| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Dave |
Posted - 19 Mar 2008 : 18:30:37
Does anyone remember The William Baker Technical School, (GOLDINGS) it was a Barnardo's Home, and School for Boys. It was situated in Waterford on The North Road just outside Hertford.
It opened in 1922 and closed in 1967.
Lots of boys from the school still live in Hertford and the surrounding areas, and we all get back together each year for our annual reunion.
It would be good to hear from anyone who can help me to form the History of the school with stories or photographs. As a pupil of the school I have created a Website please visit www.goldings.org
Dave
|
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dave |
Posted - 17 May 2013 : 17:16:17
An Old Boy Talks to the Printers
ON THURSDAY, 8th October, 1959, Victor Barber, a Goldings Old Boy and a product of the Printing Department, gave a talk to the department in the Old Schoolroom. As well as outlining his own career since leaving the School he gave an interesting account of Canada,. its opportunities and its labour set-up allied to the printing industry.
It would appear from his remarks that the qualifications most likely to advance one up the ladder is 1o be 'a good printer'. Technical Schools are few and far between and it is the Trade Union which has assumed responsibility for apprentice training.
The printer in Canada rates alongside the doctor, junior lawyer, etc., in fact, he is middle-class and can cope with, buying a house, a car and life's necessities without too much strain.
Victor Barber paid tribute to his training here and stressed that if he could become a foreman at twenty-seven years of age, the Golding's apprentice today, with so much longer in full training, should have little difficulty in holding a good job.
Victor works in Vancouver, with a newspaper firm which produces daily and evening papers, papers which quite often contain sixty-four pages. (The paper boys must earn their cash in Canada!)
After his address he invited questions and was soon busy supplying the answers. Mr. Millar thanked the speaker and wished him well on his return.
R. S.
1959 |
| Dave |
Posted - 17 May 2013 : 16:59:22
THE FAIR held on Hartham Common, Hertford, on the 23rd September, 1959, proved to be a very successful one indeed, and brought many visitors and local inhabitants flocking to the gates.
Inside, the leading manufacturer's of many different articles had put forward a display of their best selling products, including washing machines and television sets, followed by practically everything a person or family needs for a well-furnished home. The local brewers in Hertford, Messrs. McMullen and Co., also had an attractive stand on which they displayed an ingenious machine showing all the important steps in beer brewing.
After the crowd had seen almost everything, it was announced that there would be a series of displays. The Fire and Ambulance Brigade came first with a very interesting display of their methods of putting out fires and attending to accidents. Then followed a display by our School's Cadet Band who put on an excellent show followed by the Gym Team which was equally successful.
All this put together made an afternoon's visit worthwhile at Hertford's Trade Fair, and the boys had something to be proud about, after taking part in such an achievement.
JOHN BASSETT
|
| Dave |
Posted - 09 Apr 2013 : 21:37:59
AN EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM AN OLD BOY
PTE. STEPHENSON, Hong Kong.
Dear Matron,
Thank you very much for your very nice letter 1 received a feW days ago. It was most welcome. Since I received your letter I have had an exciting time and a rather dangerous one. I expect you heard from the wireless and read in the newspapers about the riOTs in Hong Kong in early March. I was caught in one as I was coming out of the cinema.
I was beaten up and when I came to I found myself in a military hospital having suffered a severe blow on the head from a chunk of concrete which made an ugly wound causing bruises and shock.
When I was able to realise my surroundings I looked at the next BEd. Who do you think was there? Ronnie Hindmarsh. He was also at Goldings. You remember him he was very friendly with Jimmie Goode.
He had been beaten up too. At the time of writing everything is fine with me. I hope you are in good health and happiness. How are the prefects progressing now?
Well matron I really must close now with all my fondest and best wishes to the staff from,
Ex-prefect, Steve.
The Goldonian 1952 |
| Dave |
Posted - 09 Apr 2013 : 21:33:52
LETTER FROM AN OLD BOY
A letter has been received by Mr. Maslin from David W. Green, now in Canada. He congratulates us on the issue of THE GOLDONIAN which was sent to him. He is playing cricket out there, and last year toured Philadelphia and New York City. "Out of 43 games we lost 9, drew 7, and won 27, quite a good season. I stood fourth in the averages with an average of 31.5 for 32 games". This year the programme consists of 40 games, one against the M.C.C. touring side.
[David Green is still remembered with pleasure at Goldings. He was always a delightful person to know.—EDITORS]
The Goldonian 1951 |
| Dave |
Posted - 09 Apr 2013 : 21:26:10
THE QUERULOUS QUEENS
When the Dramatic Section of Hertford Townswomen's Guild won the cup for the best all-women's cast at the Hertford Dramatic Festival they put up a very fine performance. A lively play, full of historic interest and humour, The Querulous Queens found scope for some splendid acting by the cast of eleven ladies.
On 27th April the cast visited Goldings and gave a repeat performance for the School which was greatly appreciated. The evening was marked by the attendance of a group of twenty-five visitors from Herts Training School.
The following took part: - Mesdames: Joyce Clark, Marion Palmer, Dora Millar, Vi Wells, Freda Kitching, Doris Maslin, M. Fullager, Doris Tordoff, Marjorie Stocks, Vera Goshawk, Billie Tidd. Producer: James Mitchell.
The Goldonian 1951 |
| Dave |
Posted - 23 Mar 2013 : 21:09:29
I REMEMBER, I REMEMBER . . .
I CANNOT say these memories of Goldings are all in the right order, only the first ones and the last, the rest just come tumbling out of my memory store. I remember the day the boys came from Stepney, how they arrived at Hertford East Station and marched to Goldings led by the band, my father being the Bandmaster. It appeared as though all Hertford had turned out to see them and how wonderful it was for the boys to see Goldings for the first time with all the fields and trees, after the East End of London where they had only a courtyard in which to play their games. I can remember the visit of The Prince of Wales, the present Duke of Windsor, who came for the official opening of the School. The last and poignant memory was the sad and bewildering news that the Council of the Homes had decided to close the School.Now come the memories at random. An early memory is the building and dedication of the School Chapel. I remember the fetes we used to have in the grounds each summer. The people came in their hundreds and were entertained by the Band and the Gymnastic Team. There was cricket in the long days of summer, and watching football on the top field with the thermometer below freezing and an icy wind from the northeast. I remember how staff and boys worked together to dig out the new swimming pool. Then there were the dark years of war. How hard and uncomfortable it was spending the nights in the trenches. There was the land mine that didn't go off, and the tragic night when one of the masters was killed and the corner of Clock House was blown away.I remember when The Verney was bought and converted into a home for the printer boys. In the days before television, what fun the staff had rehearsing plays, which were put on for the benefit of the boys, and I can remember too, many fine plays and other entertainments given by the boys for the enjoyment of the staff. It was a great day also when the boys were allowed to shed their uniforms and dress like any other boys. Shall we ever forget Sunny Dymchurch? What jokes were made about it, yet what happy times we had there.I remember the boys going to Wimbledon and the renown they brought to Barnardo's, when all the world could see the results of their good training. Not so very long ago the new wing was built and Princess Margaret came to open it. What a day that was and how proud we were of the magnificent display of fine craftsmanship. I remember a day in November 1965, when the new schoolroom block was opened by Sir John Hunt. That was another occasion when everyone admired the skills, which the boys had learned at Goldings. Who would have dreamt then that there was any thought of closure? For over forty years my life has revolved about Goldings and all that this home and school has meant. They are mostly happy memories and now in my home I have many things made by Golding’s boys. I will always treasure them and REMEMBER.
DORIS MASLIN
The Goldonian 1967
N.B. Mrs Maslin was the daughter of the bandmaster from Stepney Causeway, Mr Marchant who was the bandmaster, who in 1922 marched the boys up the North Road as the new residents to Goldings. I have later discovered from another member of Staff that when she married Mr Maslin, many of the family and friends were shocked as Mr Maslin was a former Barnardo Boy from Stepney and such an arrangement was not encouraged, but time was to prove the doubters wrong as they lived very happily indeed until the passing of Mr Maslin in 1965,and Mrs Maslin was to survive for many years later, and as can been seen in her recollections, she adored Goldings and the boys. My memory of them is clouded, but Mr Maslin was a kind member of Staff and as I unfolded this story I can now understand his kindness to us as like us, he was a Barnardo Boy, but we was never told of his former background! Dave. |
| Dave |
Posted - 10 Mar 2013 : 20:12:52
SCHOOL LIFE AT GOLDINGS
School Houses
The School is divided into six school houses named after famous benefactors of the Homes, namely: Somerset, Cairns, Aberdeen, Mount Stephen, Buxton, McCall, who compete for trophies in all the different spoils and other competitions.
Outdoor Sports
Football, Cricket, Baseball. A yearly Sports Day. Swimming Pool.
Indoor Sports
Billiards, Table Tennis, and other quiet games. Leave Periods
All well conducted boys are allowed a great deal of freedom. They have opportunity several times during the week of visiting Hertford or going for walks with their friends.
Pocket Money
There is a liberal allowance of pocket money for boys who are prepared to use it sensibly. On admission each boy receives 1/- a week which rises in regular stages to 2/6. Many boys manage to add to their pocket money by doing odd jobs for people in their spare time.
Clubs, etc.
There are many groups a boy is free to join to occupy his leisure hours. Some like the Army Cadet Force, with its frequent camps, and the Brass Band and Pets Club are active all the year round and others are confined to the dark evenings in the winter months. The latter include Art and Drama Clubs, Discussion Group, voluntary Physical Training and Boxing Teams, and also Hobbies Clubs, such as model aeroplane making and leather work.
Cinema
There is a free cinema show each week except during the Summer months. |
| Dave |
Posted - 06 Feb 2013 : 16:46:13
GOLDINGS IN AUSTRALIA
Mr. Hayton, one of Dr. Barnardo's representatives, visited Goldings this term to choose specimens of work from the different trades. He is travelling to Australia soon and part of his duties there will be to show the Australian people what type of work is being attempted by this school. To help him in this work and give our Australian friends an impression of our work here, specimens of work from the various shops will be exhibited.
It is always difficult to make a choice of work which will give a fair reflection of the departments but with the aid of the specimens of work and various photographs we hope our Australian friends will have a good idea of our life here.
Below is an account of the work which will be exhibited.
Woodwork Department
Chess Table, by T. Edwards, Age 14.
Turned Bowls and Bedside Lamp, by T. Barnes, Age 15+.
Book Trough, by D. Ellis, Age 16+.
Sheet-metal Work Department
Copper Jug, by W. Walford, Age 17.
Painted Toilet Can (The same pattern as made for the Prince
of Wales when he opened Goldings in 1922)
by J. Woods, Age 16.
Scoop, by L. Maitland, Age 15.
Set of Pastry Cutters, by M. and K. Brierley, Age 14.
Printing Department
Specimen Type Faces
Colour Proofs
General Specimens of Printing
Bootmakers Department
1 Pair of Youths boots Hand-sewn welted,
1 Odd repaired shoe riveted clump and heel.
1 Odd repaired shoe Long soled and heeled sewn.
1 Odd shoe Fancy Coronation design in rivets. |
| Dave |
Posted - 06 Feb 2013 : 16:35:08
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE CORONATION PROCESSION
I was surprised and pleased to be told a week before the Coronation of the Queen that I had been selected to be one of a party to go to London to see the Coronation procession.
On Monday evening, 1st June, I reported to the A.C.F. H.Q. at London Road Barracks, where I stayed the night.
We were roused at 3 a.m. and after cleaning-up and having breakfast we left by the Cadet coach and arrived in London at 6 a.m. Already the streets were filling with people and we were escorted on foot to our stand at the Palace end of the Mall.
The weather was poor but we made ourselves as comfortable as possible and we forgot the weather in watching the many Service detachments lining the Mall. Every party was getting cheered as it came along.
The time soon passed and eventually there was a great cheer as the first of the Royal procession began to leave the Palace. What a thrill it was to see the fine bearing of the mounted escorts and the marching detachments. The Royal Family and the many foreign representatives came by in their carriages and each got a special cheer. At last the golden coach with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh came out of the Palace Gates and my ears nearly burst with the loud cheering which greeted Her Majesty. I was proud to be British and a member of the pre-Services.
After the procession had passed we made our way into Green Park and there listened to the Coronation ceremony over the loud speakers.
At 3.15 p.m. we were back in the stands to see the Queen return to the Palace. In spite of the rain it was a magnificent sight and the Queen was radiant.
I was especially impressed with Sir Winston Churchill smiling and giving the "V" sign and with Queen Salote who seemed to ignore the rain and smiled and waved to us.
After the processions had passed there was a rush to the Palace Gates to see the Queen and the Royal Family who came out on to the balcony, where they smiled and waved repeatedly to the vast crowds. Eventually we made our way back to the coach and I returned with unforgettable memories of a wonderful day.
L/CPL. R. HOWARD,
No. 2 Company.
1953 |
| Dave |
Posted - 24 Jan 2013 : 17:28:35
I wonder if anyone who looks in on this part of the site could help us out,every year we hold our re-union in Hertford at Sele Farm Community Centre and we all try to stay together in the same hotel (about 10-12 rooms between us)Usually we stay at the White Horse in Hertfordinbury but this year it's booked for a Wedding on the 5th of October (saturday)as we had a special rate of £50-00 per double room including breakfast.Most of us arrive on the Friday 4th,and leave on the Sunday (6th)so I just wondered if anyone looking in can help with any idea's on a similar package,but local, as the oldest Old Boy is 88 and his mobility is not that good.We also have Old Boys coming over from Australia and Canada,I would as the organiser appreciate any suggestions.
P.S.I have contacted the Salisbury and Hertford House...to expensive! many thanks Dave. |
| Dave |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 20:31:14
MY TRADE
When I first came here it was explained to me that there were five trades, one of which I could choose to learn; Printing, Gardening, Carpentry, Bootmaking and Sheet Metal Work. I soon made up my mind to choose Bootmaking.
On the Thursday after I arrived I was asked to report to the office where I said that I wished to train in the Bootmaking department. I was shown the Bootmaking shop but it was all very new and strange to me on that first day. As Juniors we have only one day each week in shop and that first day went all too quickly. At the end of the day I was looking forward to the following Thursday.
Our day is divided between theory and practice. My first practical job was repairing a heel, but when I have had more practice I hope I shall be capable of a complete repair, which will satisfy my teachers.
In theory so far I have learned something of the processes which are needed to change skins into shoe leather but I have much to learn.
I like my trade and enjoy working at it and although I have only been in the Bootmaking Department four months I feel sure I shall always enjoy working at this trade.
A. BLACKBURN
Summer 1954
Footnote "This was written by Alan Blackburn who was to sign at Goldings a Professional Football Contract with West Ham United. He now lives in Shropshire and unfortunately suffers from dementia". |
| Dave |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 20:15:57
EDITORIAL
UNEMPLOYMENT is a word that is being used more these days than for the last twenty-five years and the stark fact that unemployment is a thing of reality and not just a 'wolf story is slowly dawning on the under-30's population, who until now have never really had to seek work.
Full employment is an ideal situation, provided we all realize that to be employed one does not just have to be present, but is also expected to do a reasonable day's work. Perhaps the different definitions of the word 'reasonable' has some bearing on the situation today? Far be it for me to try and put my finger on the reason, or to suggest a solution to this unfortunate and gigantic problem which faces the nation today, but I do suggest that we could all do worse than make an extra effort at improving our efficiency.
The boys here at Goldings have everything in their favour as regards training and conditions. No worry as to where the next meal will come from, or where they will sleep at night, or if there will be work for them tomorrow, and if a boy is apprenticed in the Printing Department, he is assured of a job until he is twenty-one, and boys who are in the other apprenticeable trades have practically as good a guarantee.
It is very difficult to get the message through about the conditions of outside employment when all our boys have to do is report to shop each day. I suppose the only way to learn the hard facts of life is by experience. Unfortunately experience can be very costly, so to all boys at School now I say 'make the most of your opportunities, and listen and accept what your teachers, sbopmasters, and house parents tell you, they are not fools, and have had far greater experience in the world than you have'.
I am quite sure there are many Old Boys who would be only too pleased to have their time over again at Goldings under the present conditions and who would work and listen a lot more now than they did when they were here. Another fact is that an hour lost can never be regained.
Remember, there are eight hundred thousand unemployed now, and we send about sixty boys each year into the ranks of the employed (no boy leaves here without a job) but whether or not he stays employed depends to a large degree on his own efficiency, and his willingness to work and live with other people.
Spring 1963
Foot Note "What has changed" |
| Dave |
Posted - 15 Jan 2013 : 20:11:31
Grand Fete
The Goldings Old Boys' Association are holding a Summer Fete in the lovely grounds of Port Vale House, Hertford, on Saturday, 25th July, 1959, beginning at 3 p.m. This, I think, is one of the biggest ventures the Old Boys have undertaken, and they need all the support they can get. Any offers of help, gifts of produce, articles for a "White Elephant" stall, etc, will be gratefully received. Arthur Robertson of the Printing Department is organising this function, so please contact him if you can help at all.
In addition to the usual stalls and sideshows the School Gymnastics Team and the Corps of Drums will give a display.
Book the date—SATURDAY, 25th July, 1959
Spring 1959 |
| Dave |
Posted - 09 Dec 2012 : 18:50:18
From Me to You
To EVERYONE belonging to Goldings, boys and staff, past and present, I send my good wishes at this season of the year. Through THE GOLDONIAN I would like to send a special message to certain people I do not see so often as I would like to. For example to all those boys who never (well hardly ever) line the corridor outside my study in the mornings I send a special word of thanks. I have in. mind, too, all those boys who meet with difficulties, but face up to them and overcome them without much help from me, likewise those who steadily work away at their schooling and trade training to prepare themselves for a successful career and a life of usefulness to the community. You don't take up a lot of my time, but I am well aware of your presence in the school and the service you give in keeping up standards and giving us a good reputation wherever you go. I would also like to take the opportunity of expressing my deep appreciation of the support of every member of the Goldings staff, who in his or her particular field gets down to the job without repining for that never-never land where working conditions are ideal, rewards are equitable and administration is faultless.
As Christmas approaches my sitting room gets more and more colourful as the very great number of greetings cards from Goldings boys and Old Boys are displayed around it. Even if we knew the addresses of all the kind people who send them, my wife and I could not possibly afford to return the compliment. We only hope that all of you will get a copy of this GOLDONIAN and read this short message, for we would like you to know what joy these greetings bring to us. When we lovingly arrange our collection we are touched by your thought for us, uplifted and refreshed in mind and spirit to persevere.
p.s.
Having had the privilege of reading the proofs of this issue, I would like to congratulate the writers of the House Notes, which are such a great improvement on those in recent issues.
R. F. W.
Headmasters Notes Winter 1960 |
| Dave |
Posted - 20 Nov 2012 : 20:31:52
LITERARY SECTION Christmas Pantomime
THE SCHOOL'S Christmas concert which took the form of a pantomime under the title 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' proved an excellent evening's entertainment, and was from the first curtain a great success. Written and produced under the capable hands of Mr. Newton, he made it more interesting by giving it a distinct Golding’s flavour.
The show was introduced by Mr. Newton as the Good Fairy (vital statistics 40-40-40) which as the evening progressed was no indication that he was a straight actor, and there followed the introduction of the cast in an attractive woodland setting, designed and painted by Mr. Sheppard the stage manager, each actress and actor presenting themselves to the audience in rhyme. From then on the fun started, and the very laughable antics of the voluptuous Dame, played with vigour and fun by an experienced Mr. Powell, and the charm of Snow White, played most effectively by Josephine Sheppard, had little effect on the hilarious behaviour of the Seven Dwarfs who, under their disguise—which was cleverly applied by Mrs. Stackwood, capably assisted by Mrs. Powell—were none other than M. Justice, C. Bishop, B. Hyland, S. Denton, M. Cashmore, D. Holmes, and D. Pike, and their task was only made easier by the timely interruptions of the Villains played with great gusto and terror by Mr. Stackwood, who seemed the only one capable of controlling these irrepressible and mischievious gentlemen.
The first main scene showing the dwarfs in school brought a complete surprise, when the good fairy giving a dancing lesson to the class called for her 'Corps de Ballet' to give a demonstration, and on to the stage tripped five of the staff wives, Mesdames D. Millar, E. Newton, D. Maslin, R. Sheppard, and D. Tordoff, in authentic costume of the 1940's to give a vigorous and spirited display of the Charleston. Never have wiggles, jumps and stomps earned such well-deserved applause. At the end of this scene Prince Charming in the shapely form of Christine Stackwood made his appearance together with his two handsome pages, and was introduced to Snow White, with whom he promptly fell in love.
As the show progressed the villain tried hard to outwit the Prince for the hand of Snow White, but the dwarfs using all their natural talent frequently interrupted to thwart the course of true love, and so allying themselves with Snow White's page.
Many sections of the show call for description, but perhaps if we remember such scenes as the dwarfs being put to bed by the Dame and Snow White; the Dame and Villain tying themselves up with a deck chair at the seaside; the custard pie delivered in Dame's face by an over enthusiastic dwarf in the breakfast scene; the parson played with such reverence by Mr. Jones who did eventually marry the right couples, much to the disgust of the Villain who finished up wed to the Dame. The fine solo and choral singing, which was aided by the efforts of the chapel choir throughout the show and was the result of much hard work by Mr. Mondin, the pianist, and Mr. Goodger, the choirmaster, this panto will be one of those shows never to be forgotten.
On the afternoon of Tuesday the following day the show was put on as a special performance for the Old People of Hertford, who were brought to the gymnasium by coach and sat throughout the afternoon with happy tears of laughter streaming down their faces. At the end of the show their representatives thanked the cast and all those responsible for giving them such a wonderful afternoon, and with this they included the tea, which was served to them during the interval.
Finally a word of thanks should again be extended to all those who did the hard work behind the scenes, few of the departments escaped being called upon for something. The local Scout troop were most helpful in lending a number of costumes and much time was spent by the sewing ladies in repairing, altering and even making more costumes, the 'carps' were called upon to give their skill in making props, the school art club gave valuable assistance in helping to paint the props and scenery, the electricians who had many demands made on them for lighting effects, and many others who willingly gave time and effort to help.
As for the audience, surely the rafters of the gymnasium have never rung so loudly as they did to the lusty singing of those who joined in the chorus of the Goldings song.
Since the cast of the stage show seldom have the chance to see themselves 'as others see us' ours was more fortunate than most, for a few weeks after the show Mr. Wheatley kindly invited them together with all others who had taken any part in it, to see the colour transparencies which he had taken of the pantomime. Needless to say these were extremely good, and many were the hoots of laughter, which rang out as one member of the cast after another was shown in a comical posture.
F. S. S. |
|
|
