St. Vincent’s Orphanage, housing up to 350 boys aged 5-14, reached its peak during this period. Run by ten nuns from the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and lay staff, the orphanage had a renowned choir and band, pictured here after winning at Blackpool Music Festival.  Many boys went on to join armed services bands and choirs, a crucial transition to adult life as boys left the orphanage at 14.