Roughly eight years ago the charge of this School passed into the hands of Mr. O. H. Lace. On the opening morning of the Autumn Term, 1917, less than forty boys assembled before the new Head; today there are nearly a hundred and twenty. True, the measure of a school's progress cannot be given in mere numbers, but alike in all its aspects and activities the School has developed since that September morning when Mr. Lace began his uphill task.
The years which followed were full of steadfast work for the most part his efforts were rewarded with success, but times there were when he knew the disappointment of defeat. The School soon gained ground and in 1920 the numbers had been raised to 100. Throughout, there was abundant evidence of progress, both spiritual and material, and numbers still continued to increase. But the years of toil had left their mark upon the Head; signs of a failing health began to make themselves apparent. In spite of this he carried on with that indomitable courage and unflagging zeal so characteristic of him. After a year’s rest in Switzerland, he intimated his intention of resigning. This news brought the deepest disappointment to all who are interested in the School, and who have watched its steady growth during the past eight years. It had been their earnest hope that Mr. Lace would be able to resume and carry on the work so splendidly begun.
All whom he taught, all who came into touch with him in School affairs, all who worked with him could not fail to discover that, with him, thoroughness was more than a mere name. Into his pupils he instilled the sound doctrine of hard work, while to his colleagues he set an example of indefatigable industry and unfailing self-sacrifice. His quiet and unassuming manner won him instant obedience. Discipline he desired but there was no trace of tyranny in his methods of ensuring it.
As one holding such a responsible post, he strove to keep the broader issues in sight. Examinations, as such, he did not consider the be-all and end-all of a school career. He aimed at a result which should bear the mark of true culture and he fashioned the School activities accordingly.
Constant association with him revealed a depth of character that impressed most forcibly. Sincere, just and fair in all that he did he won the confidence alike of pupils and parents and colleagues. Magnanimous and generous and possessed of a keen sense humour he was able to view things without prejudice and accept things without grudge.
His leaving will be an immeasurable loss to the School. He will be greatly missed but his influence will remain, the seed of his sowing will bear rich fruit in the future.
July 1925
Presentation to Mr. Lace
On Wednesday, 29th July, 1925 a small party of Masters and Senior Boys visited Mr. Lace who was then living on the Cotswolds. They expressed the regret of the whole School that he had been unable to make the journey into Tewkesbury before the end of term, and, on behalf of the School, presented to him and Mrs Lace a very fine silver rose bowl, suitably inscribed. This was a small tangible expression of regard from the Staff, Scholars and Old Boys who had been at the School with Mr. Lace.
Mr. Lace has asked us to convey his thanks to all who subscribed and to say how greatly he appreciated the kind thoughts which prompted the gift.
We have been glad to receive satisfactory reports about Mr. Lace’s health, and it may interest our readers to know that he is living for the present at Church Stretton, Salop.
The Lace Cup
Mr. and Mrs. Lace, have very generously presented a handsome silver cup to be held by "Victor Ludorum" at the Annual Athletic Sports. The cup will remain in its case in the School, and the name of the winner being engraved on a silver band on the plinth
February, 1926
Note; Tribute to O. H. Lace, Theocsbrian 1972