Old Coram Association www.oca1947.co.uk

Q. Who are the OCA members?
A. Members of the OCA are Old Boys and Old Girls who were at any time in the care of the Foundation, their foster parents, the President, Vice Presidents, Governors and members of staff, past and present of Coram Family (Foundling Hospital/Thomas Coram Foundation for Children) husbands, wives and descendants of the above.
At the discretion of the General Committee, with right of appeal to the AGM, Associate Membership may be offered to any person who can show that they :
a) are related to or have a bona fide connection with an Annual or Life Member but do not themselves meet the criteria for Annual Membership set out in Clause 4.ii of the Constitution.
b) have been a client or user for a specified period of time of certain Foundation/Coram Family projects approved by the General Committee.
c) have particular reasons for seeking Associate Membership which are accepted as valid by the General Committee.

Q. Can I become a member?
A. If you wish to become a member of the OCA and you believe you meet any of the above requirements you should contact the Secretary of the OCA.

Q. My surname is Coram. Am I related to Captain Thomas Coram?
A. Thomas Coram and his wife Eunice did not have any children of their own. A number of Children taken into care in the early years were named Thomas and Eunice Coram.

Q. When was the OCA founded?
A. The OCA was founded in 1947 as a result of Staff and Old Boys and Girls wishing to keep in contact after they left School.

Q. Can you help me find my ancestors?
A. If you know a member of your family was taken into care by the Foundling Hospital some assistance may be available from Coram Family. You should contact Coram Family, 49 Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2QA.

Q. How do I become a committee member?
A. If you are a member of the OCA you are eligible for election to the committee.

Q. Is the OCA a registered charity?
A. No. The association has applied for membership but its aims do not meet the requirements of the Charities Commission.

Q. Can I visit the Foundling Hospital?
A. The Foundling Hospital Buildings were demolished in 1926 and similar purpose built buildings were erected in Berkhamsted. This building was purchased by Hertfordshire County Council in 1951 and is now Ashlyns School. You can find out more about Ashlyns School by logging on to www.ashlyns.herts.sch.uk
When the Foundling Hospital was demolished in 1926 the original house known as No 40 was eventually pulled down and recreated using materials from the demolished building. The Courtroom and Picture Gallery are a faithful recreation of the original rooms. Still known as No 40 Brunswick Square it is now being refurbished as a museum. It is hoped that the museum will be open to the public in spring 2004.

Q. Who was Miss Delia Ashworth?
A. Miss Ashworth was a member of the Foundling Hospital staff in the 1940/50’s. Miss Ashworth was awarded the MBE for her services to Children

Q. What is the Marjoribanks?
A. The Marjoribanks Bequest Fund was set up in memory of Miss Delia Ashworth.
The capital and income of the fund is used for the benefit of any past scholars of the Foundation, who are not required to be members of the Association.