The memory and legacy of Teacher George Wenham were celebrated recently during the visit to Anguilla of two of his family members: his nephew Leroy Wenham and his granddaughter Claudine Hodge. Dr. Timothy Hodge, President of the Anguilla Genealogical Society (AGS), organized meetings with them and Education Department officials, as well as a visit to Vivien Vanterpool Primary School (VVPS) at Island Harbour.
Teacher George Wenham was born in Montserrat and had family ties to St. Kitts and Nevis. He served as Principal of the Valley Boys School before his untimely death at the age of 30 in 1941. In 1970, a group of former students established the Teacher George Wenham Memorial Club to “Serve and Uplift,” echoing the Club’s motto and his legendary teaching career.
The Club’s members were distinguished Anguillian men who credited much of their development to Teacher Wenham’s leadership and example. Mr. Richard Fahie served as president, and other members included Messrs James Euton Baird, John Hennis, Corporal Ashley Carty, Raphael Lake, Alwyn (Pelenty) Hodge, Thomas Ryan, John Proctor, Kenneth Richardson, William Horsford, Zilphus Fleming, Austin Rogers, Abraham Harrigan, Ogese Hodge, Watkins Hodge, Albert Lake, John A. Gumbs, Amos Lake, James Gumbs, Collins Hodge, Benson Richardson, Franklin Woods, Preston Bryan, John Webster, and Collins Carty.
The Club raised funds and contributed to scholarships for the Valley Secondary School, as well as for debates and Spelling Bee competitions. After most of the members had passed away, the remaining members donated the Club’s funds to the Education Department with one stipulation: that they be used to support an activity honoring Teacher Wenham’s legacy.
Accordingly, the Education Department organized the Teacher George Wenham Memorial Chorale Speaking Competition, held annually among the island’s primary schools. The first competition was held in 2015, and after a break due to COVID-19, the 5th Annual competition took place in November 2025. Vivien Vanterpool Primary School earned 3rd place in that competition.
With little preparation but strong collaboration, VVPS welcomed the Wenham family members to their Assembly on Tuesday, January 13th. The PTA President, Dr. Timarah Hodge, chaired an impressive program that included a prayer by School Counsellor Pastor Rodwell Grant, the National Song performed by the School Choir, welcome remarks by Head teacher Estelle Carter, a history of the Chorale Speaking Competition presented by Education Officer Mrs. Vanessa Hobson, introduction of the Wenham family by Dr. Timothy Hodge, remarks by Mr. Leroy Wenham, a performance of the school’s competition piece by students directed by Teacher Shaunda Richardson, and closing remarks by Ms. Claudine Hodge.
The speakers’ remarks highlighted the importance of family, including knowing and documenting one’s history (“who yer fuh”), building and maintaining relationships that strengthen the community, and nurturing the unlimited potential of students shaped by parents, teachers, and the wider community. The talent and promise of VVPS students were evident in their outstanding Chorale Speaking performance, which impressed visitors, teachers, and fellow students alike.
Mr. Leroy Wenham, born in St. Kitts and a Youth and Community Area Officer in the UK for over 30 years, agreed with Chairperson Dr. Timarah Hodge’s observation that it is remarkable they were celebrating the legacy of a man who died more than 80 years ago. He encouraged the students to live their lives in a way that leaves positive legacies long after their time on Earth. Though retired, Mr. Wenham remains active in community development and is currently co-curating a three-year cultural exhibit, Caribbean Footsteps, at the Weston Park Museum in Sheffield, England.
Ms. Claudine Hodge, born in England and raised in Canada, is the daughter of Claude Hodge of George Hill, the only child of Teacher Wenham. She described her father as an encyclopaedia of Anguilla who passed on his love for the island to her. A regular visitor since 2004, she and her siblings Yvonne Hodge, Jasmine Jackson, Heather Ottay, and Claude Hodge Jr. are determined to keep their father’s legacy alive.
This determination led to her attending a meeting of the AGS in 2024—coincidentally held at the Old Boys School where Teacher Wenham taught. There, she learned about both her father’s history and her grandfather’s impact in Anguilla, a discovery that ultimately led to the Wenham family’s visit and collaboration with the AGS. Commenting on the school visit, she said, “I was amazed at how the visit came together so quickly and turned out to be a very successful and special event.” Mr. Leroy Wenham added, “The students performed with passion, energy, and creativity and must have truly deserved a winning place in the competition.”
The President of the Anguilla Genealogical Society expressed his pleasure at the outcomes of the Wenham family’s visit and extended an invitation to all who are interested in learning more about, or sharing, their family histories to join and support the Society. Its next meeting will be held at the Old Boys School, adjacent to St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, The Valley, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026.
