On May 20 the excellent West Lodge School in Sidcup—where Alistair Lexden presented prizes last summer—marked the 75th anniversary of its opening in 1940. (His connection with the school arises from its membership of the Independent Schools Association, of which he is President.)
He was invited back to join the celebrations which recalled the atmosphere of the second year of the war against Hitler.
Musicians performed American jazz music, staff and children wore clothes of the period—the head had a fine 1940s’ hairstyle!—and one of the school’s original six pupils, Alan Ridge, spoke of life and its hardships in the early days.
Alistair Lexden explained how the Battle of Britain in that year had been of decisive importance in preserving our democracy and parliamentary government to which he has the great good fortune to contribute today. Questions galore about 1940 and the work of the Lords came from the children aged between three and eleven.
Mr Ridge and Alistair Lexden then planted a commemorative tree in the school’s lovely little garden.