Stained glass window among tributes to head teacher

A stained glass window has been installed at a school in memory of a head teacher who died last year.

The Ellesmere College Parents Society raised £1,600 to pay for an artist to create it as a tribute to Brendan Wignall.

The group's co-chair, Helena Hepburn, said the idea came to them because they knew both Mr Wignall and his daughter "enjoyed creating beautiful stained glass art".

It has been installed in a corridor which leads to the head teacher's office and she said: "Brendan would walk there every morning and evening. It's a busy thoroughfare for staff and the children so is the perfect place for a tribute."

Brendan Wignall ran the independent school for 27 years and died from cancer at the age of 63 in January 2024.

The window is the final panel in a set of three, all created by artist Stephanie Brown.

It features a soaring raven and the panels reflect the story of St Oswald, who has a chapel and a boarding house at the school named after him.

Ms Hepburn said: "Everyone in the Parents' Society was keen to honour Brendan's memory with something that would be meaningful."

Mr Wignall is also remembered at the school by a portrait, an oak tree and a cup for 'Excellence in Original Thinking'.

Brendan's wife, Anne, said: "Those who knew Brendan and his curious mind won't be surprised that we have chosen to reward students for original thinking and I'm certain that Brendan would approve."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.