Mr Embleton writes of Mr Wheatley

Goldings was opened in November, 1922, as a school for the purpose of training young men in specific trades, and as we all know will cease to function at the end of July 1967, a total period of 45 years. Mr. Wheatley took over as Headmaster on 1st April 1945, and when he retired could claim to have steered the course for approximately' half of our school's life.

His appointment was instigated at the recognition of the School, by the Ministry of Education and as one would expect a new era was born. That changes should take place were obvious and important, and it is only when one looks back and analyzes the past' twenty-two years that it is possible to assess the character of the man who undertook this monumental task. Mr. Wheatley would be the first to admit that little' would have been accomplished without the support and loyalty of dedicated members of staff and working perhaps closer to him than most, over past years, trying to share a little of the load, I was specially privileged to form an opinion of his character.

The early years, almost akin to mediaeval compared to present day standards, meant resisting pressure from idealists on the one hand, stagnated reactionists on the other, together with war-time restrictions which still existed at the time, instituting a workable, realistic programme was fraught with obvious frustration.

Thoughtful planning was followed by action,. based on improvements to training methods and curriculum and increasing " and modernising buildings and facilities. Two additional training I departments were introduced, i.e. Gardening, and Painting and Decorating, primarily to widen the scope and choice of the large intake of boys and also to absorb more boys into active training. The School strength in 1945 was 268 boys aged from 15 to 17/18 years and at least sixty to seventy of these were categorized as 'spares', who wandered idly around the establishment daily, trying hard to keep out of trouble. This was an intolerable situation and one, which Mr. Wheatley wasted little time in putting right.

A long-term building programme was approved which gradually became effective, perhaps not without extreme pressure, both to the mansion and departmental offices. A new ablution block, alteration to dormitories, with spacious sitting rooms, indoor toilets and bathroom facilities, improvements to resident staff quarters, building of the MacAndrew Wing, modernizing of the boys' dining hall and main kitchen were all monuments of the 'New Goldings'. A new prefabricated building, intended originally for Boot and Shoe training, although most unsuited to the purpose, was taken over as a General Subjects department, consistent with a complete revisal of policy, where the recruitment age was lowered to 13 years. it took another decade at least for Mr. Wheatley to convince the 'powers that be', the necessity for a properly equipped range of classrooms, and in September 1965, the now new school block was officially opened by Sir John Hunt. Extensions and essential alterations were made to Printing, Painting and Decorating, Gardening and Carpentry Departments to increase the potential of each unit.

We saw the printer apprentice scheme introduced, linked with the purchasing of the Verney in 1950 as a hostel and a close liaison established with the Building - Trades Apprenticeship Committee who supported and gave valuable assistance in the placing of boys in secure employment.

In twenty-two years some 1,200 boys passed through  the School, all at some time or another needing personal guidance and advice. In the early years the boys were almost all orphans put this gradu­ally changed, when towards the end they invariably came from broken homes. The emotionally disturbed boy brought a new kind of problem, particularly when he wasn't completely severed from the unstable environment of his home, returning perhaps three times a year for school holidays. Mr. Wheatley found that not only had he to readjust his own approach to the changing nature of daily problems, it became necessary also to impress this upon his staff who themselves were directly concerned with the welfare of the boys.

The foregoing reminiscing outlines to some extent the character of a man who by his patience, amiable manner, judgement and complete unselfishness, steered and guided boys, and often staff through, oft-times, a twenty-four hour day, whether it was connected with pleasurable pursuit or tantrums and crisis.

To stand up to the stresses and strains, trials and tribulations of the every day life of a residential school like Goldings, sound academic qualifications are paramount, plus unlimited experience and a sympathetic outlook, founded upon Christian principles, not to mention a 'cast iron constitution'. It would not be presumptuous to state that Mr. Wheatley's career was sparked off when he gained a Distinction in Maths at School Certificate level, following this with further Distinction in Maths and Chemistry in the Higher School Certificate and a University Entrance Scholarship. Graduating eventually at Birmingham University with a Bachelor of Science degree and later obtaining a Diploma in Education and Board of, Education Certificate he then commenced his teaching career.

To outline the full breadth of post graduate courses covered over the intervening years would be beyond the scope of an apprecia­tion such as this. yet one can easily define the obvious evidence, why Mr. Wheatley was so admirably fitted for such a post as head­master of Goldings. Woodwork, Physical Training, Book craft, Gardening, History, Music, Science, Youth Leaders Course, Education of the Backward Child, and Religious Knowledge were ably supported by service as Chairman of a local Youth Service Council, O.C. of Army Cadet Force Company and as an active member of Drama Groups.

Still not satisfied with his own accomplishments, he entered upon a course of part-time study at the London University and gained a further Diploma in Social Studies, while at Goldings.

Mr. Wheatley had the distinction of gaining his first headship, at the early age of twenty-seven, at Byfield County School, following this with a similar responsibility at Oundle Senior Mixed School and just prior to moving to Goldings was Lecturer in Engineering and Building Departments at Burton-on-Trent Technical School. This invaluable experience which he was able to exert to full capacity at Goldings was further supported by unbroken service in the teaching profession as an assistant master, first at Bierton Road Senior Mixed School and then at Bierton Senior Boys School in Birmingham.

Retirement, like old age, is inevitable for us all and although 1 am sure Mr. Wheatley will find more than enough to occupy his new-found 'freedom', at least he will have time to concentrate upon his own life and enjoy peace and contentment with his family. As I pen these notes, nostalgically occupying the study which was his private domain for so many years, I know that all the staff here and 1,200 boys, where ever they may be, will want to be associated and remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley and join me in extending to them a long and happy retirement.

L. EMBLETON

Reproduced from The Goldonian Spring 1967