Alex has left us not only with very fond memories but numerous artworks that we are hoping to print in order to raise much needed money for Parkinson’s Research. We hope that you can join us to make this happen.

Parkinson’s Disease was a very cruel tormentor to this gentle giant. However, it never deprived him of his spirit or his fortitude. His positivity always shone through. Alex may have left us in the physical sense but his fingerprints and footprints are etched on the landscape of Tettenhall College. His trees an enduring memorial and the memory of him lives on in the affection of generations of the Tettenhall College family, pupils, parents and staff, as well as village folk alike. All were touched by his influence and his vital presence. May he rest in peace and be amongst us for ever more. (01/12/1947 – 03/01/2023)

Alex Poile was a gifted artist, he attended the local Art School in Folkestone and embarked on a career as a commercial artist. This work took him to America and, nearer to home, to the Pebble Mill TV Studios in Birmingham, where he worked on the set of ‘Crossroads’. Art was not his only passion, but one of many.

In 1977 he took up a job as Head Groundsman at Tettenhall College, Wolverhampton. Here he lived and tirelessly worked on the grounds and the security of the site until 2013, sadly too ill to continue after this date. Alex possessed tremendous energy and passion for his job, the school and the pupils. His untiring enthusiasm and unfettered imagination was a joy to encounter. He left no areas of the site unattended to and he filled the hearts and minds of everyone he met, sharing historical stories and facts about the landscape and buildings that surrounded him. It has been said that Alex established the most diverse arboretum in the Wolverhampton conurbation.

Alex was highly respected in Tettenhall, both within the school gates, in the village and amongst the diaspora of Old Tettenhallians. During Alex’s time he relentlessly shared the splendour of the school grounds, establishing the annual Bluebell Walk, the Autumn Leaves Walk, the legendary Ghost Walk and numerous steam engine rallies within the village. He also attended to many an Old Tettenhallian reunion, ensuring that all who came on site left with a memorable and warming experience.

Alex loved his dogs, rescuing and caring for at least 12 during his tenure at the College. His love of animals led to him establishing the notorious Pets’ Corner which gripped parents and children alike. Alex earnestly sought to open the hearts and minds of the children onsite to the wonders of nature. Many a homesick border found a lifelong friend in Alex, he would take them under his wing and find various jobs for them to do onsite. In return Alex would frequently run boarding hose trips to areas of interest. He never sought popularity amongst the students but won it effortlessly due to his generous spirit.