Conny Geenen Visit
Tuesday 10 September 2024
After several years commmunicating via email, at the end of the summer term, I finally got to meet Conny Geenen, the grandaughter of a Belgian Old Tettenhallian who came to TC during WWI. Conny wanted to stand in the place where her grandfather had stood for a photograph all those years ago. We had a lovely chat and Conny met Headmaster, Chris McAllister as well as being given a tour of the school by some of our sixth formers. For those who haven't seen the story before this is what Conny told me in an email after I found the original photograph in our archives. Glad to hear that you found the picture of my grandfather. The picture was for decades on the wall at the home of my parents. I knew my grandfather was on it, somewhere in a school in England. A few weeks ago, I looked again to the picture and saw the name of your school written. When I did some research, I was surprised that I found so many information and that the school still exists. I became very interested, so that`s why I mailed you. Let me tell you about my grandfather. But because he died when I was really young, I can only tell you what I heard from story`s and what I found in papers. René Geenen was born in 1900 in a town called Turnhout (Belgium). He was born in a wealthy family. He went to boarding school at your school from 1914 till 1918. Why he went to your school, is un unanswered question. But the date is notable. I’ve found an old document where studies, he followed at your school, are recognized by the Belgian government. In the 30’s lost our family Geenen all our money on the market crash. World war 2 started an now my family stayed in Belgium. He started the Red Cross in our area and was a part of the armed resistance. This last thing is something I didn’t know, but now I find a lot of medals and documents about it. Many years after his death, I am so proud of him. After the war was he appointed by the village because he could speak very good English. His job was to translate all the documents and calls. His studies at your school makes that he could earn some money here in our village. My grandmother was her whole life a little depressed because of the los of there funds. My grandfather meanwhile, enjoyed is life, he was a real epicurean. The photo I sent you is more then 100 years old, and it evokes many feelings. I would be very glad if I can stand on the same spot. Maybe we can arrange something, so I can see the school?