In 1965, Oswestry School welcomed a new teacher to its community, unaware that it was also welcoming a man who would quietly shape generations of pupils and colleagues for the next three and a half decades. 

A graduate of Cardiff University, where he studied History and French, Alan Stratford came to Oswestry after teaching those subjects at Eastbourne Grammar School. He joined Oswestry as Head of History, and later became Director of Studies and Deputy Head. But his influence soon extended far beyond the classroom. Within a short time, he was also coaching cricket and football, roles that suited a man whose greatest passion in life was undoubtedly sport. 

Those who taught alongside him or sat in his classrooms reach instinctively for the same words when describing him: a true gentleman; kind, patient, and encouraging; a man who built confidence and self-belief in others. Known affectionately as "Big Al", or “Cool Al” becasue he never lost his temper, he was calm, dapper, and unfailingly courteous. He was a consummate communicator and a steady presence in a busy school. He believed deeply that people learn through their mistakes and was always ready with gentle guidance.

Yet it was perhaps through sport that Alan’s character shone most brightly. Cricket and football were not simply extracurricular activities to him; they were vehicles for teaching teamwork, resilience, and fairness. He coached with enthusiasm, often inspiring a passion for cricket and football in others. His love for cricket in particular extended well beyond the school gates. He was a member of the Shropshire Gentlemen’s Cricket team and founded the Martyrs cricket team, open to anyone with links to Oswestry School. The Martyrs played for many years, toured together, and became a lasting symbol of Alan’s belief that sport should unite people across generations.

At a time when girls were not able to play cricket at school, Alan ensured they were included by encouraging them to become scorers for the 1st XI, even travelling with the team to away matches. His interest in sport was never narrow or exclusive; he followed the achievements of Oswestry Boys’ High School football teams and took pride in local sporting success, including that of Andy Lloyd, the talented Oswestry cricketer who went on to represent England.

Alan’s kindness extended beyond pupils to colleagues and the wider school family. He took on the role of School Almoner, looking after elderly retired teachers, visiting them at home or in hospital, and making sure they were cared for and not forgotten. It was entirely typical of him: a role taken on quietly and without fuss.

For many former pupils, Alan was far more than a teacher. PS Jones recalls meeting him as a struggling 15-year-old and finding in him a source of encouragement, patience, and belief. Alan “must have seen something in me”, he says, because his support never wavered. Over the years, Alan became a mentor and a powerful influence on his life, later encouraging and supporting him when he returned to Oswestry School as a teacher himself. When PS become Master of Holbache House, Alan's support made a difference. 

PS said: “When I was a Housemaster at Holbache House, Alan came in once a week to spend time with the boys, and I believe it was to give myself and my wife some time off. He volunteered to do this and always said it gave him the opportunity to meet pupils who weren't in his class, he also joked that it was a chance to get his marking done!" 

Beyond Oswestry School, Alan was widely known and respected. He was instrumental in ensuring the school’s acceptance into the ISFA, arranging fixtures against schools such as Manchester Grammar School, Malvern and the like. He was known, liked and admired by the players and coaches from other schools too.  

Alan taught at Oswestry School for 35 years and remained in the town after his retirement. He rode a bicyle eveywhere, played for Oswestry Cricket Club, and contributed cricket match reports for the Oswestry Advertzer. Always the gentleman, he would meet colleagues for a halfpint in The Oak (never a pint) on a Sunday afternoon.

A year after his arrival, he was one of the fortunate few to attend the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley, witnessing England lift the trophy, an experience that no doubt delighted the lifelong sportsman in him. Yet his greatest legacy lies not in the matches he watched or coached, but in the lives he shaped.

“He was like a second father to me,” said PS. “He was Oswestry’s Mr Chips, and I feel very lucky to have had him in my life.”

That sentiment will be shared by countless others. Oswestry School, and all who knew him, are immeasurably richer for having had him among them.

Alan Stratford, with the 1st XI Cricket Team, 1967

Back from left: Nick Broadbent, Howard Edge, Dave Ward, Alan Stratford, Howard Jones, Salim Khan, J.C. Gamon (scorer);

Front from left: Peter Jones (PS), Alistair Wood, Les Ward, John Batchlor, Ian Wood, Tony Halstead.

1971 School 1st XI cricket team. Team (back from left) Richard Bowyer-Jones, G. Parker, Graham Arthan, Alan Stratford, Brian Whitticase, Hulton Hartshorn, D. Ward; (front from left) Clive Woodward, W. Lindsay-Smith, Nick Thomas, Salim Khan, Nick Evans, Bobby Clark.

Martyrs team taken in August 2007 in a match to celebrate 40 years of the team's existence. Team (back from left) Brett Hollywell, Steve Humphreys, Dave Vart, Tim Turner, Nick Williams, Andrew Leggatt; (front from left) John Batchlor, J.V. Light, Alan Stratford, Les Ward, John Furlonger.