David Oldham (1932-1988)
David Oldham died suddenly at his home near Bruton on the 25 August. He was 55. The news of his premature and unexpected death came as a profound shock to his friends, colleagues, and Shirburnians of all ages, many of whom attended his funeral in the School Chapel on the first of September. This was a poignant and moving occasion for the first day of a new school year.
David came to Sherborne in 1956 from St John’s College, Cambridge, with a double first in History. He had a particular interest in the history of this century and soon established himself in a flourishing Department. He was a teacher who inspired boys with his own enthusiasm and dep understanding of the subject, and he travelled widely to further his own knowledge. He married in 1957 and, with Jenny, his wife, settled to the life of schoolmaster and family man. His unique contribution to the School included running the History Department, serving in the CCF, starting the United Services Society and supervising School rugger teams; in addition he was a House Tutor. His career as a Housemaster commenced in 1965 when he moved into Elmdene – now Wallace House, but at that time the waiting House for School House. In 1974 he moved to The Green where his flair as a Housemaster prospered for ten more years: he was a natural encourager of boys and developed a House spirit second to none.
However, no outline of David Oldham’s long service to the School can adequately tell the story of the man, whose warm personality and characteristically courteous manner endeared him to all. He was always ready to pay a compliment and was unfailingly generous of himself and his time: he had a unique way with children and a lively sense of humour, accompanied by an infectious laugh. He was indeed a most refreshing colleague, a loyal and wise friend and a splendid schoolmaster.
David retired from the School in 1986 in order to pursues professionally his expertise and interest in antiques, clocks, firearms and silver, and he accepted a post with Lawrence of Crewkerne; over the years his friends had often benefitted from his gratuitous advice, and the interest of several boys had been awakened. However, it is as a loyal Shirburnian, whose devoted service to the School was so outstanding, that he will be best remembered. All who knew him find it hard to realise that he is no longer amongst them. He is greatly missed.
William A. Cooper.
Old Shirburnian Society Annual Record, March 1989.
Tribute by M.J. Cleaver on David Oldham’s retirement, The Shirburnian, Michaelmas 1986
David Oldham arrived in Sherborne in 1956 fresh from St John’s College, Cambridge. July 10, 1986 saw the very last History lesson taught by ‘Doggie’ in Room 21. Generations of boys had been sitting there, soaking up knowledge about the French Revolution and Hitler’s Nazi Germany. But what happened between those dates?
Sherborne gained an avid enthusiast in many fields – History, Antiques and Rugby Football – and also a man who cared deeply about the individual boy. This led, in 1965 to David Oldham becoming Housemaster of Elmdene, now Wallace, then a waiting House for new boys, mainly for School House but also for the other Houses as well. Then years were spent there and then a move to The Green followed in 1975. The Green flourished under David Oldham; it was filled with individuals of intellectual brilliance, sporting excellence and musical talent, but all individuals. The loyalty of the members of The Green to their House is, to me, the lasting memory of David Oldham. In 1984 David Oldham left The Green and moved to the seclusion of Cole, near Bruton. The full timetable and the consultancy at Lawrence (Antiques) both followed and then the final History lesson. A teaching career at Sherborne was over – a very special man had retired.
David will always be seen on the touch line of the Upper or a first XV ground elsewhere, giving his support, advice and criticism. We all have to remember that he selects the side!
We will see you regularly; we will miss you; but we know that you will not forget your years at Sherborne, where you have left such a mark.
David Oldham (1932-1988)
Born 18 September 1932.
St John’s College, Cambridge.
Assistant master, Sherborne School, 1956-1986.
Housemaster of Elmdene 1965-1975.
Housemaster of The Green 1975-1984.
Died 24 August 1988.