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THE GOLDONIAN GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES
No. 3 of our Personality Series is Mr. Harold DeBoeck. The name of de' Boeck has been associated with the Homes for nearly 70 years, as Mr. de' Boeck's father was in charge of the Sheet-metal department, both at Stepney and at Goldings for close on forty years before his retirement in 1931, and his brother was also at one time a Superintendent of a Barnardo "Ever-open-Door". Mr. de' Boeck is the last of the three members of staff still at Goldings who came down to the School from Stepney in 1921. At that time he was assistant to his father and took over the headship of the Sheet-metal Work Department when his father retired. Unfortunately soon after coming to Goldings Mr. de' Boeck met with an accident on the football field whilst playing against Hertford Heath. Playing in goal he went down to scoop up the ball from an oncoming forward and sustained an injury to his right hand. At the time it did not appear to be a serious injury, but alas it meant a very long time in hospital for him with the final result he lost the use of his right hand. For some time it was thought Mr. de' Boeck would never be able to return to his work in the Sheet-metal Shop, but fortunately Mr. de' Boeck thought otherwise and by sheer determination and perseverance he showed us that what his right hand was now incapable of doing, his left hand would have to be his right and left hands in one. Not only has he been able to continue at his trade with remarkable success, but he also taught himself to write (with his left hand and even to play billiards and snooker. In this latter sphere he became a much better player than some of his contemporary's who had the advantage of both hands. Mr. deBoeck has given yeoman service to the School and many boys who have done well after leaving the School at their trade taught to them by Mr. de' Boeck have acknowledged they owed much to his teaching. J. M Many readers will be sad to hear of the death of Mrs. de' Boeck who passed away suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday morning 26th April 1966. Mr. de' Boeck passed away 8th July 1970 |
