At the conclusion of the War in 1945, Winston Churchill was swept out of office and Clement Attlee of Labour came to power. After five years the country returned to the ballot boxes and Attlee continued in office.

On this occasion the staff felt this was an excellent occasion for the boys to learn a little about democratic processes. All normal activities closed and we boys had a day off. We had already chosen candidates to represent the various ideological positions - Conservative, Labour, Liberal and Communist. I don’t remember any other. Mr Wheatley was a strong socialist himself, so was delighted when, after speeches were given by the youthful candidate for each party, the polls showed the boys were fairly solidly in support of the Labour Party. The Communists could be said to have been ‘mauled’, with minuscule support.

However, the Labour Party had a narrow majority at Westminster and could not hold power for more than 15 months, when they went to the polls again. We were all delighted. It had been so much fun the time before, and we looked forward to a repeat. However, Mr Wheatley decided that we couldn’t go through the whole thing again, and refused us a day off. Instead the election would be limited to one hour, there would be no speeches. Candidates would be nominated, but we would have to go straight to the ballot boxes and cast our votes.

We were all very disappointed, and felt it was an injustice. We lads in the printing department got talking and someone came up with the suggestion that we should encourage all the boys to vote for the Communist party - a real slap in the face for poor old Pinhead! And it worked. Votes were given and the staff set too immediately to count the vote. I have often tried to imagine what the reactions of the staff were as the piles for the traditional parties were tiny, and the Communist party votes multiplied endlessly. Half way through the Head was informed and he immediately called a halt to the vote counting.

The bugle was sounded, the call to assemble on the parade ground. We poured out and were faced with a row of staff facing us at the front. Mr. Wheatley, bless him he really did lack a sense of humour, was furious. He gave us all a strong dressing down. This was the time of the Korean War and while the Americans were there massively, our own government sent a token force. Wheatley was almost incoherent with anger as he accused us of stabbing our soldiers in Korea in the back. We were traitors to our country and should be ashamed of ourselves.

I honestly think that there were very few boys who sympathized with him. In fact, if he was almost incoherent with anger, we were almost incoherent with laughter as we drifted away after his scolding. He talked about national defence, but I couldn’t see what a war in Korea had to do with our British national defence. I never recall that day without chuckling to myself. Certainly life at Goldings was never boring.

A Further Note.  I sent this article to the Goldonian’s good friend  and mine, Jack Johnstone, hoping to get some inside information from inside the staff, and received this reply.

Thank you Bill for that memory. I don't remember it so it must have occurred before or after my time. From what I know of Mr. Wheatley I suspect that his show of anger was to quell an incipient mutiny and not an open display of his feelings.  I suspect that he may have enjoyed a chuckle when he got back to his posh quarters. He was really a man of compassion who had a good understanding of the young men in his charge. Incidentally, how are you getting on with the rest of your Barnardo memories?  Affectionately, JJ.

My “Barnardo memories” (above)? I am indeed engaged in writing a book about my experiences of life at Honingham Hall, New Lodge and Goldings. If any reader would like to drop me an email, donalgo@goldonian.org  I would be very grateful for the privilege of chatting with you by phone (at my expense) or scribbling by email.

© Bill Cotton

Please note I have removed Bills email address due to some silly people who like to send viruses and spam emails. If you would like to contact Bill please send and email to the above address and I will forward Bills direct email address.

frank@goldonian.org
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