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THIS building was erected in 1933 by Reginald Abel Smith in the hope that within these walls, by the skill and kindness of
those who minister here, suffering may be alleviated and health restored, and in the memory of his grandfather Robert Smith
who built Goldings 1875
These words form, the inscription on the memorial tablet in the new Sick Bay at Dr. Barnardo's Homes, Goldings. Hertford,
the opening and dedication of which was performed by the Bishop of St. Albans, on Monday, 5th November, 1934.
The ceremony took place in the hospital itself, numerous friends of the Homes having been invited. Lord and Lady Salisbury
a sent telegram regretting their absence.
Mr. M. H. Tetley, Chairman of the Goldings sub-committee and member of the council of Dr, Barnardo's Homes, explained the
reason for the building of the new sick bay. Ever since Goldings was opened twelve years ago, he said, the sick bay has been
situated on the second floor of the house. This meant that the dangers of infection were great, as the boys could not be
separated at all satisfactorily. the dispensary, too, Mr. Tetley pointed out, was in another part of the building, and nurses
on duty had considerable difficulty to attend to both "out" and "in" patients. He said the executive committee as approached
on the matter, with the result that Mr, Reginald Abel smith offered to build the new hospital as a gift to Goldings.
Mr. Tetley conveyed to Mr. Abel Smith the gratitude of all connected with the Homes. He also thanked the architect, Mr. Butler,
and the builders, Messrs. W. J. Haward, for their care in the construction of the building. "It behoves the Council," he said,
"to have every means at their disposal as regards the physical and mental welfare of the 270 boys in the Home." In
conclusion the speaker thanked the Bishop, who, he said, had always shown great interest in the Home.
Mr. Reginald Abel Smith, in formally giving the building to Goldings. referred to the valuable work which is being carried
on by the Dr. Barnardo's Homes throughout the country. There were at present, he said, 8.138 children in the care of the
organization, continuing, he said that the 270 boys at Goldings were all trained for some trade, and found permanent
employment on leaving the Home, he emphasised that this work should be realised throughout the whole of Hertfordshire.
Speaking of the new hospital he expressed the hope that the nurses in charge would find the building an asset to their work.
He thanked Mr. Tetley and all those who had helped with the building of the sick bay. also mentioning the builders, Messrs.
W J. Haward, and the Bishop for his interest and support.
The Bishop congratulated the Dr. Barnardo's Homes on having such a beautiful hospital for its boys. His Lordship said that
although they had needed the hospital for a long time, they had now obtained the latest type of building possible. He referred to the
many people in the world who "can do things and don't" and spoke of the donor, Mr. Abel Smith, as the rare person who "can
do things and does." The Bishop said the greatest asset in the world was the "human asset," and Dr. Barnardos Homes were
cultivating this by training boys in their care.
The unveiling of the tablet was then performed by the Bishop, who afterwards led the gathering in prayer.
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