| Description | A Men's Early Morning Class was started at Bearwood in October 1st 1899 under the leadership of Mr Chovil with the aim of teaching reading and writing. It did not prove successful and after three months Mr Weatherhead was approached with a request to undertake the running of the school. He became the first President. Other officers elected were Mr Wills, Secretary, Mr J. Bradley, Treasurer, Mr Palethorpe, Joe West, Joseph Sturge junior, Mr James and Sam Bradley.
The School, later known as Bearwood Men's Adult School, became a success reaching a membership of 120. Members had varying levels of ability and it was decided to form 4 separate classes so that greater help could be given to those who had little knowledge of how to read or write. In the early years of the school, teachers included Mr Innis, Joseph Sturge junior, Joe West, Mr Cranfield, Henry Lacon among others. A shorthand class was also offered by Sam Bradley.
Other activities organised by the School included a debating society, a literary society, a rambling club, a cycling club and a bowls club. There were also two football teams and two cricket teams, an orchestra, a male choir, and a quartet. Concerts, dances and whist drives were held at Lightwoods Hall. The School also had a sick club, a savings bank and a library. For around 30 years an annual a bulb show and chrysanthemum show were held.
The School was also active in the local community. It organised the repair of paths at Lightwoods Hall and Park, and in 1902 when the Lightwood estate was put up for sale, launched a campaign to secure it as a public park for the city of Birmingham. It arranged for a bus shelter to be installed in Sandon Road, and public toilets to be provided in Adkin's Lane, Hagley Rd. West and the Bear Hotel. It was involved in changing the location of the Post Office from Three Shires Oak Road to Rutland Road and esured that all external shop front awnings were altered in height so that people could walk along Bearwood Road in safety.
The School celebrated its Jubilee in 1949.
See MS 703/1/21/2/2 for a souvenir programme of Bearwood Men's Adult School 1899-1949 and other records. |