Description:The opening ceremony was performed by the Bishop, Dr Russell Wakefield in July 1917; and it was a disappointment to all concerned that neither Mr H R Birch nor Mr E K Mason (both of whom had looked forward to this as the crowning effort of their lives) were destined to be present on this occasion. Mr E K Mason was prevented from attending due to ill health, and Mr H R Birch had died suddenly whilst the building was in progress (1915).
As a tribute of esteem to this great Headmaster, it was unanimously agreed that this extension should be dedicated to his memory, and over the Main Entrance will be found a bronze plate bearing the following inscription:
1917
To the memory of Harry Robert Birch
Appointed Headmaster 1890 Removed by death, 1915
This Extension, very largely due to his devoted and
widely recognised service, is dedicated.
On the death of Mr Birch, the Managers appointed as his successor Mr J O Westworth, who immediately entered whole-heartedly into the task to complete the Scheme, and the necessary re-organisation which it entailed.
In this reorganisation, it was decided to make provision for three separate and distinct Departments (instead of the two in existence), giving a total accommodation for 1,522 scholars, distributed as follows:
Senior Mixed Department (700 Children), under the Headship of Mr J O Westworth
Junior Mixed Department (422 Children), under the Headship of Miss A Holmes
Infants’ Department – (400 Children), under the Headship of Miss J Henderson
It is gratifying to record that as a result of this re-organisation, and also the devoted labours of these head teachers, great progress has been made, not only in the General Education of the Children, but in everything concerning their welfare.
In 1920 the schools lost a valued friend through the death of Mr E K Mason, who for nearly 40 years had worked unceasingly in their service in the capacity of Foundation Manager, Chairman and Correspondent.
In order that his name might be associated permanently with the Schools he loved so dearly, “Edward King Mason Scholarships” were founded by Mrs E K Mason on his death. These have already been enabled and will, in future years, provide for many of our promising boys and girls to enter on a course of Higher Education which they would otherwise have been denied.
In 1926 Mr John W Lea whose devotion for the schools is equally well known, and whose generosity has already been mentioned, passed to his rest, his life work accomplished, but leaving the people of St Thomas’ the solemn duty to regard the schools as a sacred trust, and to maintain them at their present degree of efficiency.
Last year, 1928, a further extension of the playgrounds was undertaken by the removal of old dilapidated buildings – a project contemplated for many years, but impossible to bring to fruition until the Freehold could be acquired. With their usual foresight, Mr J W Lea and Mr E K Mason purchased the leasehold many years ago, and established a trust so that the accumulated rents might provide the necessary capital to purchase the Site when the opportunity presented itself. This latest addition is now an accomplished fact, and provides ample playground space for the Children.
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The present managers of the schools are as follows:
Major E I Lea, MC (Chairman), Rev J Bell MA (Rector), Mrs Oliver Lea, and Mr E R Mason (Correspondent), with Alderman J S Pritchett MA, representing the Local Education Authority.