200th Birthday Celebrations
Oswestry School has a long history, having been founded in 1407. This week, pupils and staff celebrated the 200th birthday of the iconic Spanish chestnut tree in the school grounds. The tree was originally planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo. The birthday celebrations included a traditional whole school picnic around the tree, with sandwiches, jelly and ice creams, all rounded off with a rendition of “Happy Birthday”.
Old Oswestrian Connections
Old Oswestrians, Jennifer and James Neill have such fond memories of Oswestry School that they recently had their youngest daughter, Rosie, christened in the school chapel. They also chose to marry in the chapel two years ago. “When James and I decided to get married, there was nowhere that was going to feel as special as the school chapel. It is such a beautiful and unique place and we had fond memories of many a school service in there. All of our guests were amazed, it was magical and for some it was a nostalgic journey back to their school days.”
Jennifer (nee Rimmer) attended Oswestry School from 1991-1998 with the latter years spent in the girls’ boarding house, Guinevere. She says, “The happiest years of my life were spent at that School. I made friends for life and remain close to many of the teachers.”
James went to the school between 1998-2003. He gained a sports scholarship and was U16 Independent Schools’ England Captain. He regularly joins the school’s annual Founder’s Day celebrations and “old boy” gatherings.
Their other daughter Freya is in Reception at Bellan House. “She has relished her first year.” says Jennifer, “I am so happy that she has the opportunity to attend Bellan House and we are so lucky to have such a wonderful school on our doorstep. Rosie’s christening completed the last two wonderful years for us and I hope our girls have the same fond memories we hold with the school.”