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Death of Dominick Spencer OO
The Old Oswestrians' Society as sad to announce the recent death of Dominick Spencer, former headmaster of the Junior School. Dominick taught at the school from 1961-1970 and was headmaster of the Junior School when it was in the "green hut", moving it up to the Quarry site and developing it into a proper prep-school. Although Dominick went on to be headmaster at Amesbury School, Surrey from 1971 and retired to Cambridgeshire, he retained his interest in the Old Oswestrians' Society.
The funeral, held on Monday 19th May at St Laurence’s Church, Wicken, Nr Ely, Cambridgeshire, was attended by OOs Graham Arthan, Martyn and Mike Bracegirdle and Nigel Whittingham. Also in attendance was Morag Hare, wife of the late Oswestry School master John Hare. Dominick had been a master at Repton School with Oswestry colleagues Dick Sale and John Hare.
Our condolences go to Dominick's widow, Sue, who may be contacted through the Hon Secretary of The Old Oswestrians' Society.
Dominick Spencer was certainly a key player in the development of the school; he was appointed by Dick Sale, the headmaster at the time, to create the junior/prep school up at the Quarry after what was 'The Green Hut' situated down at the Senior School . . . and I was one of the few people who moved from 'The Green Hut' to the Junior School in the summer term of 1961. A get together was organised at the Junior School in July 2003 for those pupils who attended the school in the early 60s, with an excellent attendance.
Jeremy Dell OO (1959-71)
I have a Junior School photo from 1964 showing Dominick and his wife Sue along with the teaching staff and 43 boys. We were taught all the Kings and Queens and their dates from 1066 and I will always remember the outdoor drama productions of Henry 5th and Julius Caesar and have a couple of photos of the plays. Although we were not many in number, we played inter school matches of football and cricket against the likes of Packwood and Prestfeld. I was only 9 years old when I started in 1962. I remember him being firm but fair, and I recall him referring to us as his little men. Sue informs me when they started at the Quarry they had 10 day boys and 10 boarders and when they left in 1970 there were over 100 boys.
Graham Arthan OO (1962-71)