|
THE GOLDONIAN
GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES
Mrs. Doris Maslin
I remember the day the Boys came from
Stepney, how they arrived at Hertford East Station and marched to
Goldings led by the band, my father being the Bandmaster. How
wonderful it was for the boys to see Goldings for the first time
with all the fields and trees, after the East End of London where
they had only a courtyard in which to play their games!
I can remember the visit of
the Prince
of Wales, the present Duke of Windsor, who came for the official
opening of the School. The last and poignant memory was the sad and
bewildering news that the Council of the Homes had decided to close
the School.
Now come the memories at random. An early memory is the building and
dedication of the School Chapel. I remember the fetes in the grounds
each summer; the band and the gymnastic team entertained the people.
There was cricket in the long days of summer, and watching football
on the top field. I remember how staff and boys worked together to
dig out the new swimming pool. Then there were the dark years of
war. How hard and uncomfortable it was spending the nights in the
trenches! There was the landmine that didn't go off, and the tragic
night when one of the masters was killed and the corner of the Clock
House was blown away.
I remember when The Verney was bought
and converted into a home for the printer boys. I can remember, too,
many fine plays and other entertainments given by the boys for the
enjoyment of the staff. It was a great day also when the boys were
allowed to shed their uniforms and dress like any other boys. Shall
we ever forget
Sunny Dymchurch? What jokes were made about it, yet
what happy times we had there!
I remember the boys going to Wimbledon
and the renown they brought to Barnardo's. Not so very long ago the
new wing was built and Princess Margaret came to open it. What a day
that was and how proud we were of the magnificent display of fine
craftsmanship! I remember a day in November 1965, when Sir John Hunt
opened the new schoolroom block. That was another occasion when
everyone admired the skills, which the boys had learned at Goldings.
Who would have dreamt then that there was any thought of closure?
For over forty years my life has revolved about Goldings and all
that this Home and school has meant. They are mostly happy memories
and now in my home! have many things made by Goldings Boys. I will
always treasure them and remember.
Mrs. Doris Maslin
The
Guild Messenger August 1972
The
Guild Messenger July 1967
This was printed in the last Goldonian
in the Spring of 1967 I have included it as it has some changes not
mentioned above.
I Remember I Remember
I cannot say these of
Goldings are all in the right order, only the first ones, and the
last, the rest just come tumbling out of my memory store. I remember
the day the boys came from Stepney, how they arrived at Hertford
East Station and marched to Goldings led by the band, my father
being the Bandmaster. It appeared as though all Hertford had turned
out to see them and how wonderful it was for the boys to see
Goldings for the first time with all the fields and trees, after the
East End of London where they had only a courtyard in which to play
their games. I can remember the visit of
The Prince of Wales, the
present Duke of Windsor, who came for the official opening of the
School. The last and poignant memory was the sad and bewildering
news that the Council of the Homes had decided to close the School.
Now come the memories
at random. An early memory is the building and dedication of the
School Chapel. I remember the fetes we used to have in the grounds
each summer. The people came in their hundreds and were entertained
by the Band and the Gymnastic Team. There was cricket in the long
days of summer and watching football on the top field with the
thermometer below freezing and an icy wind from the north cast. I
remember how staff and boys worked together to dig out the new
swimming pool. Then there were the dark years of war. How hard and
uncomfortable it was spending the nights in the trenches. There was
the landmine that didn't go off, and the tragic night when one of
the masters was killed and the corner of Clock House was blown away.
I remember when The Verney was bought and converted into a home for
the printer boys. In the days before television, what fun the staff
had rehearsing plays, which were put on for the benefit of the boys,
and I can remember too, many fine plays and other entertainments
given by the boys for the enjoyment of the staff. It was a great day
also when the boys were allowed to shed their uniforms and dress
like any other boys. Shall we ever forget
Sunny Dymchurch? What
jokes were made about it, yet what happy times we had there.
I remember the boys
going to Wimbledon and the renown they brought to Barnardo's, when
all the world could see the results of their good training. Not so
very long ago the new wing was built and Princess Margaret came to
open it. What a day that was and how proud we were of the
magnificent display of fine craftsmanship. I remember a day in
November 1965, when Sir John Hunt opened the new schoolroom block.
That was another occasion when everyone admired the skills, which
the boys had learned at Goldings. Who would have dreamt then that
there was any thought of closure? For over forty years my life has
revolved about Goldings and all that this home and school has meant.
They are mostly happy memories and now in my home I have many things
made by Goldings boys. I will always treasure them and REMEMBER.
The Goldonian Spring of 1967
Doris Maslin
Mrs Maslin attended the 1995 reunion
that was held old Sick Bay aged 91 years young The boys were all
glad to see her along with Bob Newton. |