Old Tettenhallians

Cyril Rushton

10/03/2023

Dear all,
I am sorry to report the passing early this week of OT Cyril Rushton. He was a close friend of fellow OTs Tim Rowe and John Humphries, and Tim has sent me the following information about Cyril's life.

"Cyril was at the College from 1955 to 1962. He was in Nicholson House and was a fine sprinter for many years. When he left TC he played his rugby at Willenhall which was where he was born in 1943. During his time at TC he was taught by Colin Sprang and their friendship continued for many years until Colin passed away in California, USA. (Note: Colin Sprang was educated at TC from 1943-1950 and a biology teacher at the College from 1959-1963.)

Cyril's working life began at the Chemical company Albright & Wilson. His next employer was Telephone Rentals where he learned a lot leading him to set up his own business Elite Communications.

John, Cyril and myself have known and mixed with each other for 68 years so we feel as though we have lost a brother.

Cyril was a real character who knew a lot of people, he will be remembered by all."

I will endeavour to advise you of the funeral arrangements when known. The attached photo of the U15 Rugby team in 1958 shows Cyril in the back row, far left.
Regards. Stephen
OT Committee (Club Secretary)

Brian Sadler

16/02/2023

We are sad to report the passing of Brian Sadler in recent days. Brian was born on 16th December 1932.
Brian was a much respected dentist in Willenhall for many years. A keen sportsman, he played hockey for Wombourne Hockey Club before taking up golf in the 1970s, and was a longstanding member of South Staffs Golf Club. He was also a member of Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.

Peter Pingree

08/02/2023

We have heard from club secretary Stephen Corns this morning that our good friend Peter Pingree passed away yesterday after having spent three months in a care home.
Peter was at the College from 1952 to 1962. He was an active member of the OT Club committee from 2000 to 2020, and committee chairman from 2008 to 2013. He was Club President in 2013-2014.
Peter had a long career in the police force and his main pastime was performing in and staging musicals and also Christmas pantomimes. He leaves behind three daughters.

Former matron

08/02/2023

Former Matron Jane Perkins
"We have received news of the passing of former TC Matron Jane Perkins. Jane was well liked by pupils for her caring nature in addition to her obvious medical ability. We understand that Jane passed away in December following a long illness, during which she was cared for by her daughter Olivia and son Lawrence, both OT's. We send our deepest condolences with Jane's family."

Sad News - Geoff Hancock

07/02/2023

Dear Old Tettenhallians,

We have received the very sad news that former Second Master of Tettenhall College, Geoff Hancock has passed away. He arrived at TC in 1948, following service in World War II, and loyally served the College until his retirement in 1986. Most of his career was as Second Master. He taught generations of Old Tettenhallians in a life that spanned 100 years. As a historian, his love of the subject was evident in not just the pupils he inspired but the legacy of his many publications. He not only wrote histories of Tettenhall College and the surrounding area, he was very much part of this history. Throughout all this time he remained an incredibly modest gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers, at this time, are with his daughters, grandchildren, family and friends.

The funeral will take place on Friday 10th March at 12 noon at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Church Road, Tettenhall WV6 9AJ. Afterwards the wake will be held at the Mount Hotel, Mount Road, Tettenhall WV6 8HL.

Best wishes,

Christopher McAllister

Geoff Hancock Eulogy (1).docx

Alex Poile

04/01/2023

It is with great sadness that we have received news that Alex Poile has passed away peacefully after a long illness. Alex joined the College in 1977 and retired as Head Groundsman in 2013. There are many generations of pupils and staff of TC who will remember him very fondly for his wit, humour and commitment.

Old Tettenhallians and staff who knew Alex will have an important part to play in remembering him with a fitting tribute from the College. Further details on his funeral will follow, and also how we will honour his memory here at TC.

Alex Poile Eulogy (J. Walters).pdf

Former staff member

24/10/2022

We have recently been told about the passing of Dorothy Nash.

Dorothy was Headmaster John Dale's secretary for many years and was much loved by staff and pupils who passed through her office. After retirement she moved to Worcester and lived quietly and happily for many years but succumbed to illness last year and died 24/10/22 while being cared for by her sister.

Graham Foulkes

01/08/2022

Our dear friend Graham Foulkes passed away suddenly at his home in Wombourne last Saturday 30th July. Graham was 88 years old.
He was at the College from 1945 to 1950. Graham was President of the OT Club in 2010-2011 and served on committee from 2009 until 2019.