It’s been a busy year at Andrew Grove and Co, and we have had the privilege of representing clients from all over the UK.
In January we began action against Lincolnshire County Council on behalf of a group of former students from Stubton Hall School near Newark. We started off the year with just 20 claimants, but that number has since increased to 44 and there is still time for survivors to come forward. All claims are being funded on a no win, no fee basis.
Later in the year we were contacted by six former pupils from Formby High School in Merseyside. They had watched a video of body builder Aarron Lambo talking to Kathy on our Facebook page about his experience of being abused as a child and felt compelled to get in touch. We’re now taking legal action against Sefton Council on behalf of 42 survivors who suffered at the hands of one teacher, Ian Farquharson, between 1975 and 1992. Worryingly in this case Farquharson was able to continue abusing pupils until his death in 1992, despite being charged with inciting young boys to commit acts of gross indecency 12 years earlier.
In another case in Oxfordshire, we issued proceedings against Swalcliffe Park School in Banbury following complaints of historical abuse from former pupils by various staff members at the school. Complaints received range from the late 1970s to the 2000s.
All these cases are still ongoing, and we would like to hear from any other former pupils who wish to join our current claimants or have any information regarding the schools that could assist our investigations. And of course, if you are a survivor of historic child abuse at a different institution, including a children’s home, school or religious organisation, please get in touch. We are listening and we can help.
Unfortunately, so many survivors are not aware that they may be entitled to damages which is why during 2022 we’ve invested time and money in trying to get the message out there. After months in the planning in October we launched our new website which we hope you’ll agree more accurately portrays our skills and expertise and the friendly ethos of our team.
The photos on the website were taken at our offices which are in a beautiful Grade II listed manor house in Fen Ditton near Cambridge. Our rural setting and beautiful gardens really help put our clients at ease.
We’ve also clocked up a hundreds of miles this year travelling the length and breadth of the country to meet clients who are unable to come to us or prefer to meet closer to home. And we anticipate that will continue in 2023 as these cases progress and new ones come to light.
After a busy year we’re all looking forward to a restful Christmas break, but we understand for many people Christmas can be difficult. If you are one of those people, you are not alone and there is support available. Samaritans is just one of the organisations offering a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more organisations we would recommend a visit our Contact Us page.
However you are spending Christmas this year we wish you peace and comfort.
Andrew, Kathy, Charlotte, Sophie and team.