ALUMNI Four Generations at TC With family members at the School since 1919, spanning four generations, the Woolridge family certainly know much about Tettenhall College. A third generation Tettenhallian, Chris Woolridge attended TC from 1991 to 1998, following in the footsteps of his father and his paternal grandfather – James (Jim). He recalls “The teachers at TC knew everyone’s strengths and aspirations and it felt like they were always taking an interest in you.” Chris recalls his time at TC as a “fabulous experience”, where he established lifelong friends who recently celebrated twenty years since leaving. They meet up regularly to reminisce and recount rugby stories. I asked for a few anecdotes but it is interesting that, not for the first time, an OT was reluctant to have their adventures made public! Chris took the traditional route of a university degree before working but found his MBA the most useful qualification, because of its practical links to his work in industry. A successful businessman, Chris is now Managing Director of the family firm. Jeremy Woolridge, Chris’ father and Chairman of B E Wedge Holdings Ltd, has had an illustrious career since leaving TC in 1963, with his service to industry recognised by his CBE in 1998. This now international business can galvanise anything from a tiny washer to a twenty-nine metre beam and has even protected Blackpool’s Pepsi Max roller coaster from salty sea air. More commonplace items include crash barriers, phone masts and electricity pylons. Recalling his school days, Jeremy remembers taking part in school productions in his earlier years, crediting this with improving his ability to speak in public. When it came to going to university it was his chemistry teacher Michael Mander who found him a suitable course at Manchester studying chemical engineering. In his first lecture, he was slightly alarmed to find that the course was more applied physics than his favourite chemistry. Nevertheless, Jeremy graduated and was offered a job by his uncle, Peter Wedge. His negotiating skills helped him to get a pay rise before he had even started and then a company car a short while later. Clearly there is an innate ability, but perhaps TC helped to develop his confidence and prepare him for success. Jeremy Woolridge (OT 1963) with son Chris Woolridge (OT 1998) and grandchildren (nephews and niece to Chris) Tom (aged 10), Joe (aged 8), Isabel (aged 6) As well as being grandfather to three young Tettenhallians, Jeremy is also Chair of Governors at TC and, like his father before him, was chair of the OT committee. As such he is more qualified than most to comment. Speaking recently about the School he said that he is more optimistic than ever and believes that the School is “reinvigorated for the future”. Jackie Medhurst, Alumni and Development Manager 71
72 Publizr Home