Shropshire 
Farewell to Ray Evanson
Shropshire’s Oswestry School has said farewell to its deputy headmaster who has clocked up 33 years at the school and is the longest serving member of staff.
Ray Evanson, 58, who lives in Shrewsbury, was also the school’s chaplain and has been involved in teaching economics, geography and religious studies during his years there.
“I am excited to be starting a new part of my life but also sad to be leaving a major part behind,” said Mr Evanson, who was presented with an cut glass tankard at Oswestry School’s recent speech day.
“The chaplaincy and my involvement with the Combined Cadet Force in particular were both very rewarding parts of my work at the school.
“There have been so many changes over the years, particularly with the introduction of new technology which has changed the face of teaching.
“But the school has always adapted extremely well and has always remained a caring and supportive community which is very proud of its traditions.”
Headmaster Douglas Robb paid tribute to Mr Evanson’s commitment to Oswestry School and said that as well as being deputy head, chaplain and Contingent Commander for the CCF, he was Director of Studies and an exam officer.
“Ray has been a close colleague and friend during my first year as head. I will very much miss his great knowledge and advice,” said Mr Robb.
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Speech day also saw the continuation of a strong tradition at Oswestry School which is called the Last Day Painting.
The words The Last Day can be seen on a school wall and each year they are repainted in tribute to a former pupil.
“We have a sign which reads: The words Last Day were first painted in the 1850s as a memorial to a boy who was killed on his way home at the end of term,” said Mr Robb.
“Each year the head boy, head girl and the youngest pupil still maintain the tradition of repainting the words.”
This year the painting was carried out by head boy Jonathan Molesworth, head girl Rebecca McMurray and the youngest pupil Evan Ellis.