West House Old Boy Lunch 2023
The sun shone for our annual West House Old Boy luncheon and we welcomed over twenty former pupils back to the school. The majority of whom attended the school between 1975 and 1985. This, of course, included our esteemed Headmaster. It was also a pleasure to welcome former Head, Mr Kim Duce and ex teachers, Mr Robert Selby and Mr Terry Cole.
Four current Year 6 pupils were put to work throughout the day, setting up a “newsroom” in the school’s communication hub. They were tasked with taking photos and interviewing the old boys as well as updating the social media feeds.
Here is a selection of their interviews.
Charles Harris
Our indefatigable investigative journalists, Max, Shay, Jovan and Billy interviewed several old boys and noted the following revelations.
Charles Harris [1967-1976] was a Trojan and the thing that he remembers most about West House was that it was extremely friendly. He revealed that his favourite teacher was Mr Terry Cole, French. He thinks he learned about kindness. In a frank admission, Mr Harris also admitted that he had been very naughty at times.
Nigel Rossiter
Nigel was a West House boarder between 1974-1976. He says the thing that he remembers most was the unequivocal fun that was had. He remembers fondly the woodwork teacher Mr David Thomas. Nigel reckons that a West House experience taught him to look after himself and to have fun, work hard and play hard.
He also had a great anecdote about climbing out of his room window to kiss the Headmaster’s daughter!
Following West House, Nigel attended Stowe and now works as a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic surgeon. He and his family are also heavily involved with rugby. Nigel has been medical adviser to Rams Rugby, and his brother Mike – who was also briefly at West House – is Senior Doctor for the RFU.
Paul Platnauer
Paul attended West House between 1970-1979. He told our reporters that the thing he remembers most vividly is roller skating down the hill from the changing rooms (now dining rooms). He recalled that Mr Thomas was the best teacher as he was very funny and also he had one eye that he used to take out and put in a glass and tell the boys that he “had his eye on them!”.
Paul reckons that West House taught him the value of real friendships and he admitted that the naughtiest thing he did was having water fights.
After West House, Paul attended Dean Close School.
Hamraj Kang
Hamraj attended West House between 1982-1984. He was a Persian and the thing he remembers most about West House was the sport, particularly Hockey. He recalls Mr Tyrell the sports teacher. He thinks West House taught him to be a good team player.
The naughtiest thing that he did at West House was to sneak out of the dorm to play hockey.
When asked if what else he remembers, he recalls going on the mini bus to Richmond Hill because sport played such a major part in his life.
After leaving West House he went on to Handsworth Grammar School and then Manchester University.
