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A library exhibition based on St Mary's Industrial Home, Eastleigh was launched with tea and cakes at the West End Museum on Saturday 5 May to mark Local Studies week. (The exhibition was available to view at the museum throughout May). The original research, which led to the exhibition, was in response to enquiries received at Eastleigh library and in particular one from Mrs M Horner about her mother Margaret O' Brien. Local research by library staff showed that Margaret was in the home from 1897 to 1907 and this information was supplied to Mrs Horner. In return Mrs Horner sent the library a short history in which she recalled some of her mother's memories of the home and what had happened to her on leaving.
Staff decided to try and find out more about the other girls mentioned in the day book, and thanks to publicity from Nigel Wood (curator) and the West End Museum website. Eight short accounts of girls from the home have been sent from various places around the world and these have formed the basis of the exhibition at West End Museum. The exhibition launch was well attended and local staff were delighted to welcome Mrs Horner, her son and also Nicola Clifford, granddaughter of Kate Morley (who was at St Mary's from 1898 to 1901).
Cathy Noble & Linda Glasspool, Eastleigh Library
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