GOLDINGS STAFF
EDITORIAL
"DOTTO"
GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES (6): MR. H. MITCHELL
COMINGS AND GOINGS
NEWS OF OLD BOYS
GOLDINGS OLD BOY WRITES FROM CANADA
GOLDINGS OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION
GRAND FETE
CADET NOTES
CAPTAIN A. P. CULVER
HOUSE NOTES
VERNEY HOSTEL
SPORTS SECTION: BOXING
EAST HERTS YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
TABLE TENNIS
TOPICAL NEWS : GOLDINGS STAFF SOCIAL CLUB NOTES
CHRISTMAS OUTING
THE PANTOMIME
THE 'FLU EPIDEMIC; RUNNERS-UP !
LITERARY SECTION: BOOK REVIEWS
AFTER YOU JOCK!; STAMP COLLECTING
ST. CLEMENT'S CAVES; CHISLEHTURST CAVES
THE "LUTINE" BELL
"COOl, FOR CATS"
THIS FLYING AGE
THE F.A. CUP AND ITS HISTORY
POEM: WILLIE JONES
AMATEUR FOOTBALL
DID YOU KNOW"?

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PRINTING: Mr W..H. S. Millar, Mr. R. Stackwood, Mr. P. East, Mr. N. T. Powell,
Mr. R. C. Fox, Mr. F. Stevenson, Mr. W. Purkis, Mr. R. Purkis, Mr. L. G. Mondin, Mr. J. H. Taylor

THE WILLIAM BAKER TECHNICAL SCHOOL

(A Branch of Dr. Barnardo's Homes.)

HEADMASTER MR. R. F. WHEATLEY, B.SC.

HOME WARDEN AND CHIEF MATRON Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Embleton

OFFICE Mr. J. Maslin, Mr. H. Mitchell, Mr. F. Offord

RESIDENT HOUSE STAFF

Mr. A. Clarke, House-master. Mr. J. Fisher, House-master; Mr. D. Lane, House-master;
Mr. A. Oliver, Dining Hall Master; Mr. J. Sims, Boilerman; S. E. Hancock, Handyman.

Mr. A. Culver, Senior House-master;

SICK BAY: Sister E. Offord, S.R.N., Nurse M. Underwood

KITCHEN: Mr. P. Eley, Mr. C. A. Cooper, Mrs. A. Stevens

NON-RESIDENT HOME STAFF: Mr. S. Whitbread, Mr. B. Rilton, Mr. W. Gardner,
Mrs. M. L. Jennings, Mrs. F. Darton, Mrs. M. E. Perrin, Miss M. Jeffreys, Mrs. M. Cannings
MAINTENANCE Mr. A. II. Hooper (Chief), Mr. A. J. Wilkins, Mr. J. M. Huxley

SCHOOL AND TRADE DEPARTMENTS

SCHOOL: Mr. G. W. White, Mr. K. T. S. Nicholson, Mr. F. Sheppard Mr. R. Newton

BOOTMAKING: Mr. F. Tordoff, A.B.S.I., Mr. W. Nunn, Mr. E. Braddock

BUILDING : CARPENTRY: Mr. H. W. Tempest, Mr. W. Broster, Mr. C. Howell, Mr. L. Farnham

BUILDING : PAINTING AND DECORATING: Mr. A. E. Brooks, Mr. S. G. Moules, Mr. J. Ibbotson

GARDENING: Mr. L. E. Embleton, N.D.H., Mr. L. Wrangles, Mr. S. Vince, Mr. W. Kuscharski, Mr. R. Catlin

SHEET METAL WORK: Mr. H. de' Boeck

WATERFORD VERNEY HOSTEL: Mr. and Mrs. R. Newton !

It is always sad to say goodbye to old, and indeed new friends, and since the last issue of THE GOI.DONIAN we have said goodbye to rather
more of our staff friends than perhaps the majority of us would wish. Obviously, there are reasons why people move, but they are known only,
of course, by the people concerned. To all of you who have served our School, whether for a short or long period, I, on behalf of all our staff
and boys, say thank you, and wish you contentment and satisfaction in your new vocations.
The following poem is one that I read while perusing some old Inland Printers, which are printed and published in Chicago. The actual issue this
was taken from was September, 1949 But age cannot alter the signficance of the truth of these six verses by W. H. Richards.

In the case lie bits of metal
Each a letter on its end;
Just a mass of scattered fragments,
Nothing there to comprehend.

But the printer deftly takes them,
Puts each letter in its place;
And the language of a nation
Comes forth from the printer's case.

Wondrous thoughts are framed and spoken
By the type at printer's call—
Words of love or hate or passion,
Cause a nation's rise or fall.

Words that stir up strife or conflict
Tell the mighty love of God.
Words that point the way to heaven,
Make men shed their brothers' blood.

Men of might and men of valor,
Make the history of the race.
Good and bad deeds are recorded
By the type within the case.

Oh the power that here lies dormant!
Wondrous power no man can face
In those little bits of metal
Lying in the printer's case.
W. II. Richards

"Dotto"
There is a competition game on ITV called "Dotto"; perhaps you have seen it. Some people find it very interesting, others find it boring.
Successful players can win a tidy sum of money from it, but it is quite lighthearted, for the sums of money involved are not enough to ruin
people's nerves or upset their lives, as do those games where big prizes can be won and also lost.
I have, myself, watched the game occasionally and been struck by its resemblance to real life as I see it. To begin the game the contestants, and
also the viewers, are shown a picture made up of dots —it is supposed to be the portrait of some well-known person. But who is it? Most times
you haven't a clue, but with some already there is an indication of what the finished portrait will be like. Then the game starts. In succession,
each contestant is asked a general knowledge question. If the correct answer is given, a line of the face is drawn. They have turn and turn
about until one of them can correctly name the portrait which is being completed and so picks up the money. And very nice too!
As many of the people chosen for portrayal are handsome film stars, no one ought to be offended when I say that the original picture, which is
all dots, brings forcibly to my mind Goldings boys as I first see them. Some of them already present strong clues as to what they will turn out to
be, whilst others, one feels, might turn out to be one of quite a number of different kinds of people. Certain it is that as time passes and the boy
enters his fifteenth year, then his sixteenth and seventeenth, the features begin to get filled in and to our contentment or dismay a clearer picture
emerges.
Just how they draw in the lines on the television screen is still a bit of a mystery to me, but who draws the lines in our faces? I wonder. Could
it be ourselves? If we pull a long face and make a fuss when we get a disappointment do we begin to draw one kind of line and a quite different
one if we swallow our disappointment and say "Never mind, eh! " ? If we just follow the crowd in any situation, does a line faintly suggestive
of a sheep appear, or on the other hand if we think for ourselves and make our own decision, a firmer line indicating sturdy independence?
Does the difference between falling for and resisting temptation also show itself in the finished product? Altogether too fanciful you think?
Well, certain is that somehow faces do portray character, as a look around will soon convince you. So — could be! !
R.F.W,

* * * *
After his long spell in hospital and convalescence, it is very nice to have our Headmaster back and we hope, completely recovered from his
illness. I am sure a lot of people missed his "words of wisdom" in our last issue.
Ed.

GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES

Mr. H. Mitchell is the sixth on our "Personality" parade. He came to the School in 1928 as book-keeper,
so he has thus far completed thirty years' service. I think everyone who has had to come in contact with
him in connection with his work will agree that he has carried out his duties conscientiously, without fuss
and with a happy heart. He has certainly rendered a great service to the School.
During the war years he was especially helpful in the office, what with food coupons and clothing
coupons, and the work of arranging for every boy to have a holiday either with relatives, friends, or
in a foster-home—there was no "Dymchurch" in those days—life in the office was pretty hectic.
Mr. Mitchell has been an active member of the Goldings Social Club, having held the office of
Hon. Secretary for several years and taking part in one or two dramatic plays. One can remember
his fine performance as the sweep in the Busman's Honeymoon which the club performed some
years ago.
In his early days Mr. Mitchell played cricket for the School and was an active member of the tennis
section. It is not so long ago for most of us to remember that Mr. Mitchell was the School organist,
a service he performed for many years, and only had to give this up on the advice of his doctor, after
a serious illness which overtook him last year. He still plays the piano for Morning Prayers and occasionally undertakes organist's duties in
the School Chapel.
J.M.

New Entrants during Spring Term, 1959
CHURCHILL, MICHAEL, from Much Wenlock, to train as a Carpenter.
DALE, PETER, from Much Wenlock, to train as a Bootmaker.
DAVISON, ANTHONY, from Hexham, to train as a Carpenter.
DUXBURY, JOHN, from Hollins, to train as a Carpenter.
FURLEY, ROGER, from Cheshire L.A., to train as a Sheet-metal Worker.
HUNDLEBY, PAUL, from Village Home, to train as a Carpenter.
LOGAN, ALAN, from Foley House, to train as a Bootmaker.
MAJOR, JOHN, from Woodford, to train as a Gardener.
MASON, JOHN, from Crowborough, to train as a Sheet-metal Worker
ROWAN, RICHARD, from Village Home, to train as a Printer.
SAMBER, DAVID, from Bromborough, to train as a Sheet-metal Worker.
SMITH, ROBERT, from Aberdare, to train as a Carpenter.
WILLIE, MICHAEL, from Foley House, to train as a Bootmaker.

Boys left during Spring Term, 1959
BAREFIELD, ALBERT, Aberdeen; September, 1955, to February, 1959. Bootmaker. Trade situation.
BROWN, JOHN, W, Somerset; September, 1955, to January, 1959. Sheet-metal worker. Trade situation.
BRUNTON, JEFFREY, Aberdeen; December, 1954, to January, 1959. Gardener. Trade situation.
CARRIER, THOMAS, Kinnaird; February, 1958, to February, 1959. Gardener. Trade situation.
FOSSEY, FRANK, Aberdeen; December, 1954, to January, 1959. Bootmaker. Restored (taking up situation in trade).
JEFFRIES, FREDERICK, Somerset; April, 1955, to February, 1959. Carpenter. Prefect, 1958. Trade situation.
McATAMNEY, CHESTER, Somerset; September, 1955, to January, 1959. Painter and Decorator. Trade situation.
MENNELL, JOHN, Kinnaird; September, 1957, to January, 1959. Gardener. Restored.
MENNELL, ROBERT, Aberdeen; September, 1955, to January, 1959- Gardener. Restored.
PEOWRIE, MICHAEL, Somerset; January, 1956, to January. [959 Non-trade. To Queen Elizabeth Training College for clerical training.
READER, JAMES, Aberdeen; April, 1956, to January. 1959 Bootmaker. Trade situation.
SPENCER, RONALD, Cairns; April, 1956to January 1959 Painter and Decorator. Prefect, 1958. Trade situation
TAYLOR, ANTHONY, Somerset; September, 1954 to January 1959 Gardener. Trade situation.
TOWNSEND, PETER, Cairns; September, 1955, to January, 1959. Bootmaker. Trade situation.
WHITE, FREDERICK, Cairns; September, 1955, to January, 1959. Sheet-metal Worker. Prefect, 1958. Colours for football. Trade situation.
WRIGHT, JOHN. Cairns; September, 1957, to January, 1959. Carpenter. Restored (taking up situation at trade).

News of Old Boys
JOHN CRAMPTON: Is doing very well in his job as an apprentice carpenter and is still keeping his interest in "drumming". Present address:
14 Cheviot Avenue, Goole, Yorks.
MICHAEL COWENS : Is a L/Cpl. in the R.E.s and enjoying life very much, especially as he is a tradesman and still able to carryon with his
bugling. Present address: 23494966 L/Cpl. M. J. Cowens, H.Q., A.E.R., R.E. (T.N. & M.C.), Longmoor Camp, Liss, Hants.
ROBERT DAVIES: Has completed his apprenticeship as a Printer (Machine Minder) and has now settled down to his trade with a London
firm. Present address: 22 Rutland Park Mansions, Walm Lane, London, N.W.2.
STANLEY FAWSON : Left Goldings in 1940 and has recently written to renew his contact with us. Present address: 417 Crock Face
Road, Hold. Nr. St. Helens, Lanes.
BRIAN GREGORY: Spent a weekend with us in December last, And is doing very well at his job. Present address: "Corner ways.
Southwood Avenue, Highcliff on Sea , Hants.
REGINALD KNIGHT : Came down to Hertford for the Christmas holiday, and spent most of his time at Goldings. Is a good voluntary worker
for the Homes. Present address: 55 Shottery Road, Stratf ord-on-Avon.
JIM PAGE: Left us at the end of last year, but comes to see us when he can at week-ends and helps the Senior A football team to keep their flag
flying. Present address: 72 Albert Road, Braintree, Essex.
ARTHUR STEADMAN: Left us some months ago to carry on in his trade as carpenter, and is doing very nicely down in Somerset. He spent a
few days with us around Christmas time. Present address: 7b High Street, Wincanton, Somerset.
DAVID WIGGETT : Wrote to us at the beginning of the year and seems to be very happy at his work and in his lodgings. Present address: 52
Lilac Road, Hoddesdon, Herts.
JOHN WINTER : Has his own shoe making business and after years of hard work is now progressing very well. John does a lot of good work
for the Homes too, especially for the handicapped children. Present address: Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Goldings Old Boy writes from Canada
Readers of THE GOLDONIAN may be interested to read a letter from a Goldings old boy:
North Vancouver,
British Columbia,
Canada.
l0th February, 1959. Dear Mr. Millar,
The enclosed newspaper is a recent copy published in the community where I am a resident. I am sending it on to you, not as a gesture of
personal tub-thumping, but as an indication to the boys presently at the School that Barnardo boys can go just as far as those more fortunate
in their early years. Most of the other candidates in the election referred to have the benefit of a university education, but I was still able to
compete with them on equal terms.
I have been living in Canada for eleven years and for most of that time have worked in the composing rooms of various daily newspapers. At
present 1 am employed at the largest newspaper operation in Canada (318 men in composing room). Despite my comparative youth I have, for
the past five years, been employed in a supervisory capacity. This would appear to give a good indication of my early training at the trade.
You probably need a few clues to place me among the hundreds of boys who have passed through your department in the last twenty years. I
started in the composing room, working in your office, in June, 1940. After working at the case under Mr. Riley and Mr. East, I was moved
down to the Linotype department under Mr. Gladwell, where my fellow-students were William Long and Dennis Smith. I left Goldings in
August, 1942, to take a job at a country weekly at Royston, Herts.
While at the school I received my cricket and football colours (one as Dennis and the other as Victor), and was a member of the band.
I hope to visit England some time this year for a holiday. I will very much like the opportunity of showing my wife and three children around
the school when I come over.
Hoping that you and your staff are able to carry on your invaluable work for many years to come.
Yours sincerely,
VICTOR BARBER.
Also enclosed was a newspaper, The Citizen, which gave reports of the Municipal Elections in North Vancouver. The poll was the largest ever
and Victor Barber was the candidate who headed it. Making reference to Councillor Barber, the newspaper said "Friends insisted that he would
not only win re-election but would top the polls but Councillor Barber didn'1 take any chances ..." and in another paragraph: "No one was
surprised when Councillor Barber topped the Polls."
The letter needs little comment but we should like to make reference to what a proud story this is. Although the present members of the School
can be justified in taking a pride in such old boys as Victor Barber they surely must realise that simply coming to Goldings did not produce such
results. Rather it was the training at Goldings plus a good character, a stout heart and the determination to do well that made the difference.
We shall look forward to a visit from the Barbers when they come to the "Old Country" later in the year, when our congratulations will be given
first hand.
M

Page Compiled February 2020