TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected former Newquay secondary school head teacher and community stalwart.

Robin ‘Rob’ Spowart passed away on April 9 aged 78.

The larger-than-life character dedicated his energy, humour and generosity to helping others throughout his life.

Mr Spowart grew up in Newquay in the 1950s and it was sporting activities, rather than academic life that shaped his early years.

He was a proud member of Newquay Hornets RFC and was a part of the winning Cornwall Schools seven-a-side rugby team.

Mr Spowart’s impact reached far and wide through his work in education after training to be a teacher in London.

His career began in Kent as head of biology at a boys’ school in 1970 before becoming head of science at the new Penair School in Truro in 1978.

Mr Spowart was appointed headteacher of the Isles of Scilly School in 1984 where he lived with his family for six years.

He later became headteacher at Cape Cornwall School in 1990, before moving to become the head teacher of Treviglas Community College in 1996.

During his time at Treviglas, the school expanded its sixth form provision and introduced initiatives including a surf academy and a technicians academy. The school later achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted.

He also played a wider role in education, becoming chairman of the Cornwall Association of Secondary Headteachers in 1998 and representing colleagues at regional level. He was also involved in establishing Victim Support Cornwall.

Alongside his work in education, Mr Spowart was active in community organisations, including Rotary, where he was a member of the Rotary Club of St Columb and later served as president.

Music formed a significant part of his life. He joined Newquay Male Voice Choir in 1997, following in the footsteps of his father, and later served as chairman.

His love of choir singing also saw him perform for Chacewater Male Voice Choir, Force 8, Mousehole MVC and Trelawny.

Mr Spowart was a founder member of the choir’s a cappella group Oll an Gwella in 2009, which went on to raise more than £100,000 for local causes, including support for Cornwall Blood Bikes.

He was also a life member of the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs and a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow. One of Rob’s proudest moments in recent years was being made a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, taking the name Dover Dragon, Tamer of Dragons.

Mr Spowart also helped establish Newquay’s St Piran’s Festival from an idea he put forward just over 10 years ago. The event has grown into a week-long celebration of Cornish culture involving local groups and schools.

His friend and fellow performer Jim Christophers said: “So, farewell to a proud and passionate Cornishman. In many ways Rob was larger than life and he certainly enjoyed life. He led from the front and inspired others in doing so.”

A celebration of life service will be held at St Michael's Church on Tuesday, April 28 at 11am.