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What a most memorable occasion at St.
Paul's Cathedral; I thought it to be one of the most moving scenes
it has been my joy to witness for a long while. I sat there watching
for Old Boys I knew at Goldings and was fortunate in meeting just
two or three. No one will know the thrill I had sitting amongst so
many Old Boys and Girls.
I enjoyed every moment of my stay in Dr.
Barnardo's; my earliest recollections are of walking through Stepney
Causeway as a tiny boy, carrying and dragging the big blue and white
striped bag with all my precious belongings and going to my first
foster parents. At 14 I went to Goldings to learn a trade and I well
remember arriving there at tea time feeling very hungry and the
Master asked us if there was anything we wanted up shot my hand
saying "Can I have some more to eat"? and from all directions
particles of food were given me by the boys and readily I got the
nickname 'Oliver Twist'
I soon settled down and joined in all
the games, etc, became a member of the Band, joined the Matron's
leatherwork class, and was given a choice of trades of which I chose
carpentry. I became so interested I used to stay behind in the
workshop when others had finished. I was so terribly sad to leave
there. Old Boys who used to visit the school used to tell us of the
great big world' outside, but my world was at Goldings a wonderful
place. Everyone from the Governor down to the office cleaner was
sheer kindness itself. I was that happy I wanted to be in
everything.
I left in 1930 and believe me the going
was hard. I worked, sometimes 120 hours a week to keep a job, but
kept it I did for the sake of the kindness shown me in the Homes.
The care and attention of your staff has got me where I am now. I
worked up from being a carpenter and joiner to Foreman carpenter,
then General Foreman to Manager in the firm I am now and where I
have been 26 years this year. In fact in recent years I have had the
joy of estimating and carrying out building works of various sizes
for the Homes at
Stepney and
Woodford.
"Thank you all once again a million
times for getting me where I am now."
Leslie Vivash
Goldings 1928 to 1930
Reproduced from The
Guild Messenger January 1967
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