THIS ISSUE of THE GOLDONIAN is published only twelve weeks after the Spring edition at Easter, which is probably why it has been even more difficult than usual to get enough copy to make publica­tion worth while.

I am sure it will come as a great shock to many of our readers to learn of the untimely death of one of our boys while on an adventure course. Mr. Brooks has written an admirable appreciation about David, and no additional words of mine can lessen the tragedy. Fortunately nature does not insist that we dwell on these fatalities, but one cannot emphasise too strongly, that when one undertakes adventure training, and unfortunately far too few do, the rules of the game must be followed. Let us not forget either, the terrible shock suffered by David's companions and his old P.E. master and now Youth Officer, in charge of the expedition Mr. Newton. The irony of the situation is unparalleled.

It is always pleasing to be able to write about changes for the good, and one function that had become more or less traditional at Goldings, the summer camp at Dymchurch, now will be only a memory. There may well be some old boys who will think this sad, but I feel sure they will agree that it is far better to get all the boys away to their relations and friends and enjoy a complete break from school. This change came about, without any fanfare of trumpets, at Christmas when all boys went 'home', and it is now the policy of the School to get all boys away for the Christmas, Easter, and Summer holidays. This scheme also enables house parents to enjoy a well-earned break.

'Cadet Notes' will be noticeable by their absence in this issue.

As readers will have noted in the Spring edition, 'Skipper' Culver has now retired from Cadet service, and Mr. Whittaker, who has taken over command, has been unable to get notes in for this issue, but promises full publicity in the Winter issue. One hopes that perhaps the brass band will be tuning up in their new (ex-Parkstone) band hut by then too!

No doubt many of our readers will have been watching the Wimbledon tennis championships on the television again this year, and apart from seeing some very good tennis will have probably noticed the ball boys carrying out their duties as efficiently as ever. I know all our boys consider it a great honour to be selected for this duty, but unfortunately only a comparative few are seen by the millions of viewers, viz. those who appear on centre and number one courts. To these and all boys on outside courts,. plus card room boys and the crows nest observer, we say 'well done!'

Mr. Clarke, who left us at Easter, writes a farewell message on page 16. In answer I wish him every happiness in his new vocation. His new friends will have a friend indeed.

Editor: Mr. N. T. Powell

Goldonian vol. Xx number 2 summer 1965