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THE GOLDONIAN GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES
Mr. Tordoff came to Goldings Boot and Shoe Department in May, 1947, and since then has been a most active member of the staff in many respects. In 1958, Mr. Randall, the Department Head at that time, retired, and Mr. Tordoff succeeded to that position, Most teachers are dedicated to their profession and as a craftsman Mr. Tordoff is no exception. He started his career as an apprentice in the family business (which later became his own), where no doubt he received excellent training under his father. Practical ability can be successfully executed with theoretical knowledge and to attain this balance he attended classes at the Leeds College of Technology. This was followed by an appointment to the College Staff where he lectured for a period of time. In 1936 he was awarded a 1st Class Diploma of the City and Guilds of London Institute of Hand sewn Shoe Making. The following year he was admitted to the National Institute of the Boot and Shoe Industry as an Associate Member. Obviously still not satisfied that his previous qualifications were sufficient and while at Goldings, he sat and passed the Final of the City and Guilds Repairers Examination. Goodyear Rubber Company organized a National Shoe Repairing Competition in 1957 and it was no mean achievement for Mr. Tordoff to be awarded 3rd prize. Goldings has always fostered lively sporting and social programmes; both Mr. and Mrs. Tordoff have given admirable service here. As members of the Staff Social and Dramatic committee they contribute generously and Mrs. Tordoff is in her right element handling and distributing school stores in a part-time capacity. Staff and Old Boys well remember the active part Mr. Tordoff has played both at organizing and performing at 'Going Down' concerts. Dancing, badminton, table tennis and lawn tennis are among his interests, yet we all know him best as a wielder of the willow. In fact he is almost 'Mr. Cricket' in that field of sport, having previously played in Yorkshire League cricket and many are the immaculate innings we have enjoyed from him. As a batsman and wicket- keeper he brought a high standard of efficiency to the game, captaining the Staff XI for many years. In local public life he is secretary of Hertford Methodist Sunday School and Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for raising funds for a new Methodist church. He is also Leader of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. During the last war he served in North Africa, Italy and Austria with the Royal Armoured Corps from 1941 until 1946. Although he never dwells upon his active service in conversation, he has retained a deep, interesting knowledge of these countries, proving the value of travel for broadening the mind even though the experience could have been gained under more peaceful circumstances.
L. E. Mr. Tordoff stayed at Goldings till it closed in 1967, sadly in the winter edition of The Barnardo Guild Messenger 1997 it was reported he had passed away. |
