Goldings Personalities 3

Mr. W. H. S. Millar

I think it is true to say that Mr. W. H. S. Millar holds the distinction, if one may call it a
distinction, of being the last member of staff to be appointed to the School immediately prior
to the 1939-1945 War. He came to take over the headship of the Printing Department in
succession to Mr. J. Wollen, who was retiring. Of the many improvements made in the
Printing Department since his coming, Mr. Millar was perhaps mainly responsible for
piloting through all its stages the apprenticeship scheme for printers. Up to date, loo boys
have been indentured and all those who have left the department as fully qualified
journeymen, and those who come after them, should feel grateful to Mr. Millar for
engineering this splendid piece of legislation, giving every boy who enters the Printing
Department a chance at 16 years of age to qualify for apprenticeship and thus ensure for
himself a future full of promise and an assured livelihood in the trade. With the installation of
the Monotype system and automatic presses, the department has gone from strength to strength under Mr. Millar's
guidance, and even as I write we are in the throes of seeing a fine new extension being built, so that the Department can
still further expand and give to' those boys who enter its portals a wider scope in the many aspects of the printing craft.
Many a lad outside the School would be envious of the training given to our boys and I know that Mr. Millar's aim is to see
that the boys under his charge have the very best training that can be given to enable them to leave the School well
equipped to measure up to any apprentice outside going into the printing industry. In addition to his work as head of the
Printing Department Mr. Millar entered into the social side of the School from the very first day he came, and in any social
function, whatever form it may take, one has come to expect to see him taking an active part, either as an organizer or
lending help whenever it is wanted. For many years he organized and played for our table tennis teams, as well as serving
on the committee of the Hertford and District Table Tennis League. During the war years he was Section Leader of the
A.R.P. for Goldings and gladly gave up his time in out of shop hours to under-take extra duties such as being a non-resident
housemaster. When the War ended these duties ceased, but the experience gained has kept Mr. Millar's enthusiasm for his
work for boys up to concert pitch, for he knows it is important for him to take an interest in a boy's home life and not just
his craft training, if he is: to be successful in his task of fitting a boy to1 become a useful citizen, both at his craft and
socially when he leaves the School. We are fortunate to have Mr. Millar on the staff and we look forward to having him
with us for many years to come. He certainly has as his objective the School motto, Finis Coronal Opus.

J. M.
Goldonian Spring 1962

Mr. Lawrence. E. Embleton N. D. H

LIKE ANY sound master of his craft, Mr. Embleton first served his time as an
Apprentice-seven years in the public parks of the County Borough of South Shields. In 1931
he rose to be general foreman to the Borough Surveyor's Department and after six years in
this post moved to Plymouth as general foreman and head forester. In 1941 he returned to his
native county as general foreman to the Parks Department. In 1943 he began his teaching
career as senior horticulture instructor at Herts. Training School and later was appointed to
a similar post at the Aycliffe School, near Darlington. He holds a Senior Certificate (1st Class)
of the R.H.S., a Teacher's Diploma in Horticulture and a National Diploma in Horticulture.
For his distinction in winning first place in the British Isles in a Teachers' Examination in
School and Cottage Gardening in 1942 he was awarded the 'Banksian Medal'. It will be seen,
therefore, that when he joined the staff of Goldings in October, 1945, as principal teacher in
charge of the Gardening Department, he had a great deal to offer in expert knowledge and practical experience. The
present condition of the Goldings estate, justly admired by hundreds of visitors each year, is evidence of the energy and
skill with which Mr. Embleton has directed the work of his department. It would be characteristic of him to wish to share
the credit with his staff as well as with the boys, who have made their contribution to the beauty and productivity of the
gardens whilst benefiting from the instruction they receive. In 1952 Mr. and Mrs. Embleton agreed to take charge of
Waterford Verney and for six years made this house into a real home for fourteen apprentice boys. At the pressing
invitation of the headmaster, they then moved back into the main house, Mrs. Embleton becoming Chief Matron and her
husband taking responsibility for routine and management of the home life of the boys. In April, 1959, Mr. Embleton was
promoted to his present post as Deputy Headmaster of Goldings. The foregoing brief sketch shows how our subject has
played an increasingly important role in the life of the School, but an image of the man himself is not so easy to evoke.
Brought up and trained in a sphere of life where industriousness was demanded and slipshod work not excused, he has
little sympathy with the casual approach. He has the traditional northerner's dourness on the outside and warmth and
understanding within. In duty hours there is rarely time for anything other than the job in hand, but in the cricket pavilion
he can be vastly entertaining with his dry northern humour, amusing narratives and occasional caustic wit. He knows how
to enjoy both work and leisure. Nowadays his chief recreation is golf. Incidentally, retrieving the ball is the only exercise to
which his dog 'Andy' will condescend, so that one might expect his master to be a dead shot on the middle distances.
At one time he was an expert trumpeter. Even now he is no mean performer on this instrument and in the past worked
hard to keep going the Goldings Brass Band. When young he played in a very good class football until a serious knee
injury caused him to give up the game. Happily he still enjoys a game of cricket, though his famous off-strokes do not
sizzle to the boundary quite like they used to do. Many a time when the regular 'straight up and down' bowlers have failed
to dislodge an obdurate batsman one of his sly old 'donkey-drops' has tempted the enemy to a hasty stroke and an early
doom. Though billiards and snooker have now disappeared from the scene at Goldings, older members of staff will know
him as a keen player on the green baize, very difficult to beat at either game. Our school has done wonderful work for
Barnardo boys, mainly because it has attracted to its ranks men of parts who have given devoted service. Of such
Mr. Embleton is an outstanding example, and it was a good day for us when he and his family threw in their lot with ours
and became part of the larger family of Goldings.

R. F. W.
Goldonian Summer 1962

Mr. Frank. Tordoff A. B. S. I.

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.
Goldonian Winter 1962

Mr. James Ibbotson

On I2th December, 1949, Mr. James Ibbotson joined the staff of the Painters and Decorators
at Goldings consequent upon the retirement of Mr. H. Green after many years of service.
Hailing from the county of Gloucester he follows with interest the progress of that county at
major cricket, and also displays a keen interest in both rugby and soccer. Of tranquil
disposition there is nothing more enjoyable to him than a few days' fishing when taking his
holiday. Like all craftsmen at Goldings he is dedicated to his profession and nothing short of
the best is his insistence no matter what the job may be. Mr. Ibbotson served with H. M.
Forces in the Royal Artillery for a period of five and a half years during the Second World
War.

A. E. B.
Goldonian Spring 1963

Mr. B. Broster

After serving five years with R.E.M.E. during the war, and seeing something of life in the
land of the Pharoahs, Mr. Broster spent two years at the Bolton Training College, where he
was successful in gaining the National Building Certificate and Full Technological Certificate
in Carpentry and Joinery. Added to his practical work as a Carpenter in the Wirrall, this
technical training equipped him well to teach the trade to aspiring apprentices, which he has
done most successfully since he came to us in September 1950. Many boys must feel that they
owe to him a debt of gratitude for the knowledge which he has so well passed on to them, and
equally for the kind and understanding attitude he has shown towards their varying problems.
Mr. Broster enjoys the games of badminton and tennis, and was becoming a serious
contender for honours in the billiards world, until, alas, the table was dismantled. He is a
regular umpire of the House Cricket matches and for a considerable period ran the School
Library for the boys. He has operated the school projector so well that the scouts of Arthur Rank have been on his trail
many times. Recently Mr. Broster has been in charge of the erection by the Carpentry boys of the new Art Centre at
Goldings, and no doubt he will continue to take an interest in it after it's completion, as painting, sculpture and carving are
amongst his hobbies.

H. W. T.
Goldonian Summer 1963

Mr. L. Farnham

MR. L. FARNHAM joined the Carpentry Department, Goldings, in January, 1951, and
unlike many of us, is a real 'local', being a member of a well-known Hertford family. He
served his time to carpentry with Messrs. Ekins, a firm of building contractors, and during
his apprentice period he studied and obtained a final City and Guilds certificate in his trade.
In September, 1940, he joined, or was persuaded to join the R.A.F. and was trained as an air
frame fitter; one of the chaps with a bit of string who kept the kites flying. In the period
between his war service and joining us he gained some valuable experience of mass production
methods within the motor industry and his shop's production figures for school wardrobes
bear witness to this acquired knowledge.
If ever we needed proof of his skill as a craftsman, or of his considerable knowledge of the
building industry, these were clearly shown when he transformed a desolate area of
scrubland into a really beautiful garden surrounding a very desirable house. A major achievement and nearly a one-man
effort (apologies Mrs. Farnham, a two-man effort). Not a person to seek the limelight, but always most reliable; a first-class
tradesman and a very competent instructor, which very many boys have reason to be grateful for.

W. B.
Goldonian Winter 1963

Mr. A. H. Hooper

Mr. Hooper joined our staff in October, 1951, and worked with Mr. Walker, who was then
our Maintenance Engineer, and after eighteen months 'learning the ropes' took over from
Mr. Walker when he retired- Mr. Hooper, a native of London, served his apprenticeship as
an engineer with Messrs. French and Co., and attended the Hackney Technical School to get
his qualifications in engineering. During the war Mr. Hooper was producing military
equipment, and after being called up for service to use some of his equipment, H.M.
Government decided that they would prefer him to 'produce' rather than 'use', so back he
went to the production line. After joining our staff Mr. Hooper attended the Hatfield
Technical College for four years to get his City and Guilds qualification as a Plumbing and
Sanitary Engineer. With twelve years' service here at Goldings and his engineering
background I am quite certain Mr. Hooper is capable of dealing with any problem that might
come his way. Mr. Hooper has always taken an active interest in the social life at Goldings, and for several years has served
on the Social Committee, and has been responsible for the last three years for the organization and running of the dancing
classes for the boys. In this sphere he has received valuable support from his wife and daughter, Carol. Alas, Carol is now
married and 'dad' is now 'grandad' to a fine grandson, so I suppose we cannot expect to see so much support from Carol
as we have done in the past. Apart from dancing, Mr. Hooper is a keen swimmer, and until recently enjoyed his game of
cricket too, in fact he would still enjoy a game if someone would pick him! As he says a good twelfth man is always an asset
(remember England in India). Another sport in which Mr. Hooper excelled was rowing, but local facilities have not
permitted Mr. Hooper to keep in practice. Finally, and perhaps the best reason why Mr. Hooper is so adaptable to any
situation, and socially such a good mixer, is that he was a member of the Scout movement for thirteen years! What better
testimonial?

N. T. P.
Goldonian Spring 1964