125 Not Out!
Three lucky boys were booked to attend but B W L Owen was unwell so just two pupils turned up – G P Achurch and J M F C Pound. Arthur Perrott Cary Field (Headmaster 1895 – 1919) recorded that John Pound returned to West House in 1914 to present the Pound Cup for ‘all-round contribution’ to the school. The Pound Cup remains our most prestigious prize, awarded annually at Speech Day. Pound joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry in 1915 and was killed in action in 1917.
This represents just a tiny part of this school’s incredible history, so painstakingly researched by former librarian and teacher of history, Alison Houghton. During the coming year we have organised a number of events aimed at Old Boys, parents and current pupils. Highlights will undoubtedly include the Victorian School Day on Monday 11th May, exactly 125 years on from our opening and the Anniversary Recital in the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre which will showcase the immense talent within the current and former pupil body. The latter will take place on Thursday 30th April and details will be circulated in due course. With a Summer Family Open Day and a celebratory service in Birmingham Cathedral also planned, there will be plenty on offer.
Our school has been led by just five Headmasters in its 125 year history, fewer than some schools have appointed this millennium. It is with an enormous sense of pride and excitement that I am set to be involved in the 125th anniversary celebrations and I urge you all to get involved and be part of West House history in the making.
