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My
mother died when I was about a year old. Because I was one of seven
children, my father was unable to cope. I went into local authority
care and stayed there until I was about 13 years of age when, after
many years, my father remarried and I was able to go home with him.
Sadly a year later, he became ill and again I needed to come into
care. This time I was sent to Dr. Barnardo's and throughout my life,
whenever I thought about this, it troubled me, If I had been happy
and settled in council care, why was I not returned to them? After
assessment at Woodford Bridge, I was sent to Goldings where I
trained in carpentry. It has stood me in good stead all my life. My
life has been very happy with excellent care given by residential
and training staff.
After many years I decided to write to Barnardo's After Care for
information. Knowing there was a waiting list, I thought it would be
a while before I had a reply, but surprisingly, I received a quick
response and arrangements were made for me to go to Barkingside. The
day came, and along with my wife, we travelled from Southampton.
Eventually we arrived safe and sound. We were met by Sue Davis
(After Care social worker) who made us feel very welcome and, after
feeling quite nervous, we were soon made to feel at ease.
We
steadily went through the details of my life at Goldings it was
explained to me why I was sent to Barnardo's and not to local
authority care. There were also many things I had forgotten, but
instantly remembered once reminded. I was very impressed that every
detail concerning me and my time at Goldings - even through the
first two years of my working life ‑ were logged so fully. It filled
the gaps in my life that I had wondered about for 50 years.
On
leaving the meeting, I was given a folder containing copies of all
the details of my life at Goldings and these I am able to browse
through at my own leisure.
Maurice Eldridge
Boy's Garden City 1948
Goldings 1948
A picture of the After Care centre at Barkingside
Reproduced from The
Barnardo Guild Messenger Summer 2004 |