goldonian spring 1954

It would seem apt to dwell for a moment on the many opportunities which present themselves to each and every one of us day by day throughout
the year. It is an old saying and a very true one that "Opportunity presents itself but once" but the difficulty is that not one of us knows the day or
time when our own individual opportunity will come.
Throughout the course of history it is abundantly clear that the fate oŁ nations has. been influenced by the fact that one of its leaders has seized
upon the right moment to take a certain course of action; the lives of many of our great public men have been subsequently moulded in
consequence of the wisdom used by them in taking certain decisions.; and the secret of the success of many of our great business men is to be
found in their ability to recognise the great potential advantages to be gained by following a progressive policy.
Naturally, these opportunities present themselves in many different ways and they cannot always be of such dramatic moment as the instances
referred to above but we each have our part to play in making our contribution to the betterment of our communal life and this can best be done
by fulfilling our daily tasks, whether they be large or small, to the very best of our ability; by never putting off until tomorrow that which can be
done today; by always completing the job in hand and by not being content to leave it to the other fellow. In other words—by pulling our weight
at all times.
Whilst throughout our early years we are guided and helped to obtain the ground work of knowledge and to mould our characters so as to fit us
for the battle of life, we should always remember that having been adequately equipped the time will come when we must "take over the helm"
and steer the course of our own destiny. This will not always be easy but with determination we must overcome every difficulty which presents
itself and never fail to recognise an opportunity and accept it to the full.
May all who read this Journal be given the foresight, judgment and ability to fulfil their allotted tasks with satisfaction to themselves and to the
advantage of their fellow men at all times.

A short while ago, in company with twenty of our junior boys, I had the interesting experience of seeing a film in the making. We watched for
over four hours the efforts to film a scene which would, so we were told, take less than one minute when eventually it is shown upon the
silver screen. This tiny part of the film story depicted the final stage of a marriage service, the newly married couple emerging from the vestry,
turning to bow to the altar and walking arm in arm down the aisle, followed by the officiating priests and the congregation, of whom our lads
formed a part. The proceedings were all very confusing at first, but gradually we were able to sort out what some of the dozens of men and
women around us were doing. There were the Director and Assistant Director, the principal players or film stars, the stand-ins, the camera men,
the wardrobe master and mistress, make-up men, sound effects men, and a score of electricians, carpenters and scene shifters.
Let me try to describe what the scene was like. Inside the huge studio building and looking very small by comparison was a full-sized model of
a church. It had one wall only, the one behind the altar, and no roof. Along one side was a tall structure made of wooden spars, designed to throw
latticed shadows, across the nave. The scene was hemmed in on every side by a forest of steel scaffolding bearing powerful arc lamps. Down the
aisle was laid a metal track along which the great camera was pushed backwards and forwards to follow the movements of the players.
First of all we saw the stand-ins at work. These are people who take the part of the film stars while the scene is prepared and. save them from a
lot of tedious standing about. On this occasion they went through the motions of the scene, coming from the vestry, turning and bowing to the
altar, then walking down the aisle, following the camera, which was being pulled backwards along the track while they advanced. This procedure
was repeated many times until the cameras were correctly adjusted to follow the action. We were just beginning to get tired of watching this
when we recognised two men and a woman chatting with the director as three of the most famous of British film stars. They were certainly not
dressed, for a marriage, the men might have been going to do a spot of gardening—a nice clean job like mowing the lawn—and the woman
prepared to start on the dusting. She looked, very handsome none the less as together they practised the simple motions, of the little wedding
scene and, having done this a dozen times or more, they went away again.
Following this there was a tedious hour for the stand-ins, who went: through it all over again while the -lighting expert and his team of
electricians adjusted the arc -lamps to the correct intensity of light for every point of the route. By this time even the most patient of us became
a little restive, but cheered up again at the sight of our beautiful film star, who now appeared upon the scene dressed for her part as the radiant
bride. Her film bridegroom and the priests were also suitably attired and the scene was enacted again and again, that all might be perfect for
the actual filming. "Cut" ! said the Director. The Leading Lady turned her back on her newly-wedded husband and went into a huddle with the
Director, the priest lit a cigarette and chatted with the wardrobe mistress, the bridegroom conducted a noisy argument with a man who did
nothing else all the afternoon, so presumably was paid to argue with the Leading Man. "Quiet" roared the Assistant Director, "Quiet" ! The
priest pinched out his cigarette, the bridegroom broke off his argument, the beautiful bride stifled a yawn. with her wedding bouquet, and
adjusted her face to her most bewitching smile. "Be Qui—urt"! shouted the Assistant Director. "Action", called his boss, and off we went
again. For the fortieth time the register was signed off-stage, the effects-man turned on the wedding march, loving glances were exchanged
and the triumphal procession began once more beneath the glare of a host of arc-lamps and the indifferent gaze of dozens of carpenters,
electricians, scene shifters and yours truly.
Has all this spoiled the enjoyment of the finished film? Has it destroyed our illusions? I think not. We shall be carried away by the romance
of the occasion, the simple dignity of the priests and the loving smiles of the happy pair. The truth is that we are so easily deceived when we
want to be deceived. If what we are told, or asked to believe, is in line with our natural inclinations we are easy victims to deception. In the
world of entertainment there is no harm in this, but beware of the very real danger which arises from this human weakness in the affairs of our
daily life. Here we must sort out the true from the false and the genuine from the sham. How many times do we see boys sacrifice things of
solid and enduring value, like an honest reputation, a good name, or a trustworthy friendship for fancied trifles that are coveted for the moment.
Good words and good deeds don't need any make-up or elaborate deception; the longer and closer the scrutiny, the better they look. So let us
keep the world of make-believe to beguile a passing hour in the warm comfort of the cinema. Good advice has no glamour appeal,-but is
wholesome and ultimately satisfying. Build a reputation for honesty and dependability, learn to be able to see things you want very much and
have strength of mind to do without them. Feebly following bad examples and snatching at passing pleasures will bring you disgrace and
unhappiness; solid endeavour and high standards of behaviour will bring you the certain joy of self-respect and true friendship. These are plain
truths that cannot be discredited by sly winks or clever talk, so all you Goldings boys, whether thirteen, nineteen, or even twenty-one, take the
advice of your genuine friend and hold fast to those things which are real, sincere and of ultimate benefit to you and to those among whom you live.
R. F. W.

In the Spring we look forward to seeing the first tiny snowdrop and the first splash of colour of the bright little crocus, What a wealth of meaning
lies in the awakening to new life of those tiny delicate flowers.
Try as man might, he can never accomplish the creation of anything as wonderful as the flowers of the field. How often we have looked at them
as the harbingers of Summer sunshine, or perhaps plucked some of them to make glad the heart of a sick friend; yet, rarely, if ever have we given
thanks for their presence.
At Eastertide we thank God the Father for the Resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. He Who gladdened the hearts of the poor and the sick and
the oppressed is now alive; alive in the world of all who give of their best to help, to comfort, to love their fellow men.
He, Who is the Creator of life, is the giver of a new life through Jesus Christ. At Easter we realise the deep significance of the power of God in
life. Our life and our opportunities are renewed. We can look afresh at the World and at our problems. Easter enables us to see anew the promises
of God the Father, and that in His promises we have a new hope, and a new joy. In the words of the old French Carol: - .

A Happy Easter to you all wherever you may be.
S. C. C.

CONFIRMATION
On Tuesday, 6th April, at 3 o'clock, in the School Chapel thirty-eight of our boys were confirmed by the Lord Bishop of St. Albans.
Confirmation is one way in which we may receive help from God to keep the promise of our Baptism. Only by God's help can we keep our part
of the covenant; and in Confirmation we look for that strength to do as we have promised.
When the Bishop confirms us, we mean to use Confirmation rightly. A gun is of no use to a soldier if he does not know how to fire it. A book is
of no use to a boy who doesn't read it. When we try our best to do what we know to be right, then we are going a long way to fulfilling our part
the Covenant made with God at Confirmation.
of Those Confirmed were : -
W. Ali, P. Boot, A. Blackburn, I. Brown, C. Cummings, K. Cummings, N. Chamberlain, H. Coley, S. Devine, H. Downey, J. Davies, T. Davies,
J. Fleming, A. Gray, I. Green, B. Gregory, K. Hemfrey, G. Holden, W. Knight, R. King, D. Margetts, J. Mountain, M. Newnham, M. Rogers,
M. Robins, S. Rackham, A. Robertson, G. Stringer, E. Smith, G. Williams, D. Wiggett. W. Watkins, H. Walls, R. Wills, R. Wildego, W. Wildego,
R. Warrior, S. Watts, R. Henley, E. Harris.
S. C. C.

This term, through the kindness of Fact and Faith. Films, of Queen Anne's Gate, London, we have been able to try the interesting experiment of
answering questions concerning Creation and our place in that Creation.
The answers have been in the form of six films, photographically, excellent and very beautiful, with concise and clear narration. In "God of
Creation" were unique portrayals of the life of flowers and insects; in "God of the Atom" was a clear picture of man's deep responsibility,
brought to us by some staggering photographs of the explosion of an Atom Bomb.
What a fascinating story of marine life in "Voice of the Deep", and a wonderful view of certain natural phenomena, in "Dust or Destiny"; while
"Hidden Treasure" had a unique and breath-taking beauty depicting the crystal formation in snowflakes and the wonders of microscopic life in
fresh and salt waters.
The last film in the series. "Prior Claim", made us wonder whether man has ever had an original idea. This remarkable film showed how many
ideas, hailed as man's latest invention, are part of the equipment of plants, birds, and animals. The exquisite photography allowed us to watch
the tiny diving spider underwater in its own diving chamber, the protective camouflage of the chamelon changing colour at will. The archer fish
knocked insects from overhanging plants into the water by shooting a jet of water at them; the rattlesnake located warm blooded creatures in the
dark by means of equipment sensitive to infra-red radiation.
We have learned the secrets of Nature, the laws of the created Universe, and seen the latest discoveries of Science. But, moreover, we must have
learned that behind it all stands the Divine Creator Who has a plan, riot only for His Creation, but for each individual human life.
It has been inspiring, and at times frightening; but we have underlying all this the fact that the Creator of the Universe is our God, and He is
"Our Father".
S.S.C.

Among one of the delights of the Spring Term was the musical evening given by the eminent B.B.C. mezzo-soprano, Miss Nancy Thomas, and her
friends.
Miss Thomas sang several popular classical solos with richness of tone, and clarity of diction. She delighted us all with her lovely singing, but her
"Bless this House" was acclaimed as really wonderful. It was a thrill to have had the pleasure of hearing her.
We rarely think of the Cello as a solo instrument, but not after hearing Miss Joan Bonner play her very old but very valuable instrument.
Especially delightful was her musical tour of various countries; and particularly a Spanish dance which gave us some idea of Miss Bonner's
versatility.
Miss Elizabeth Harding played the piano with a delicacy that won her great applause, and her playing of a Schubert "Impromtu" was the highlight
of her very busy evening. Miss Harding was the solo pianist, and also accompanist for the other artists. In his "Toreador" song from the Opera
"Carmen" Mr. Evan Thomas, a student of the Royal College of Music set the high standard of the music that was to follow. He opened the musical
treat, and afterwards sang a real favourite for Baritones, "On the Road to Mandalay". . What a delightful evening; to have the opportunity of
hearing these artists in our own school! Every boy, and all the staff who heard these friends of Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley, have commented on the
high class and tremendously enjoyable evening they provided. To the Headmaster we would say, "Thanks, and bring them soon again". To Miss
Nancy Thomas and her friends we send our grateful thanks and appreciation, for such a wonderful time.
S.C.C.

The man whose name and work are commemorated in the William Baker Technical School, was born at Lismacue, Tipperary, in 1848. In his
boyhood days he was tall, strong and athletic, and when he reached early manhood he had acquired a reputation as an excellent oarsman, a
formidable football player and a fearless horseman.
When he entered Trinity College, Dublin, he soon took a leading position. In classics and mathematics he was a first honours man. He stood first
in his LL.B. examination, and was successively Classical Exhibitioner and Scholar, Moderator and Medallist. The legal profession claimed him,
and on leaving Trinity he came over to England, and was called to the Chancery Bar in 1875.
In his early thirties William Baker came under strong religious influences which, he said, entirely changed the current of his life. He became a
keen Bible student and an active evangelist. In 1886 he joined Dr. Barnardo's Committee, and a few years later, when the: Homes were
incorporated, he was elected Vice-Chairman of the Council.
When Dr. Barnardo died, the question confronting the Members of Council as they took up the heavy burden of responsibility now devolving
upon them, was: Where could they find another man of outstanding ability and character, animated by the same spirit as the Founder, able and
willing to accept the task of guiding and directing the great enterprise which the Doctor's genius had built up? Their Vice-Chairman, was well
known to them as a gifted man, an earnest Christian and one devoted to the cause. To him they turned with one accord, and their earnest entreaties
came to William Baker as the call of God to sacrifice an established practice as a member of the Chaucer)/ Bar, and take over, as Honorary
Director the work that had fallen from the hands of the Founder. When his decision was made known he was accorded a remarkable public
welcome at a meeting which completely swamped the old Exeter Hall in the Strand.
When the new Director took up his post in the Board Room at headquarters the heads of departments~-quickly found his personality and methods
of working in striking contrast to those of his predecessor. Dr. Barnardo lived to command, and every thread of control had to be in his hands.
Every phase of the work was the outcome of his personal thought and planning, and every detail had to come under his keen scrutiny.
William Baker, knowing the Doctor's genius, his skill as an. organizer and the care with which he had selected and trained his staff, was
content to allow things to remain as the Founder had planned them. Only when appealed to did he suggest a course; of action or give a decision:.
His legal training naturally stood him in good stead, and it was soon realized that he had more than the usual powers of discernment, and a marked
faculty for getting to the heart of a problem. His first enquiry, when appealed to in a difficult case, would be "What is the evidence?" An over
confident statement would meet the challenge: "Now let us consider,—is that a matter of fact or just a matter of opinion?" His decisions were felt
to be wise and just, and his considerate and sympathetic manner impressed all who came into contact with him. More and more the leading
members of his staff came to look up to him and to lean upon him; gradually he gathered the multitudinous threads of the work into his hands
until every part of the great organisation felt the power of his personality.
On the platform Mr. Baker always shone. His clear, far-reaching voice, keen sense of humour, transparent sincerity, his love for the children and
his earnest desire to be used of God, all combined to make him an arresting and attractive speaker.
For fifteen years William Baker filled the position of Honorary Director and Chairman, of Council of the Barnardo Homes, and by his wise
administration and gracious personality won the affection and esteem of all who knew him. Under his directorate the work prospered abundantly.
All outstanding indebtedness was swept away, and the income was more than doubled. As the passing years gave gratifying evidence that the
work was firmly rooted in the public confidence, the Council was able to give form to some of the ideals which the Founder had cherished but
which, for lack of means he had been unable to realize.
It was a great day for Barnardo boys when they vacated their cramped, over-crowded workshops in Stepney, paraded for the last time in their
stony playground and, full of hope and anticipation, marched through the gates headed by their band, en route for Goldings to take possession
of the well -equiped, modern Technical School which had been acquired as a memorial to the man who unhesitatingly sacrificed all worldy
prospects in order to devote time and. talents to guiding and directing the work of the Barnardo Homes through the most critical period in its
history.
A. E. W.

It is not possible in a few lines to give in full detail the aims of any school, but we can trace in general terms, the directions along which we are
moving in our School Department.
The work we are trying to do in the school can be summarised under three headings : -
1. The learning of basic skills, such as reading, writing, clear thinking and accurate calculation, all of which are essential in every day life, and
are often of direct application to any trade in which we have been, instructed.
2. The study of the World in which we live. In an age of jet power, atom bombs, and U.N.O., each one of us is becoming increasingly a citizen
of the world, as much as a citizen of our own country. So our study of the world about us, whether in History, Geography or Science,
can give us the foundation of knowledge that will make us fit to be responsible citizens in a free world.
3. Activities, the practical pursuit of which, can give us a deeper appreciation of the beauty and truth in life, whether it be singing;
listening to great music; painting and poetry; or adding to our physical well-being in P.T. and Games.
But a list of subjects, does not make a school. A. school is a community of people, where our attitude to work and to each other gives
each one of us the chance to develop in character, or slip back into ignorance. In Religious Instruction we learn the place of the
Christian way of life in helping us build our characters, but every moment of school life provides us with opportunities to develop in
this way. Most of all, a school is a place where we learn from mistakes. When all our boys realise that a mistake made is: not a
tragedy to moan about, but a challenge to find out where we have gone wrong, or what we don't know, patiently, and calmly we shall
have made the first, fundamental step towards that crusade against our own ignorance, which is called learning .
T. G. BLACKMORE