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The founder of the modern organisation, James Dixon was born on this day,
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James Dixon made a fund on the 14th December 1886 to open a Blackburn & District Orphanage by opening an account with his life savings, The date became known as Founder’s Day and is
celebrated every year. -
In spring of 1889, nine separate sites for the Orphanage were
considered, but the plot at Wilpshire, Blackburn was
chosen as it was only £80 per acre. In 1891 the new Orphanage was opened. -
Adolphus Curran, the first lad to be admitted to the Orphanage in 1891. (The exact date given is a rough guide).
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As the school was just for boys, an extension was built at this time to allow more room for girls to live at the Orphanage.
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Master Leonard Crosswell King-Wilkinson laid the foundation
stone for the Girls’ building on 20th August 1904. His family had been generous workers
for the Orphanage. Another stone was laid by James Dixon. The two stones, which bear the initials of the layers can be seen at the entrance of The Homestead at Wilpshire to this day. -
Many young men from the Orphanage had to be sent to the trenches to fight in the First World War.
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This year, Blackburn Orphage were the first winners of the Amateur football competition, the Orphanage Cup. The competition still runs to this day.
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On this date, James Dixon died at the age of 36.
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Seven of the 'old boys' made sacrifices at the start of World War II. The Second World War
began, including Frank Raynor who was serving on H.M.S.Hood when it was sunk by the Bismark on 24th May 1941. -
The name was changed from Blackburn & District Children’s Home to Blackburn Childcare Society on this date.
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Change of name to Child Action Northwest in 2004 to reflect a wider geographic commitment to the Northwest.
