Welfare of Twins

[APRIL]

Firstly, I think it's disgraceful that Sheila and the twins weren't given any help from Social Services or the medical team she was under..... but so many youngsters have suffered this way! What I can't believe either is Sheila's friends, also JB, CC, and BW spoke of Sheila's vacant behaviour and attitude etc Yet the Doctor's didn't see it, unbelievable!  Obviously the family had desperately needed help!

Regarding CC's letter, I believe I'm right in saying this letter was never sent to NB. Therefore the family were not aware of CC's comments at the time of the murders. I agree CC did write it, and rightly so,  perhaps after his mother had told him of her phone call with JB and JB's concern that the twins could be fostered, CC decided to take matters into his own hands regarding the twins welfare, but the twins began living with him full time soon after owing to SC's breakdown, so the letter wasn't sent.  So why then would the family be discussing fostering of the twins  on the night of the murders, as the problem was already solved regarding the twins. I'm sure JB would also be happy with this as the twins were remaining within the family. It's more likely that the discussion was about NB and JB's suggestion that SC worked part time at Osea Road, ( this was bought up at a meeting of director's on July 18th )  in fact SC told a friend about this offer before the holiday at WHF.

Opal, I feel certain that we're all in agreement that Sheila was badly let down by the system. There seems to have been a breakdown in communication between the private and NHS sectors -not uncommon- and Sheila's own support system wasn't immediately local to her OR, perhaps more importantly, to each other. None seem to have witnessed her behaviour for more than brief periods/sporadically.

I think we may take it as read that the Bambers, as middle class, committed Christians, would have fought tooth and nail to prevent their erstwhile son in law, an out of work, Bohemian atheist, from having any more than contact with their grandchildren than they considered to be strictly necessary.

[Opal]

 I'm sure you're right April that JB and NB wanted the very best for their grandchildren, but just because CC was an out of work bohemian atheist at the time doesn't alter the fact he was their father and the children were living with him at the time of the murders, plus, according to their school doing much better. If a custody battle had taken place over the children their opinion's on where they wanted to live would have been given to the courts through Social Services. 

[Holly Goodhead]

I'm sure you're right April that JB and NB wanted the very best for their grandchildren, but just because CC was an out of work bohemian atheist at the time doesn't alter the fact he was their father and the children were living with him at the time of the murders, plus, according to their school doing much better. If a custody battle had taken place over the children their opinion's on where they wanted to live would have been given to the courts through Social Services.

Regardless of CC's lifestyle the fact remains he was an excellent father to the twins. 

Had a legal battle been fought I think it unlikely a family judge would rule in anyone's favour other than CC's.  It seems obvious that his parents were supportive too eg assisting with the twins and SC and 'normal' which is not how I would describe the Bamber family.  SC and the Bambers must have realised this.

[Holly Goodhead]

Firstly, I think it's disgraceful that Sheila and the twins weren't given any help from Social Services or the medical team she was under..... but so many youngsters have suffered this way! What I can't believe either is Sheila's friends, also JB, CC, and BW spoke of Sheila's vacant behaviour and attitude etc Yet the Doctor's didn't see it, unbelievable!  Obviously the family had desperately needed help!

Regarding CC's letter, I believe I'm right in saying this letter was never sent to NB. Therefore the family were not aware of CC's comments at the time of the murders. I agree CC did write it, and rightly so,  perhaps after his mother had told him of her phone call with JB and JB's concern that the twins could be fostered, CC decided to take matters into his own hands regarding the twins welfare, but the twins began living with him full time soon after owing to SC's breakdown, so the letter wasn't sent.  So why then would the family be discussing fostering of the twins  on the night of the murders, as the problem was already solved regarding the twins. I'm sure JB would also be happy with this as the twins were remaining within the family. It's more likely that the discussion was about NB and JB's suggestion that SC worked part time at Osea Road, ( this was bought up at a meeting of director's on July 18th )  in fact SC told a friend about this offer before the holiday at WHF.

Yes it is disgraceful.  It is clear from CC's letter the twins were at risk physically and mentally.

I'm not sure the situation was resolved.  No formal arrangments existed via any court order.  SC was no doubt expecting the twins would return to her full-time at some point.  What sort of conversations did CC and SC have regarding the twins after SC left St Andrews hospital Mar/Apr '85? 

Did SC want to return to Essex?  She left for boarding school at 10 yoa and thereafter spent very little time in Essex.  She had been living in London from 17 yoa what was there to attract her back to Essex, especially if the twins were to remain in London with CC? 

"I saw Sheila again in the middle of June [1985] at her flat.  Whilst I was there she broke down in my arms crying.  This was the first time I had ever seen Sheila show any emotion. She was very upset and miserable about her life and she wanted her children to live with her again.  She stayed with me for a few hours and was obviously unhappy and distressed".