WHEN my three brothers and I were taken into care it was a relief but still something of a shock. I coped better because I was the eldest and had some understanding of events. I was also preoccupied with taking care of my brothers, particularly the youngest who was only one.

We settled in quite well, considering it was the 1950s. The care was enlightened, there were strict routines but never any abuse of any kind.

There were surprises, however. One day, when alone in the matron’s office, I sneaked a look at our file. I was surprised to see our religion was listed as “C of E”, particularly as no one had asked us and we were actually Roman Catholic.

I later found out that admission into care meant automatic conversion to C of E – it would have happened even if we’d been wearing turbans or kippahs.

I have to say, however, that as conversions go, it was all rather painless. I took it my stride and became a leading choirboy and candlesnuffer at the local C of E church.

V J Connor, Bishop Auckland.