Anthony (Tony) Wingate Spreckley (57–64) died on 26 April 2026, aged 77, following a period of ill health. He was a much‑valued Old Pocklingtonian whose loyalty to Pocklington School, its people and its history remained strong long after his own schooldays.

Tony was a boarder at Pocklington School from 1957 to 1964, joining in Lyndhurst and leaving at the end of the Upper Sixth. During his time at Pocklington he was a member of the Choir, Drama Society and Literary Society. He took part in Drama Society productions between 1961 and 1963 and served as Secretary of several societies including the Literary and History Societies and the Student Christian Movement. He held roles including Sacrist, Sunday School Teacher and Sub‑Editor of The Pocklingtonian. He also served as a Lance Corporal in the CCF.

After leaving Pocklington, Tony spent a gap year-and-a-bit teaching before proceeding to King’s College, Cambridge to read English. A lifelong bachelor, he devoted his professional life to education, first as a teacher of English and later as a librarian and careers adviser, bringing to each role quiet diligence, curiosity and generosity of spirit.

Although characteristically modest about it, Tony’s service to the Old Pocklingtonian community was substantial. Alongside the late Pavlik Thompson (56-64), he produced over 100 issues of the Alternative Old Pocklingtonian (AOP) bulletin, reconnecting many contemporaries and creating a platform for them to share their personal stories and memories of School. For some years during his retirement, he hosted regular AOP reunions, with many gatherings owing much to his gentle persuasion and ability to bring people together.

Tony was equally committed to preserving the School’s history, devoting countless hours to archival research and the careful identification and annotation of photographs and documents. His knowledge and meticulous care greatly enriched the School Archive and deepened understanding of the School’s heritage amongst OPs and the wider school community.

Tony is remembered with affection for his kindness, modesty and dry humour, and for his unfailing efforts to quietly support and connect many within the OP community. He will be greatly missed.