A WOMAN who spent her entire teaching career at a Witney school has died, aged 87.

Tributes have been paid to Isabelle Spencer, former deputy headteacher at the Henry Box School, who died in the early hours of Thursday, September 8, at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after a short illness.

Miss Spencer took a post at Witney Grammar School in 1946 and remained at the school as it became Henry Box School until her retirement from state education.

She was also well-known in the world of amateur dramatics and was a founder member of the Witney Dramatic Society, which was launched in 1948.

Fellow thespian Terry Powell, who had known Miss Spencer for more than 50 years, said: “Former students will remember her major contributions to school productions, many of which she produced and directed, lovingly creating costumes and scenery out of any material to hand.”

Miss Spencer, who had lived in the town since taking up the school post in the 1940s, was involved in every aspect of the productions, writing, producing, directing, making costumes and painting scenery.

The last production she was involved in was Aladdin in 1979, the last show by the society in the Langdale Hall before it returned to the Corn Exchange after it had been refurbished.

She retired from teaching soon after that. She also wrote and directed three charity shows for the Jill Stew School of Dance.

During her time at Witney Grammar School she saw many changes, starting out as an art teacher and moving over to the English department.

The school was initially a grammar school but Miss Spencer saw it through the change to comprehensive education in 1968, when it took on the name it is now known by.

After retirement, Miss Spencer, who was a keen calligrapher, began creating her own hand-lettered calendars which at one point were sold all around the world.

She was a founder member of the Oxford Scribes, and organised exhibitions and courses with the group.

Mr Powell said: “Isabelle will be fondly remembered for the creation of her much acclaimed calendars, intelligent wit, creativity, affection, three cats and the many contributions to local activities and events including the University of the Third Age.”