlawn School in Wellingborough.

Later on, the government policy was to try to de-institutionalise the care of the handicapped by moving them out into the community. Two purpose-built bungalows were built in the grounds of the Hospital to cater for the children from Colton ward and provide a 'homely' atmosphere. The children went to The Squirrels on The Drive, and the young adults to The Martens on the Upper Drive.


Conversion of Colton Ward 1967
Gift from Rushden AC
Runners' Gift
Fourth Annual Report 1977
Family Style Care 1979
Club's Gift 1980
Act of Kindness 1981
Pupils' Gift 1981
Pub's Gift 1983
Gift Promises Treat 1983
Nest Egg 1984
Savers Chip In 1985
Help is at Hand 1988
Caring Role 1988
Learning to care
Lucky Bonus
Young get in swim
Ward's cash boost


Colton Ward Photogallery 1
Colton Ward Photogallery 2
The Squirrels Photogallery 1
The Squirrels Photogallery 2


Click here to return to the Rushden Hospital main page

Click here to return to the main index of features
Click here to return to the Health & Welfare index