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The Guild Messenger as it was
known in 1972 had a letter from an old Goldonian
Albury Sawford who was then living
in Canada and had not heard about Goldings closing.
It's many years since I left "Goldings", and as
with many other "Old Boys", the top of my head has a shine to it.
I only spent a brief period learning a trade with
the School, but it was the basis from which I have expanded and have
lead, and still lead a full life.
Only two names now stand out clearly from the
years 1939-40 "Wally" Patch, P.T.I., and "Pompey" BatteII, who was
killed just a few weeks after I left. But I can still well remember
playing with our band on a Sunday morning. The cornet has been
replaced by a trumpet which every now and then I blow.
It is Sunday morning here you will have returned
from Church and had lunch. Here the sun has just lifted our first
"Heavy Mist" and from my window I can see across a mile of still
frozen Ottawa river. Yet its been a long winter, the ski fiends have
been happy. A back injury kept me off them this winter, I'm afraid.
But why am I suddenly writing from this far flung
part of the "ex" Empire. Well, it's for two reasons. First I would
like to obtain a school crest to affix to my blazer. If these are
made, perhaps you could send me the name of the supplier. Or, if
they are not manufactured, then a picture of the crest would allow
me to have one produced. And the second reason, is that I am
contemplating returning to the UK and buying a business
of my own. No, I haven't made a fortune, just careful saving and
investing. Surviving on 6d. a week pocket money was a good
incentive, and training.
Should this return take place, then I'm sure my
feet will once again turn in the gates. Is the pool still open air?
And how do the modern day apple raids succeed? I remember a land
mine in the trees, which caused some concern. Oh yes, and if the
school is now producing financial wizards, I may scream for help.
Albury Sawford
THE GUILD MESSENGER
August 1972
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