verney notes

Although the Verney may well be carrying on with its service as a hostel for apprentice printers, we are all aware that this will be
the last edition in which we shall be able to contribute. It is due to this that there is some uncertainty in my thoughts as to what
theme to use for this Piece, de resistance of all past editions.
May I be allowed first of all to say on behalf of all at The Verney that like all others involved, the closure of the School will be a
great loss. We, the printing apprentices, are perhaps the most fortunate in this whole affair, for as many of you know the Printing
Department is to remain. As this is the last chance of saying farewell, may I wish all boys and staff a happy and successful future
wherever they may go.
Since our last edition the following boys have departed, not only from The Verney but also from the Printing Department. Ray
Merrifield, who has joined the Army, David Oliver left to take up other employment, Roy Harding who has also gone into other
fields, and Gordon Hughes who has moved into lodgings.
In our last notes it was stated that Derek Hammond, John Foote, and Robert Buggs had moved into lodgings. It would seem that the
'outside world' is indeed hard, because these three 'prodigal sons' have now returned home and are once more resident in The Verney.
Our new additions have been Ray Hillier, who only stayed a short while before transferring to lodgings in Hoddesdon, Angus
McGeoch and Michael Tilbury.
On October the 29th there was a social evening at The Verney which was well attended by members of staff and apprentice. A big
'thank you' to all concerned in making this evening possible, There was also the Party at the School to which all apprentices were
invited and accepted, and which turned out to be good fun for all who were there.
We are all making good use of the 'Old Windmill' restaurant in Waterford, which has become quite a night spot in our simple
village life. It is also very noticeable that many bicycles are coming into existence again. Robert Acton ('Ackers') has made a very
good attempt at producing a road-worthy model from a battered old crock. On the other hand Angus ('Hermoine') took the easy
path and had his own cycle transported from home. He tells us that it is insured (doesn't he trust us?).
In February Mr. and Mrs. Tordoff were away on a course, and we had Mr. and Mrs. Hooper looking after our domestic interests
for a while. We still have Miss Wilson working as hard as ever to satisfy the ever hungry 'inner men' of all of us, and Mrs. Ephgrave
doing her best to keep the house like home. We all hope that the 'wheels' of the Verney will continue to turn for many years to come.

Robert Buggs

Goldonian March 1967 Final Edition

How time flies. By the time these notes are being read it will be eighteen months since we moved into The Verney, during which
ime we have seen almost a complete turnover of apprentices. Since the publication of the last GOLDONIAN the following have
moved into lodgings: Derek Hammond. John Foote, and Robert Buggs. Martin Masterson-Andrews joined the Army. The latter
called upon us recently, is very fit and well and assured us that he is very happy in the army. Victor Chan has unfortunately been in
hospital for several weeks but was sufficiently recovered to pay us a visit, along with his father on Monday, 9th May, Victor's 21st
birthday. We all wish him well in the future.
The following have joined us: Barry West, Roy Harding, and Raymond Merrifield, and we hope that their stay will be a happy one.
R. Buggs after only two months stay decided to try his luck in lodgings. Which reminds me that The Verney used to be regarded
and known as 'Half-way House' although it seems to get stretched to three-quarters, seven-eighths and nine-tenths in some cases
these days!
A very pleasant and informative Sunday evening was spent in January when Miss Elton, the School Matron, visited us and projected
a varied selection of transparencies showing us many views and the flora and fauna of South Africa. We were on this occasion joined
by members of the Hertford Methodist Youth Fellowship.
The conscientious weekly hour spent gardening by some of our apprentices' is resulting in a gradual transformation of the garden,
and no doubt by the time these notes are being read a very good show of roses will have appeared, we hope. Favourable comments,
which come to our notice, made by passers by, indicate that these efforts do not go unnoticed.
Unfortunately it has not been dry enough yet to play tennis but the enforced rest will no doubt benefit the turf and give some of the
places, which had to be re-sown a chance to recover more fully.
Mrs. Ephgrave continues to keep everything spic and span and Miss Wilson attends to the wants of the inner man. We are very f
ortunate in having two such capable and conscientious workers. To them, and to all the apprentices we extend our best wishes for a
very happy summer holiday.

D. AND F. TORDOFF

Goldonian Summer 1966

Verney Notes

No doubt the most important happening at The Verney during the present term has been the arrival of Miss Wilson our Cook. Her
ability as a cook has already been made manifest and we hope that her stay with us will be a long and happy one. We are also
grateful to Mrs. Whittaker for the help which she gave in the kitchen and also to Mrs. Ephgrave, who as ever gave of herself
un¬stintingly.
Towards the end of last term a second visit was paid by the members of the Hertford Methodist Youth Fellowship. On Sunday
evening, 28th March, a discussion took place on racial integration which was very ably introduced by Richard Flavel, one of the
visitors. Although the number of residents who attended the discussion was small a very interesting time was enjoyed by those who
did. We were pleased that Glyn Parry was able to join us on this occasion and make his very worthwhile contribution.
On 8th April members of the Hertford Group of the English Folk Dance and Song Society along with their leader Mrs. McIntosh
came along to the Verney and organized an evening of Folk Dancing. Once again this was a most enjoyable event and we are deeply
indebted to those who contributed and made the evening possible.
Work in the garden has commenced this term and a noticeable improvement has been remarked upon by more than one passer-by.
The tennis court has been prepared and is now in use. Unfortunately some of the equipment has seen better days and at the moment
of writing these notes one rather small member of the house, who shall remain nameless, is finding it rather hazardous standing in
the centre of the court supporting the net whilst tennis balls are whizzing by. As keen horticulturalists seem to be scarce at The
Verney it is intended to sow more lawn so that it might be possible to make more use of it and incidentally reduce the amount of
digging required.
To complete the decoration of the kitchen a bright cheery red and fawn tiled floor has been laid. Further improvements have been
four additional wash basins in the students' bedrooms and the tiling of the bathroom and toilet floors.
Keith McSweeney, who joined The Verney during May, is proving himself a worthwhile member of the community and setting a
standard of cleanliness and tidiness which it would be pleasing to see some others follow.
Wherever the summer holiday may find the members of the household we trust that a happy time will be enjoyed.

F. T.

Goldonian Summer 1965

Verney Notes

Since the last GOLDONIAN we have said goodbye to our 'landlady and landlord', Mr. and, Mrs. R. Newton, who left us early in
January. On behalf of all Verney boys, past and present; I would like to thank. Mr. and Mrs, Newton for their loyal devotion to us,
and with an extra; word of thanks to Mrs. Newton who took over the duties of cook when we were without one. Naturally it seems
very strange since they left, but changes always take some time to get used to. We wish Mr. Newton every success in his new job,
and hope that Mrs. Newton enjoys her leisure hours which she will now have.
We welcome Mr. and Mrs. Tordoff, who have taken over the duties of looking after us, and trust they will not find life too hard,
and enjoy their new surroundings.
The following apprentices have joined us from the School, and it is to be hoped that they will carry on the traditions of their
predecessors, and enjoy themselves at the same time helping other people. Michael Cousins, Derek Hammond, 'Gordon Hughes,
Robert Acton, Alan Bayliss, Michael Longman, Martin Masterson-Andrews, and Robert Hendry.
Richard Rowles, John (Blackie) Blackman, James Pooley, and Glynn Parry have now gone into lodgings, and 'Blackie' has also
left the district having completed his apprenticeship. We wish him all the best of luck.
Now that we have got the 'prelims' sorted out we can start on the social side. Mr. and Mrs. Tordoff have given us a lot of help,
starting off with a Folk Dance evening, which was very enjoyable although at first we were a bit apprehensive. However, we soon
joined in and had a jolly good time. We would like to thank the members of the Folk Dance and Song Society, especially
Mrs. Macintosh, who made such an enjoyable evening possible.
On Sunday, 14th February, we had a discussion group here from Hertford Methodist Youth Club. Unfortunately I was not present,
but from reports received it was an excellent evening. The subject under discussion was 'Why go to Church?' and ended up with
comparing Christianity with Communism!
Saturday, 13th March, was 'Social Night' when we entertained some members of staff and a number of young ladies. (Where the
latter came from we don't quite know, but they were all very nice.) We all had a very enjoyable evening mixing dancing and games
with a nice long interval to partake of some smashing refreshments prepared by Mrs. Tordoff and cook.
We held our second discussion group on 28th March, this time the subject was 'Racial Integration', and many points of view were
examined. Likewise suggestions as to the best way to get rid of 'race hate' were looked into. We hope to have another such evening
at a later date, although the subject for discussion has not yet been decided upon.
We are all looking forward to the next Folk Dance, and feel sure this will be another success.
Finally I would like to wish the staff and all boys a very happy Easter holiday.

GORDON HUGHES

Goldonian Spring 1965

Verney News

Very much in the doldrums at The Verney owing to the loss of our cook Mrs. Kemp, now three months since we lost her and still
without. It has improved my cooking abilities for which the Verney boys have suffered but I am sure the campers will eventually
appreciate. Mrs. Newton and Mrs. Ephgrave are keeping the pot boiling, or perhaps simmering is the word, at the moment, but if
anyone knows of a cook who would be appreciated by fourteen healthy young men please let us know.
Even with the handicap of being without a cook we held our New years' party. It is often said one only knows one's friends in
difficult times, this was certainly true of our party, the ladies, too many to mention, came to our aid and produced delicious cakes
and the like which in fact lasted us a week! Thank you all, it was wonderful. The response was reflected at the social itself; we
decided on a 'Fancy Hat' affair and everyone took up the challenge some of the creations would have put the Chelsea Arts Ball in
the shade without a doubt the most successful function we have had.
Comings and goings' are still principally concerned with those who go out to digs and those who rejoin us from digs. Having said
farewell to Geoff Forster and David Lee we welcomed back Cliff Sainsbury and Winston Norton. Bernard Munro and George
Turner joined us from the school, both have settled in and we hope they enjoy their stay.
The Christmas pantomime was a great success again this year and once again a great deal of its success was due to the many
apprentices who participated and helped in various ways, a grand effort and many thanks.

R. N

Goldonian Spring 1964

Verney Notes

FARE WELLS, GREETINGS, and social functions seem to have been our principal activities this term.
Once again Clive Lewis left us for 'digs', and once again David Lee has joined us owing to the fact that his landlady is moving.
Arthur Knight and David Hilton have left us and gone into lodgings. I hope they enjoyed their stay with us, we wish them well.
We have been joined by Leslie Browning and Richard Rowles who we hope will settle in and enjoy their stay.
We began the year with our New Year party which seemingly was enjoyed by our guests it was made the more enjoyable by the
refreshments which were prepared by Mesdames Newton, Kemp, and Ephgraves, who were assisted by the wives of staff who
always help us out. Thank you ladies!
Over the past year the link between our chaps and the young ladies of Balls Park Training College has become so strong that they
seem almost members of the family. Every Tuesday evening we have some fourteen ladies at our dancing class and every Friday
some fourteen of our lads go to Balls Park dancing class; if nothing else develops from this relationship at least the dancing should
improve!
Our chaps played a prominent part in the College Rag even to supplying the mascot, we are thick indeed. So much have our chaps
been entertained at Balls Park that they requested the Head Master's permission to run a dance in the gymnasium on Saturday, 10th
March. The dance took place and what a wonderful evening it turned out to be.
A charge was made to cover refreshments and the purchase of decorations, ninety people turned up and thoroughly enjoyed
themselves. Congratulations to the boys for their enterprise and hard work in preparing and transforming the gym. A special thanks
again to the wives of staff who assisted with refreshments and supplied such wonderful 'home cooking'.

R. N.

I would like as one of the guests who attended both the Christmas Party and the dance, to publicly applaud this wonderful family
spirit that exists at the Verney. With Mr. and Mrs. Newton at the helm, with Mrs. Kemp and Mrs. Ephgrave backing them up to the
hilt, they have steered these fourteen apprentices (and of course many 'fourteens' before), quietly and unobtrusively into the right
sort of company, and I would say no bunch of teenagers have ever enjoyed being 'steered' more.
No praise is too high for the young ladies from Balls Park who have co-operated so whole-heartedly in this 'merger', and who have
probably 'brought our boys out' easier than any of us 'wise old fathers' could have done. I am quite sure some of us 'old uns' would
like to turn the clock back to have the opportunity of being 'brought out' in a similar manner! Oh to have been a mascot, or even a
lucky charm!

N. T. Powell ED.

Goldonian Spring 1962

Verney Notes

Many changes to report this term, and the greatest of all is our interior. There is paint and paper everywhere, Mr. Moules and his
boys are certainly doing a good job for us.
The whole house is a hive of industry, with Mrs. Newton making new curtains and chair covers, Mrs. Kemp reorganizing her rooms.
Even our latest guest, Mr. Hurd, is moving into a smart new room, which used to be known as Jack's (Cooper) room. We really are
looking swell, and looking forward to having a social evening shortly as a 'house warming'.
We welcomed Clittord Sainsbury into the flock this term and hope he enjoys his stay. Tony Coman left us to go into 'digs' and he
seems to have landed on his feet, having been accepted as one of the family.
When we returned from Dymchurch we were met on the doorstep by Clive Lewis, who found that his lodgings were not so good
after all, so he decided to return to the country house, it must be our cooking!
A new and welcome member to our staff this term is Mrs. Ephgraves, who has made many friends already with her pleasant and
winning manner. We hope she will stay with us for a long time.
Pantomime is in full swing, and it is most encouraging to have the support of so many Verney boys and other Printer apprentices
who have actually left our home, but are pleased to participate in the School activity.

R. N.

Goldonian Winter 1961

ONCE AGAIN the Verney has seen a number of changes in staff and boys this term. Early in September our cook, Mrs. Cruickshank,
left us to take up a post in Bath; her duties have been taken over by Mrs. Kemp and her cooking is in keeping with her personality
both are very popular. Mrs. Kemp's domestic duties have been taken over by Mrs. Wrangles whom we hope will enjoy working
with us.
Four new members of the family were welcomed in September, namely G. Forster, D. Lee, J. Blackman, and D. Charlton; we hope
they enjoy their stay with us for the next eighteen months or so.
Early in October we held a Social Evening which was a great success and enjoyed by all. We were, of course, grateful to our guests
for being good 'sports' and helping to make the evening go so well.
I regret to report the absence of Jim Fasanya who was rushed to hospital for an appendicitis operation this month; he is progressing
well and should be with us again shortly, sorry you missed the social Jim!

R. N.

Mr. and Mrs. Newton and the apprentices at the Verney had to say goodbye to Mrs. Cruickshank and her pet and constant
companion 'Boy', when they moved to a new situation in Bath. I know all old Verney boys will be sorry to know that 'Boy' died
at the end of October, as a result of a stomach disorder, and it was a very heart broken mistress who wrote and told me the sad news.

Goldonian winter 1960