The Record 2014 - 2015

GAUDY, 4TH JULY 2015

Address by Mike Stanfield, Chairman of Governors

Welcome to Gaudy in the School’s 152nd year. It’s good to see so many of you here. Earlier in the year, my close friend and colleague on the Governing Body, Derek Roe, died after a short illness. He was Professor of Palaeolithic Archaeology at Oxford University, and became a Governor in 1970. He brought his sharp intellect, deep insight and knowledge to discussions on a very wide range of topics and is greatly missed. In Derek’s memory, we have decided to award two prizes, both for independence of approach, scholarship, imagination and creativity. I’m at a bit of a disadvantage this morning as every time I’ve had to speak at Gaudy before I would email what I was planning to say to Derek and he’d polish it up for me; sadly today I have had to try to do my own polishing. Peter Oppenheimer, another long-standing Governor, retires today. He has been described by some as one of the cleverest men in England and joined the Board in 1979. He has helped the School in many ways including chairing our Education Committee and seeing us through the decision to start the International Baccalaureate programme. He was a Fellow at Christ Church and formed another link for us with that Oxford institution that dates back to our foundation. Two people have joined the Board this year. Both have strong Teddies’ connections. Georgie Dennis was a pupil here before obtaining degrees at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute, followed by a continuing career in the arts. Incidentally, she is the first female

President of the OSE Society. Caroline Baggs is known to many in the St Edward’s community. She was a Housemaster’s wife in both Corfe and Kendall, and stood in as HM for a term at Avenue. Her three children were educated at the School. In her professional life, she has gained wide experience and knowledge in the field of child protection. The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, the Dean of Christ Church, has also agreed to become a Governor. We are pleased that he is joining us for many reasons but not least because it maintains the long association the School has had with that institution. I am delighted to welcome Malcolm Oxley, who is giving away the prizes today. Malcolm taught here for many years and was our first Sub-Warden. He is author of the recently published new history of the School. The Warden will tell you more about this, but suffice it to say it is a fascinating and beautifully written account of the School’s origins and development, and reminds me that many things change with the passage of time - and many things stay the same. The following exchange in 1990 between then Warden, David Christie, and Geography teacher and rugby legend, Joe McPartlin, indicates this truism: Warden: Have you prepared your Geography lessons for tomorrow yet? Joe: Warden, I prepared them in 1963. Warden: Don’t you think after 27 years you should bring them up to date? Joe: Not really, Warden, the Alps haven’t moved very far since then.

4