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Any lawn tennis players I ask always tell me that Wimbledon is the greatest tournament in the world; not only because the best players come
to it, but because it is the most enjoyable to play in, The atmosphere is just right. Everything is done for the competitors that can be, from the
special twenty-four hour laundry service to the restaurant, bar and roof garden set aside for them—a refuge to which the Press or public may
not penetrate.
Everything is done, too, to make things as enjoyable as possible for the spectator—in fact Wimbledon is as near perfection as any sporting
event could be. So you can understand why, although it is an extremely exhausting fortnight for me, I always enjoy the Lawn Tennis
Championships at the All England Club more than any other fortnight of the year.
One of the services which does most to contribute to the comfort of the players—and to the aesthetic pleasure of the onlooker-sis that given
by the ball-boys who come from your school. I often think that their's is the best performance to be seen on the Centre Court; it is certainly
more free from mistakes than any other!
Such a high standard as your boys set can only be achieved by practice, discipline and great keenness. If you have the same attitude to
whatever you decide to do when you leave school, I am sure you will succeed and, in so doing, will probably give as much pleasure as you
do at Wimbledon.
I'm very glad to have been asked to write this foreword, so that I can say to you what I have often said on the air about you, "Well done!".
And now I'd like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year, and I'll look forward to seeing some of you again at next Wimbledon.
MAX ROBERTSON
Max Robertson is the well-known commentator and interviewer on the B.B.C. Radio and Television service. He is known best to our ball boys
for his commentaries on the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis championships.
THE LIGHTS OF HOME
We welcome visitors to Goldings at all seasons of the year and many are impressed by the beauty of our surroundings, but there is a scene
familiar to us which they rarely see. Returning on a crisp Winter's night, rounding the gap in the wall near the sweet chestnut tree, which
stands on the South-East corner of the lawn, the homecomer might imagine himself to have chanced upon some enchanted castle in a fairy
realm. It is indeed a vision of loveliness for those who have eyes to see. For me the moment of enchantment does not last very long, for the
cares and anxieties of my office dog my footsteps; those prosaic minions begin to whisper in my ear, "How many of those lights are burning
unnecessarily and how much a minute does it all cost ?" As I draw closer the last vestige of the elfin castle notion is shattered, for the lusty,
exuberant cacophony, not so much escaping as being almost visibly expelled from the windows, could have but one origin—Goldings boys
having a bath. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else. Still the illusion is a "thrill while it lasts and stepping inside the comfortable security
of our home I am consoled by the reflection that I am probably happier looking after mortals, whose tricks I am used to, than conducting a
home for fairies, who are not invariably good, and if of the elf or hobgoblin variety far more trouble than boys.
Light and darkness make the greatest contrast our minds can conceive. Darkness stands for all that is ugly, evil and false—light for beauty,
goodness and truth. Our Lord said of Himself, "I am the Light of the world''. When talking to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, Jesus said, "All that
live ignoble lives detest the light and will not come to it lest their actions be exposed; whereas the man who lives the truth comes to the light so
that the world may see that all he does is done in God." How true this is of the everyday affairs of our own home. We know perfectly well that
ignoble acts are done, and when they are done they are furtive, underhand and in secret. The doers of these acts are afraid of ths light. Though
their stupidity irritates us and on occasion enrages us, their plight is really pitiable. Guilty people are always anxious and unhappy no matter
how hard they try to hide it. By contrast, there is nothing so comforting and easy to live with as a clear conscience. Nicodemus was not a happy
man, for the Scriptures record that he came to Jesus by night; he was more than half afraid of the truth. Jesus told him how he could put things
right and be at peace with himself. "You must be born again", He said. St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians, gave expression to the same
advice when he exhorted them, "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind".
If you are able to read these words and understand the meaning of them, you have God-given powers for which you should be thankful. Open
your heart to receive the message of Christmas— be renewed in the spirit of your mind. It is a message of salvation, a new way of life, it
speaks of truth, peace, kindness and good-fellowship, the lights of home which never fail.
R.F.W.
Note. The quotation from the Gospel according to St. John is taken from the new translation by E. V. Rieu.
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
"Christmas is glorious because it is the creation of a Child. Man is not the architect of Christmas. It was built, in the first place, by a Baby, and
the glitter of it was the reflection of the light in a Baby's eyes". So said C. E. Jefferson.
What a wonderful gift, and a mysterious gift is man's thought, the child of his brain. Man speaks, man writes, and if the thought be new,
or true, or lovely, it may last for ever. Did the writer of the 23rd Psalm ever dream it would help, comfort, and inspire millions of folk of all
ages after he was dead to this life, and yet alive in the words, "The Lord is my Shepherd". So with the message of the angels on that first
Christmastide echoed and reechoed through the centuries, from generation to generation.
At Christmastide we think of the marvellous gift of God—a Child in the midst of the nations of the world. When we contemplate the simplicity
and beauty of the scene, do we not think of praise to God, and thanksgiving for His gift? We can express our gratitude in word and in gift. The
word—His praise at the services of His Church: the gift—our loyal service to Him day by day. •
We need a persistent courage, a persistent devotion, and a persistent endeavour in our lives for Jesus Christ. And Christmas Day is His Birthday.
So let us give Him our praise from lips and hearts, and service in our lives.
God bless you all, and may your Christmas be very happy.
S.C.C.
CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
There are many and varied customs attached to Christmas. Certain places in England claim to have originated our Christmas celebrations.
Pride of place among these claimants goes to the ancient city of York. On Christmas Day in the year 627, King Edwin and his Court celebrated
the king's conversion to Christianity by St. Paulinus. In the little wooden church, on the site of the present York Minster, a quantity of mistletoe
was carried in to remind the newly converted of the heathen worship under the Druids. Mistletoe was originally a symbol of heathenism, and it
was also used in witchcraft.
At York, King Henry III and his Court held a mammoth feast at Christmastide. This Christmas feastival was a long drawn out affair, and often
lasted for three weeks. People declared "open house" for this period of time, and the Barons threw open their castles to all who cared to visit
and consume their food in vast quantities.
The largest feast held in this country was at Cawood Castle, Selby, on Christmas Day in 1465. The feast was open to all who cared to come,
and guests flocked in from far and wide. In the days of feasting it is said that 104 oxen, 6 wild bulls, 1,100 sheep, 304 calves, and 301 wild
boars, together with thousands of geese, poultry, pheasants, pigeons, and rabbits were eaten.
At one time in England pigeons were especially kept for Yule-tide dishes. At Sibthorpe, Notts, and at Clifton near Nottingham, you can still
see the pigeon cotes where the wild pigeons nested. These birds were caught and used for food when required, especially in Winter when meat
was scarce.
The Christmas Turkey, so prominent a dish now was introduced into this country in Tudor times. The main dish before then was swan. From
the hamlet of Boynton near Driffield went young William Strickland to serve as a cabin boy to Sebastian Cabot the explorer. In the New World,
William Strickland caught a few-turkeys, brought them back, and carefully reared them. They became a popular delicacy at the Christmas
board.
The Strickland family became prosperous and in their coat-of-arms William Strickland showed a turkey. Today in .Boynton Church you can
see the Lectern in the form of a turkey with outspread wings. The turkey remains in the Stricklands of Boynton's coat-of-arms.
The central figure of a commercial Christmas is Father Christmas or Santa Claus. In shops and chain-stores all over the country, weeks before
Christmas, preparations are being made for the year's greatest festival. Advertisements appear in the national Press for a
"FATHER CHRISTMAS". This cloaked and hooded, benignly bearded, tenderly cheerful gentleman, is even tempted by the promise of
"Good wages, and Staff Canteen". Father Christmas is hardly more than 100 years old, but in that comparatively short period he has become
both a person and a symbol. He is a real person and the spirit of Christmas. But he is something more than this. For Father Christmas is a kind
of universal father, not just a kindly guardian of the pleasures of children.
In his dress, Father Christmas with scarlet hood and red coal is as established as John Bull in low-crowned topper, buff-topped breeches, and a
Union-Jack waistcoat; or Uncle Sam with his stripped trousers, goatee beard and American-Flag-coloured hat. But wherever he may appear, he
is always a welcome guest with children, and grown-ups too.
Some time ago, a very conscientious, but unwise Chief Constable said that children singing carols in the streets were lawbreakers, and could
be punished severely. Since that time children have continued singing carols, despite his warning; and good it is that they have ignored him.
Carols are a necessary part of Christmas custom. As Scrooge discovered, you can't escape them once the season begins.
How did we learn carols? We just "picked them up" somehow, as we did our Nursery Rhymes. They are part and parcel of the Christmas
tradition, and like that loveable character Topsy, "they just growed". Carols are part of the lovely things that grow naturally out of the outburst
of joy which surges through Christian hearts and minds at the thought of the gift of Jesus Christ on that first Christmas Day. Only a God-
forsaken world could ever be sad at the season of Christmas.
Norman Banks, an Australian commercial radio announcer, has composed a modern carol. This, with the old traditional carols is sung by
candlelight in Melbourne's Alexandra Gardens, each Christmas Eve. The Columbia Recording is sold for the benefit of young victims of
infantile paralysis, and also for blind children. Apart from the fact that this is a most wonderful contribution to suffering humanity, Norman
Banks has the right spirit in the words of his carol:
"Yuletide in Melbourne means mass jubilation, And carols by candlelight on Christmas Eve: Thousands assemble in glad dedication
To hail Him with joy, and the vow—/ believe!"
S.C.C.
IN MEMORIAM
ELIZABETH BARRETT
Miss Barrett came to Goldings in August, 1945. As an Assistant Matron she worked with thoroughness in the many duties which fell to her lot.
As a member of the Goldings Social Club she attended the many and varied functions. In her there was, above all, a willingness to take on the
unspectacular and often dull small chores that turn up from time to time. She was kind and generous; and she is sadly missed.
Requiescat in pace
VISITS FROM OLD BOYS
J. KERRY. John came to see us recently and stayed a few days. He is still serving with the Navy and intends to make the Service his career.
B. RAINES. He stayed a week-end with us. He was then serving with the Merchant Navy but was considering the idea of returning to
"Civvy Street".
R. BOSWELL. He is still completing his National Service in the Army and is stationed at Chester. He will soon be demobbed and hopes to
continue in his trade as a carpenter.
B. HORNBY. A P.T. Instructor in the Army and stationed in North Wales. When he visited us he was looking very smart and fit. He still has
a year to serve.
PADDY
Many present and old boys of the School will be sorry that Paddy is no more. Nearly nine years ago he left Crowborough to the family, but by
far the fleetest of foot. Those were the days when he was the terror of every squirrel and rabbit on the estate. As the years passed by he
became ore staid and rather slower, but even in his latter years he waited eagerly for their dismissal from the parade ground to race the boys to
the Hall door and would put on his tail-chasing act for their entertainment. His applause on the football field was occasionally too vociferous
and too impartial for everybody's liking, but he plainly showed his interest in everything in which the boys took part. He invariably supported
the Cricket team and stood ready to warn off all unauthorised intruders. He knew the meaning of every bugle call and mustered accordingly at
Chapel, on the Parade Ground, in the Dining Hall or Gymnasium.
During the nine happy years he spent at Goldings many boys have lavished their affections on him and have been rewarded by his
companionship and devotion. He had no pedigree but plenty of character. The span of his life represents an episode in the history of Goldings
and by many of us will be long remembered.
JUNIOR CRICKET, 1954
The Inter-House Cricket Competition this season was won by Pelham, who lost one match. They were very closely followed by McCall, who
lost two matches. In third and fourth places come Buxton and Kinnaird respectively.
The Junior Cricket XI have had quite a successful season, recapturing the Hertford and District Cricket Trophy they lost last season. The main
weakness has been the batting, which at times has been very poor. However, excellent fielding, most notably by King, good captaincy by
Burgar who should do well with the bat in future seasons, and some remarkable bowling performances by Hemfrey laid the foundation for
victory. The mainstay of. some mediocre batting has been Coley, who on occasions really put bat to ball.
The following boys have played for the Junior XI: — Burgar (Capt.), Hemfrey, King, Davies, J., Davies, R., Fleming, Woods, Coley, Peach,
Wilson, Watkins, Bailey, Holden, Peet, Cum-mings, C. and Sidwells.
STAFF CRICKET CLUB
By the time this account reaches the readers of THE GOLDONIAN in the Christmas issue, cricket will be just a memory in the minds of most
of us. It is however, nice to look back upon those 'sunny' Saturday afternoons, now that Winter is with us, to reflect, and no doubt at the same
time look forward to 'whites' and the crack of the willow in May, 1955.
Except for bad weather which resulted in the last two games being cancelled, the Eleven once again enjoyed a pleasant season. In addition to
the regular Saturday fixtures, matches on the "overs system" were arranged and played on Wednesday evenings. Some good scores were
compiled by different players, but the only 50 went to Mr. Newbrook against Welwyn Garden City, yet in the same match Mr. Wheatley made
47 not out. The best bowling performance was that of Mr. Smith with 7 for 30 against Ferme Park.
Out of a total of 21 games played, 14 were won, 6 lost, and i drawn. Individual averages as follows: —
BATTING
L. Embleton
F. Tordoff
D. F. Wheatley
F. Stevenson
G. Bumford
S. C. Corbett
R. F. Wheatley
W. Newbrook
T. Blackmore
J. James
S. Whitbread
M. Smith
BOWLING
G. Bumford
T. Wilkins
L. Embleton
W. Newbrook
M. Smith
R. F. Wheatley
S. C. Corbett
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