St Edward's Chronicle Summer 2018

17 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Mike Stanfield By Chris Jones OSE, Chair of Governors Mike Stanfield was Chair of the Governing Body at Teddies for ten years, but he has been a central figure (behind the scenes, as befits a Governor) for a lot longer than that. As Chair of the Finance Committee he worked tirelessly to keep the School on a firm financial footing. Our recent successful bond issue (to finance the Quad Development) would not have been possible without the financial track record which Mike did so much to create. He is a successful businessman who recognises that schools are not businesses, but that they can only succeed in the things that matter if they are run in a business-like way.  In everything he does Mike is a living embodiment of the values which the School cherishes and seeks to promote in its pupils. He is a great example of the leader as servant. He works hard and expects others to do the same. He listens more than he talks. He loves to learn. As befits the captain of Teddies’ first ever unbeaten rugby XV, he passionately believes in the power of teamwork. He is devoted to his family. He is utterly loyal, a steadfast supporter of his countless friends. He is immensely kind, considerate and generous. And he never puts himself first.  Of all the many developments which Mike has helped to make happen at Teddies, I suspect that the one closest to his heart is The North Wall. He is a robust guardian of the mission and values which The North Wall stands for: the promotion of creativity in all its manifestations and our commitment to reach out to communities way beyond the walls of the School. With Mike as Chair of The North Wall Trust, this mission could not be in better hands.

Under Officer Mike Stanfield behind the Inspecting Officer, Air Commodore James Leathart OSE DSO CB MiD, at the CCF Inspection in 1960.

as a lost soul, I left as a confident young man with drive, ambition and ideas. I remember that I also staged the first House play in Segar’s: Journey’s End by Robert Sherriff … and I was involved in the stage management of school productions. There were, as there are today, countless opportunities to try out new things. What did you do after school? After university at Trinity College Dublin I worked for a short time in publishing and then started my own marketing consultancy. One day a colleague showed me a small,

colourful animal you could make by slotting together pieces of cardboard. I thought it was neat. I took the decision, as a young man, to launch my own business manufacturing what we called Slotties. I know that I would never have had the confidence to do so without the experience I had at Teddies; I have a great deal to thank the School for. The Slotties were terrifically successful. Then, out of the blue, I received a phone call. ‘Have you heard of The Magic Roundabout ?’ Of course I had. The man on the other end of the line was from BBC Enterprises; he had seen

Mike Stanfield and Chris Jones

School Prefects in 1960 with Mike Stanfield far left, front row.