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THE GOLDONIAN GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES
Mr. Maslin, or rather "Jim" as he is more affectionately known commenced working for Dr. Barnardo's Homes in the year 1918 My first contact with him was at Headquarters in Stepney when he was secretary to the Rev. Threlfall. It was not until the School came to Goldings in 1922 that Mr. Maslin really came into his own. What a very keen interest he took in his job. He always seemed to have an abundant knowledge of anything in connection with Barnardo work. This knowledge he would always pass on to others should the occasion arise. Apart from his own office duties he has always been most willing and has found time to undertake any kind of clerical work. You know, those little jobs that nobody seems to want to take on. How many times have we of the staff paid our contributions to him for this or that function, and how well have we seen those statement of accounts carried out, above all how gladly he has undertaken all those various unthankful tasks. What a valuable asset he has been, and is still to our sports activities both arranging and taking part, the making of all kinds of fixtures both for boys and staff. Could he be relied upon to knock up a few runs in cricket? I'll say he could! Could he make a score with those other little coloured balls on the billiard table? Take a look at that record chart and you'll find he could. In fact, Jim has taken that interest in his work and leisure that will make him long remembered. There must be many a man who was once a boy here at Goldings who would still remember him. Carry on the good work Mr. Maslin, and I'm sure I voice the opinion of many others when I say well done and may you still continue to help all and sundry as you have done in the past.
H. S. R.
The Rev Sharples wrote of Jim Maslin: Another great friendship I made was
with Jim Maslin, a man about ten years my senior, and who had been in the
Homes all his life. He was the office manager, a man of great mental
sharpness and shrewdness, quick witted, masterly in his technique with the
boys, and to whom I owe a great debt in insights into my work in the
school. Jim was a self-educated man, and had come by his knowledge the
hard way. A PRESENTATION TO MR. J. MASLIN AS REPORTED in the last issue of THE GOLDONIAN, Mr. Maslin retired after forty-five years of devoted service to the Homes, but as he did not actually leave us until the last day of term, a report on this ceremony was not possible. I think everyone was wondering how this great character would take and make his final appearance, but we need not have worried, he had everything under control, including all the staff present; in fact he kept us under his 'spell' until well after 5 p.m. which was no mean achievement. Mr. Wheatley, in making the presentation, kept his remarks to a minimum because, as he said, there were not enough words to express his real feeling of appreciation for the invaluable service Mr. Maslin had rendered to him as Headmaster, not only in his official domain but also as a friend. What finer tribute could anyone ask or receive? After receiving the inscribed plaque (an idea which Mr. Maslin initiated) and a cheque from Mr. Wheatley, on behalf of the staff, Mr. Maslin got all his guns going, 'to get over my nervous tension as he said. Mr. Maslin then treated us to an outline of his life with Dr. Barnardo's Homes, and of the strange coincidences that had dogged him throughout his career and was firmly convinced that he had received far more from life than he had given. This is probably true, except that some give far more than others, and Mr. Maslin ‘gave’ Mr. and Mrs. Maslin now live in a new bungalow in Waterford, still within easy reach of the School, so that contact will not be entirely broken. A new bungalow means a new garden, and very sensibly Mr. Maslin has decided to put quite a lot of his new ground down to grass and the cheque from his old friends will help to buy the necessary turfs, so that when he looks out he will be reminded of his 'forty years at Goldings.’
The Goldonian Summer 1963 Old boy D. Massey wrote a letter from Australia when he heard of the passing of Jim Maslin, he wrote:
Jim Maslin, the
idol of all the boys at
Stepney. I remember him well, Mr. Marchant's son-in-law. I see
him now doing sentry duty as we boys used to call it. There was a
small sentry box at Stepney where he used to take his turn checking
the boys out and in on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons.
Yes, he was quite a guy. We never had to worry if we were a few
minutes late getting in. No need to sneak past, a cheery wave and so
to bed. What was there about this man that I (and I have no doubt so
many others) should remember him so well after all these years? (I
am over sixty.) All I can say is that Jim Maslin was placed by birth
and character above the petty need of standing on his dignity. To
read the rest of his letter
click here >>>>>>> Mr. Jim Maslin passed away in the August of 1965, he had retired in 1963 after 44 years service to Barnardo's, including 40 years at Goldings.
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