Focus on Goldings

"As an old Goldonian I was amazed to read in the Xmas 1966 newsletter that Goldings is to close. I am still working as a welder, the trade the Homes started me on."

Raymond (Papapavlon) Holburn

"I am indeed sorry to hear it has been decided to close Goldings and I would esteem it a great favour if I could have a copy of the last issue of the "Goldonian" when it is published. I was there when it was commenced and was on the editorial staff for a time. I am only pleased that I visited there last year before they closed. It does not seem possible that such an event will soon take place. I thank God that I had the opportunity to spend part of my life as a young man there, in the company of such as were present with me."

Raymond Edwards

"It was with great (as usual) pleasure that I received the copy of the "Goldonian", the final one it seems; a great souvenir indeed. I leave you to imagine my disappointment and feeling concerning the closing of Goldings; boys need so much, the care, instruction and protection of such an important school. The feeling of satisfaction which I always had in reading of improvements and progress at Goldings was tremendous, especially in view of the fact that in my time (1939 42) we did not exactly have the same chances as students of post war era. To myself like most therefore, it remains an unhappy and puzzling business altogether.

I am wondering if there would be possibilities and a future for a Goldings Old Boys Association once the school closes? Possibly the memory of Goldings as it was would knit old boys even closer than before."

George Hedges (from Brussels)

"My real reason for writing is the news of the closing down of Goldings. Needless to say, I am in touch with several of the Old Goldonians and they, like me, were shocked to hear the news; keep us in touch, please, as to future developments,"

Robert Pettit

"On visiting Goldings in October for Old Boys Day my wife and I were very disappointed to hear that it is closing down, as it brings back some very happy memories to me. Once again I must thank you all very much for all that you have done for me whilst in 'training' at Goldings; they were a few years I shall never forget."

Terence Andrews

"I was sorry to read in your letter that Goldings is to close. When I was learning the 'Printing' trade Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Welham were the masters in the Machine Department."

John Damerell

"I was sorry to see the report in the News Letter in regard to Goldings closing down; I spent such a good time there and learnt my trade."

Arthur Troke

"I was sorry to read of the closing down of Goldings after all these years. I was there between 1922 1924 and had very happy memories there. A Mr. Garnet was Governor at first, then Mr. Percy Roberts. There was 'Pop' Davis, a Mr. Palfreman and Reg Smoothy and also Mr. Maslin, who passed away recently he was in the office and played football in the school team.

Such names as Dick Brunt, 'Jam' Hartley, Top Taylor, Arthur Tyrril, Damerell and a Crouch who was among five of us that were transferred to Thurlby House, Woodford Bridge in 1924, where I learnt my trade under Mr. Eayrs. A few names I can conjure up are Wilkinson, Slater, Dyson, Speirs, Tommy Ward, Peter Johnson, Bumby and Ted Clements. By mentioning their names I might be able to make contact with any who keep in touch. Anyway its nice to look back on those memories so long ago."

Harry Schomberg

"As an Old Goldings boy I was surprised to learn that it will be closed; how things must have changed to bring about the decision, and that it no longer serves the purpose for which it was set up. Having learnt the printing trade there some 30 years ago I can recall with a certain amount of appreciation and satisfaction that I owe much of what I know today to the Masters who so patiently and diligently taught us the RIGHT way to do the job.

The letter head you see above was designed and printed by myself lithographically (with kind permission of my employer). I am now in charge of the Litho Dept. and once again making progress in the trade following a breakdown in health some two years ago.

Please convey to those at Goldings that though the building may go, what it stood for will remain forever in the hearts and minds of all Goldonians, and for this writer in particular one of the happiest periods of his life."

Charles Hemus (New South Wales, Australia)

"I was very sorry to hear of the decision to close Goldings and to read quite a moving last edition of the "Goldonian” I know that all I have now has been because of the Homes and especially 'The school'. The last three or four years have been really grand and also very full. The second year course at Oaklands is proving to be very enjoyable and we are now half way through the last term. Four years ago I wouldn't have thought this was possible, being here and being able to cope with a pretty intensive course and I am deeply grateful to the masters at Goldings for an excellent initial training and to the people at Headquarters for organising this for me."

John Bassett (Herts. College of Agriculture, Oaklands)

THE GUILD MESSENGER October 1967