MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Court Leet were joined by more than 40 people at the Housman Statue to commemorate the 156th birthday of the town’s most famous poet.
The chairman of The Housman Society Jim Page spoke to those gathered last Thursday (March 26).
In his address, he talked about how good the new paving on the High Street looked and about this year being the 150th anniversary of the birth of AE Housman’s brother Laurence.
Peter Clague, the new headmaster at Bromsgrove School, was this year’s guest of honour for the day and he read two of Housman’s military poems.
That provided a poignant moment, especially with the centenary of the First World War.
It was hoped the new cladding on the statue would be unveiled at the birthday commemoration, but unfortunately that has had to be postponed as it was not completed in time.
Mr Page said: “That did not detract from what was a wonderful afternoon, remembering AE Housman and his links to Bromsgrove.”
Those gathered also went to Bromsgrove Council House, Burcot Lane, for a special lunch, hosted by Civic Head John Ruck.
The annual poetry competition, which is usually held in conjunction with Housman’s birthday commemoration, will now take place before the October half-term.
There were poignant moments as the military poems were read. 1415005MMR4
Civic Head John Ruck was at the commemoration and then hosted a lunch afterwards at Bromsgrove Council House. 1415005MMR2
Members of the Court Leet, Bromsgrove School and The Housman Society gathered. Pictures by Marcus Mingins 1415005MMR3
