Hundreds gather for Alsop centenary weekend

Over 1000 people visited Alsop High School to celebrate 100 years of the life and witness of the school.

On the Friday evening, staff and former students gathered for the ‘Grand Reunion’ which was followed on Saturday with the school flinging open its gates to welcome community members and local families for a ‘Great Get Together’.

On Friday evening the school held a poignant ‘Grand Reunion’ when hundreds of former students attended a glitzy event with live music and canapés. Some brought photos and diaries; others wore their ties and caps.

An elderly gentleman presented his blazer to the headteacher, Mr Chris Wilson and spoke fondly of his school days at Alsop whilst Europe was at war. He left in 1946.

The event was sponsored by, former Alsop student, Lawrence Kenwright. Mr Kenwright provided a welcome drink and food for the grand buffet.

On Saturday, the school flung open its gates to welcome parents and local residents to the ‘Great Get Together’ and the day was organised with families in mind.

The sun shone as the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Peter Brennan addressed those assembled and spoke of the work and legacy of the late Jo Cox, MP and the need for communities to work together to bring lasting change to their neighbourhoods.

Students, parents, residents and representatives of faith communities gathered to enjoy a free picnic lunch, a shared drink and a chat.

Sixth form student Chloe Judge stunned the gathering with her amazing voice. The Lord Mayor danced and swayed as the Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir performed a wide repertoire of traditional and contemporary music.

During the afternoon, there was lots of fun and laughter. A clown performed on the main stage whilst Disney characters paraded around the school. Students delighted in throwing sponges at soak the teacher.

Alsop students organised and hosted a wide array of stalls. Young people demonstrated their creative and entrepreneurial skills throughout the afternoon.

Mr Chris Wilson, headteacher said: “We were delighted that former students, staff and the local community responded to our invitation celebrate our school centenary. I would like to thank our amazing students and staff who worked so hard over two days to make this a weekend to remember.”

Lawrence Kenwright, chairman of Signature Living said: “It is with immense pride that Signature Living were able to sponsor these events. I salute the achievements of Alsop, which sits at the very centre of Walton’s community. We must all strive together to ensure Alsop can deliver the same successes that it has over the last 100 years for the next generation.”

During the events a number of centenary messages were read out. Mr Alastair Machray, editor of the Liverpool Echo wrote: “Congratulations to Alsop High School upon reaching your centenary year. Visiting Alsop always inspires me… and it’s hard to inspire a gnarled and grizzled old newspaper editor. You are a rock for your community in an often-tempestuous sea. Be proud and carry on the amazing work.”

The Rt Rev Paul Bayes, Lord Bishop of Liverpool wrote: “On behalf of Liverpool Diocese I would like to congratulate Alsop for serving the needs of countless generations of young people. The school rooted in the north Liverpool community continues to be a force of the common good and shines as a beacon of hope to empower the aspirations and needs of all”.