BACKGROUND HISTORY Robin was born on the 13th September 1953 at Rochford and weighed 8 1/2 lb. He was named Gareth Dafyd by his mother Jean who was aged 25 years when he was born. She was described as 5ft 2'' slightly built having dark hair and hazel eyes and had worn glasses for about 12 years. She came from a family of two children having a brother John aged 8 1/2 years who had been adopted. Her mother Louisa was aged 55 years and lived in Maidenhead. She had been widowed for about six months at this time, Jean's father having died from heart disease. Jean was born in Stockwell. She moved with her family to Romford when she was 3 years old. After leaving school she took up various forms of employment and her first child Michael was born in 1951? She moved to lodgings and he remained with her until 1.2.54 when he was placed with foster parents. Her second child Paula was born in 1952 and adopted in July 1953. Jean then moved to live in Southend and started a relationship with another lodger living in the same house. She also became reacquainted with (Michael's father) Peter who was aged 26 years and a wall of death Motorcyclist of a fair. When she became pregnant with Robin, she was not sure who was his rather but felt it was likely to be Peter, as Robin resembled his brother Michael. Peter is likely not to have been aware of Robin's existance and could not be traced. In 1953 Jean went to live at 71 'York Road, Southend and became friends with a Mrs Threadgold and she looked after Robin whilst Jean went out to work. Jean thought long and hard about the future and decided adoption would be in Robin's best interest. She approached the NSPCC for help and advice. She knew the problems of being a single parent and a precarious and unstable start and she wanted Robin to have a secure loving family of his own. She had wanted Mr & Mrs Threadgold to adopt him as they had grown fond of him (see letter) but their circumstances were felt to be unsuitable for him. Jean had at first supported their application but later agreed for Barnados making their own placement and he was admitted to the care of Barnados on the 4.5.54 and placed at Farm Hill, Kelvedon. He was placed with Mr & Mrs Harritt on the 29.5.55 where he settled well making good progress - becoming a much loved member of the family. Jean gave her consent to the adoption, happy in the knowledge that he was settled in a loving family home. She was at this time working as a kennel maid and living in Bedfordshire. The AO was granted on the 7.6.56 at Bishops Storford County Court. Signed by the Barnardos or Dr Barnardo's social worker who apologised profusely for the inadequacy of this summary and of offered 'off the record' verbal answers to any questions

This summary seriously belies the two, some might say three very seriously tragic stories that Dr Barnardos played an unfortunate part in. How on earth did Barnardo's at Barkingside feel that this represented the 300 + pages of my file that it has taken them 15 years to show me. I hope it will not take so long to obtain those pages that it still holds on to. Barnardo's Family Connections project at Barkingside still tries to encourage those who left Dr Barnardo's Homes' care for adoption to accept a contrived "history" of this kind. I hope not very many are taken in by them and the contention that a "history" is preferable to proper access to records.