Goldings Testimonial page

WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.......................

Hi Frank

Enjoyed reading your article on Cartref Melys, I spent sometime there in 1968, Mr Montgomery had moved on taking up another posting at Camusrory in Scotland which I also attended twice. As an old Barnardo’s Boy, spent 14 years in homes from a baby till 14, most of which at Annesley in the New Forest, then 4 years in foster care till I immigrated to Australia in 1972. Reading the article and seeing the photos reminded me of the fun I had, many thanks.

Frank Yates

Email 09Rd Sept 2008

Hi Frank…

Just wanted to say thanks for remembering my request… excellent pictures; please pass along my appreciation to the photographer. My father is expected home soon and is excited to see those pictures. Once again, wonderful work.

Best regards

Greg Rickard for Des Rickard

Email 03Rd Sept 2008

Frank

Re Barnardo's finances. I think it was just a shock for those that worked and made sacrifices there through and after the war to have to adapt from a very frugal make do and mend situation to a life of much and plenty. From one old banger being shared by members of staff to suddenly being handed out new cars for individual use. Still better that way than the other.

best wishes and thanks for providing your excellent and most interesting website.

Malcolm.
Isle of Man

Email 16th April 2008

Hi Frank

I have now managed at last to read the 'Enigma Decoder' story. Firstly, let me say how well documented it is. Well written. And very readable. - And the story itself. ? Brilliant. The sort of stuff films are made of. And whilst I was on this link, I took the opportunity of reading other 'memories'. - I haven't yet managed to read them all, but I did come away from this 'educational' session, feeling very impoverished of 'life's experiences'.

Much of what I've read, from 'having our own crystal sets' to 'gymnasium punishments', merely served to jolt my mind into a somewhat 'lost world of Barnardoism'. So, my thanks to you, and to all the contributors to your website venture. I'm sure it's been well worth the time and trouble. - Cheers,

Colin Leaney.

Email 3rd Feb 2008

Hi there

Enjoyed your website . . . it brought back memories, some lousy but mostly good. I live in South Africa (and have done since 1969) but happy to post the Goldonian School mag on to you — do with it what you wish. Kind regards, and if you supply me with a postal address I'll pop summer 1964 Goldonian in the post to enable your records to be updated.

PS: Regards to anyone that remembers me — I turn 60 next birthday!

All the best and a merry Christmas to all

David Fall

Email 14th Dec 2007

Brian Ball

I have just put in a bit to help with the site. Thanks for all you do, at least your site is a good one.

Email: 31st Aug 2007

Careleavers Reunited.com

This website is a great resource for anyone on the care of Barnardo's in the past. Although it - naturally enough - focusses on Goldings, it also includes a detailed list of a wide number of Barnardo's homes. On the home page you will find a menu on the left. Click the 'past homes' button on the menu and you get access to lists of homes throughout the UK. Each home has details about it. These include address, photos, history and whatever else the site has been able to find. The site is run by Frank Cooke, an Old Goldonian.

From links page

Stephanie Grant Duke

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. I've just sent a request to the email address at Barnardo's that you gave me. I haven't yet read everything on your incredibly impressive website, but I will in time.

You are making a marvellous contribution to history. You have pictures I've never seen (and that's no surprise since Dr. Barnardo right from the beginning believed in the importance of photographs to document the condition of the children. )

Email: 26th June 2007

Hi, I have been looking at your website which is so interesting to me and a friend of mine. She was known as Sister Halfhide and worked in the sick bay.

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers her with affection, and hopefully some pictures so I can show her them. The years she was there are 1960-61

Many thanks

Shirley Stewardson

Email: 1st June 2007

Hi Frank

I have just had some fun going through the web pages, brings back a lot of great memories, I was at Goldings from 57 to 63, and in that time I had some great mates, maybe there are some of the old guys out here in Australia that I don’t know about, it would be great if you know of any one over hear, I have been hear now for 41 years.

How do I go about sending some money over so as the Goldings Web site can keep running, if you let me know I shall gladly donate to a great site, keep it going.

Cheers for now.

Les Dawkins.

Email: 14th March 2007

Hello Frank!

I think the site is great, for without it, contacting past friends would be a long process. Looking through the information that has been collected and stored has brought back memories of times and people that could have long been forgotten.

My time at Goldings was worth every day spent there, even though at the time you wondered what the hell you were doing there.

Keep it up Frank, this one appreciates it.

All the best.

John Gray
Goldings 1950s.

Email: 20th June 2006

Hello Frank!

Thank you for associating me with my boyhood hero "Biggles". My wartime service was never as exciting as his but I'm sure that I must have terrified some of the enemy...as well as myself. I have not found anything to which I could take offence in your writing. You have the makings of an author or editor if you keep this up. your mentors on the staff at Goldings should be very proud of you and your editorial skills. Keep up the good {excellent] work. Please let me know if you hear anything of Mr. Reg Leason or Frank Offord. Frank's wife was the nurse when I was on staff and they lived in the sick bay. Thank you for helping me keep my memories green and verdant. This is very important when the rest of me is becoming creaking and ancient.

Sincerely, Jack Johnstone
Housemaster Aberdeen.

Email: 27th November 2005

Just to prove we don't only get good reports. A Goldings boy felt it necessary to get a report done on this web site. The names and company details have been removed to protect the stupid click here to view » » » » » »

Well a web site was done and uploaded and lasted a year. It was total crap so I was told. It held quite a few photos that had been nicked from this web site and by all accounts the only decent ones on site. The web site took ages to load and was hard to navigate. I was informed it cost over £500.00 so I will defend his right to be wrong!

It's dead easy to talk the talk, but much, much harder to walk the walk!

Please remember this is all over one old boy who told lies to cover his dark deed in nicking money from the till, that he also very stupidly removed the master till roll.

Great site it brought back many memories we have lost so many great instructors "Inky" Stephenson, Dusty Millar, the Purkis brothers, "Whoof" DeBoek, Skip, Pinhead and so many more. I owe them so much we now have a Printing business in Australia employing 24 people apart from general printing we own and print 2 local papers with a 30000 circulation. I was at Goldings 1953-1959

Bob Robertson (Arthur)

Email: 24th Aug 2005

I have received a few words regarding the above report, some I can't show but one old boy who I sent the original report along with others wrote:

GOLDONIAN WEBSITE REPORT

I read with interest the report on the goldonian.org web site compiled by Mr Black. It certainly appears that Mr. Black knows the business as far as web site design is concerned but I feel some of his comments were unfortunate to say the least. To refer to the efforts of the current web master as “childlike”, “looks very silly” and “plain silly”, are both belittling and unnecessary. His observation that the site was constructed by an amateur is in the same vein, but being factually correct it cannot be disputed. However, I do not recall Frank Cooke ever claiming to be a professional web site designer.

Mr. Black does not have a single good thing to say about the site and yet every visitor to the site has nothing but praise for it. I have no doubt that technically he could improve the site but if I read his terms and conditions correctly; once he has redesigned it, he is only committed to updating it on a monthly basis. Compare that to the daily maintenance that Frank Cooke devotes, which ensures articles or amendments are completed immediately or within the next twenty four hours.

I would suggest we take on board the points raised in the report but stick with Frank Cooke. Whatever he may lack in technical know-how, he more than makes up for with enthusiasm and dedication, plus of course he has the personal experience of being an old Goldonian.

Victor King

Email: 1st February 2004

We have just found the wonderful photo of our Dad, Peter Tozer, on the Victor King photo page. It is especially precious because Dad died on July 8th this year. Thank you so much for this wonderful, comprehensive website. Dad would have got a great kick out of seeing his photo there, and it would have been great to hear him reminisce and tell us about the other boys he recognised. We'll enjoy exploring it anyway. Meantime, if anyone has memories of Dad they would like to share, we'd love to hear from them. God bless, Nancy van Dorp (nee Tozer)

Contact Nancy van Dorp

Message board 30th June 2003

Gdday from New Zealand. I was surfing the net and found your web site. I am in the Telecommunications Industry in New Zealand and you have a very informative well laid out site. When I have some time I will fill in some gaps for you. Great Site and thank you. Tony

Message board 6th Aug 2003

This responsibility of Barnardo's is a long‑term one. I do not know how long Goldings Web is expected to last as an organisation, but I do not see any indication from your notepaper that it is registered as a company with Companies House, It is therefore not subject to the legal requirements, restrictions and obligations of the Companies Act. Barnardo’s on the other hand has been in existence for well over 100 years, has a legally recognised corporate status and expected to continue serving the needs of disadvantaged children and young people for many years to come. It would be a gross abdication of its responsibilities if Barnardo's were to transfer its rights relating to the video to an assemblage of individuals that has no legal standing and no likelihood of long term durability.

Part of a letter from HQ 24th May 2003

It is a fascinating memory. I attach another picture of Gussie - this is from her 1950s professional days, and the knickers are more in the modern style. I bet she was a hit on the professional circuit too! I am going to read more on your site, which is full of fascinating reminiscences.

Best wishes, Susan MacDonald

Email 29th May 2003

Great site – brings back a lot of memories, good and bad. Does anyone out there know the whereabouts of Tony Lydford? He was in the printing department in the early 60's If so please email me on Brian Ball Brian Ball (Miggy) Now considerably older at 59 and living in Worthing, West Sussex

Message board 26th Jan 2003

Dear Webmaster, As a one time "Housemaster" at Goldings, I enjoy your website. I just wish that more former staff or students would keep in touch. I live in Winnipeg, Canada, and, being retired, I have lots of time to remember those far off days at Goldings. I am in touch with George Sandmann who was a friend and co-worker when I was at the school. I also worked as Housemaster at Much Wenlock and at Templecombe. If anyone remembers me from those days I would be happy to hear from them. I suffered a slight stroke last summer and, as a result, lost my drivers license....However. My doctor thinks that I should get it back soon and I will be seeing an eye specialist with the hope of driving again in the near future. Does anyone have news of other staff or boys who might know me? You can give them my e-mail address if they ask. This comes with every good wish and congratulations on your web-site. Sincerely. Jack Johnstone. One time Housemaster, Aberdeen House.

Email 18th November 2002

"We would very much like to support the web site you are creating for the Old Boys of Goldings. In this connection I have forwarded your letter to Collette Bradford, Head of After Care, who together with our librarian will look out some suitable information on the history of Goldings for inclusion on the web site."

Letter, dated 19th March 2002, from Roger Singleton CBE Chief Executive:

I have just returned from a visit to Hertford and Goldings I was at Goldings 1953 to 1959 in printing now live in Australia met Reg Purkis what a great memory he has he will give you our news we are in a beautiful part 30 klm from the gold coast we own a printing works employing 23 people we also own and print 2 newspapers still married to Joyce a nurse from Hertford hospital her mum still lives at Brickendon Mrs. smith thanks you for the web page I will email you my collection of photos as soon as I scan them.

Email 4th March 2002
Bob (Arthur) Robertson

Brilliant. I can see this taking off. How can we recruit more old boys' to join in the reminiscences and general banter? There must be thousands out there. I have got so much to tell about my career, my children, finding my family, visiting them in Alabama. I must find time to sit down, sort things out and communicate with anyone who might be interested. Thank you for your efforts. Keep up the great work.

Email 28th February 2002
Winston Norton (1957-64).

"Thank you for your letter of 11 March regarding your website for Goldings, which has been passed to me by the Chief Executive. We have had a look at it and find it fascinating. I note that you are interested in any additional material the Barnardo's Library may have to offer. As the final selection will have to be made by the Editor, may I invite you to visit the Library and see what it has. You would be able to make copies { either xeroxed or scanned} of anything you find subject to any data protection or copyright limitations imposed upon Barnardo's.

Letter dated 20th March 2002,
from Christopher Reeve, Librarian:

Dear webmaster, I have tried to post a message but must have pressed the wrong button. I am a former housemaster at Goldings. (Aberdeen House) and have attended one memorable re-union at Goldings. Since that time I have been in touch with several old Aberdonians. As I am now an octogenarian (did I spell that right?) I often make mistakes and have probably done this with my attempt at posting a message. Some instruction in simple terms would be appreciated. I was pleased to see that the photo of Aberdeen House that I sent to the "Guild" was shown on your Photo site. I am enjoying the Goldings site and congratulate you and your helpers for a fine job. Best wishes. Jack Johnstone.

I was delighted to see a photograph of a most distinguished group of young men in the "Houses" section. I speak, of course of "Aberdeen House". For my sins, I was appointed Housemaster of that handsome group and, on the wall of my computer room, I have an enlarged copy with as many names as I, with the help of Tom and Bill Cotton, John Hunt, Tod Hurd and Johnnie Leach, at the 1998 reunion.

Jack Johnstone. Housemaster. late 1940's.

Just a bit of information hope it helps. I was there in 1941 in the cabinet making dept. I left in 1943-44.I remember it being very strict and I seem to remember that there was 7 houses and I was in Mount Stephen. I remember a P.E instructor called Mr Patch and the school captain was Mr Long. There was about 270 people there when I was there. The headmaster was a man of the cloth. If I remember anything else I will let you know. I was at Goldings 1941-44. I thought I was in Mount Stephen , I remember 7 houses though .I trained as a Cabinet maker. I played football and cricket for the school. I remember Mr Patch the P.E instructor and Mr Long was the school captain. I ended up as senior prefect.

Stanley Robert Furlong

Have recently discovered your Goldonian web site - congratulations on your initiative. Will watch the site with interest.

Was at Goldings from 1949 to 1956 when I left for National Service in the RAF. Served my printing apprenticeship at Goldings and eventually worked in Fleet Street. I married a local Hertford girl and still live in the area - enjoying retirement. If I can be of any assistance with your plans for the site please let me know.

Best Wishes.
Robert Pegg.

Thank you for you contact. Dad has now seen the site and it has given him plenty of reading as I copied the news pages for him to take away. he is rather frail at times and will probably not be able to attend the reunion although ha has been to one or two in the not too distant past. I have been given a copy of his book which I have promised to send to Frank Cooke so it should be arriving soon. Best wishes for the site and the reunion. I wish he were well enough to attend.

Received your email and passed it to my father who was at Goldings before going into the war. He was at the print school which at present does not seem to have much info. on the website. He wrote a book a few years ago called Barnardo Boy by Pen name John Charlesworth to allow his family to understand his history. It gives a gripping story of his life before and after Goldings and how he set up his own print business. you may have seen it. Anyway he has no on line computer but will be interested to see the site next time he visits my house. he has been to some of the reunions and I note he is the oldest on the website - Mike Clarke.

Angela Billingham

I shall not be at the Goldings reunion in October - at my age it would mean mooching around knowing no one - I've done it before. However that does not mean that I am uninterested and I gladly support your pushing for the Goldonian web site. I hope that it develops as you want it, though I doubt if many octogenarians will become involved. With all good wishes for success in your efforts

Basil Cozens

An excellent site, seeing the pictures brings a whole host of memories back. It is an excellent site and deserves to succeed. What a lot of water has gone under the bridge since I left in 1960.Good luck with the site.

Message board 12th Aug 2002
Ivan Brown 1953-1960

Have been viewing the web site & the memories have flooded back

regards

Email 30th Aug 2002
"Pop Steel Senior Housemaster"

Great site, will be back later when I have more time.

Billy Hoy

Great to see pics of the old place , does anyone remember, or ever see the movie "He who rides a tiger" Tom bell and Judie Dench? it was filmed in part at the school, cant remember the year but I was there at that time

Email 31st Aug 2002
Mike Hultum

Note from webmaster: I have now added some information regarding this film along with some photos. The year was late 1964 click here for some further information

I enjoyed your website, its very well done I'd like to pass on some info on the home at Kingston i was there from approx 1954/1955 to 1961 it was a boys only home with no schooling done on site, so we all went to different local schools the home was actually named "dalziel of wooler house" but was known to all the inmates as "dickies" it was on the corner of Gloucester rd and Kingston hill and looked out over Kingston hospital the mound of earth and grass in the bottom left of your photo was an old disused air raid shelter while I was there the governors name was Vernon Paul there was more of the building going back from the tower and the grounds backed onto coombe golf course i believe it has all been knocked down now to make way for housing a famous inmate who was there before my time was Leslie Thomas who wrote "the virgin soldiers" he also wrote a book about his time in Barnardo's called "no time for tears" keep up the good work.

Message board 20th Aug 2002
Don Bylett

Thanks Frank and co Workers. The Goldonian is a grand job. .

I telephoned Mike Clark 26th September 2002 regarding his kind donation of his book Barnardo Boy a look back at seventy for the Goldonian archive. Mike is in poor health, but offered his support to the Goldonian Web in re-starting the old school magazine, to keep old friend in touch.

Mike wrote " Please use the contents to augment the contents of your website. Best wishes Mike Clark

I have re-produced a small section of Mikes book from the last page. click here to see

Webmaster

My name is Victor King and I believe it is me featured in the carpentry shop photo. I visited Goldings yesterday and it brought back many memories. Subsequently we searched the web looking for Dr Barnardo's related topics and found your site - brilliant!

I am at my daughter's at the moment but will be returning home to Shrewsbury on Sunday. I have quite a few photos including Wimbledon "Ball Boys" circa 1953-1954. I shall be in contact soon.

Regards Vic

Email 27th September 2002