|
THE GOLDONIAN GOLDINGS PERSONALITIES (27)
Mr. Vince joined the staff at Goldings in 1955, and from his early days took charge of the propagation section of the gardening department. Included in this responsible post is the task of maintaining a continuous succession of bloom in the now famous Goldings 'Plant House', which, if comments from visitors are any guide, he has accomplished with remarkable credit. Although not normally considered a seasonal occupation, supervising a glass unit has its exceptionally busy periods and the raising of thousands of bedding and vegetable plants each spring demands diligent timing, together with a patient appreciation of detail. Many boys have benefited from his example in this aspect of their training, learning not only the secrets of raising and growing plants, but have obtained pleasurable satisfaction from assisting in the art of setting-up floral displays at the many school exhibitions and functions. Born at Ipswich in Suffolk, Mr. Vince commenced his gardening career in that part of the country upon leaving school and moved round several jobs, gaining experience all the time. Part of this varied life was spent working for a landscaping contractor, experience which became evident when the Goldings hard tennis courts were under construction in the winter of 1955-56. His skill and practical knowledge was further brought to bear in the laying out of the now obsolete 'play -pen', on the site of the new school block, an area which proved extremely popular with former Goldings boys, giving them wider scope for practising ball games under restricted. yet controlled conditions. Just prior to joining Goldings he had the personal honour of maintaining a rather famous private garden, specially laid out by the renowned nurserymen and landscapists, Messrs. R. C. Notcutt, Ltd. During the last war Mr. Vince saw four full years of active service in the National Fire Service.
L. Embleton |
