10th Anniversary of the Bob Stanier Legacy Society

Sicut Lilium

Like the lily

Our latin motto, still at the heart of our daily philosophy, carries a deep and spiritual meaning. It is an encouragement to flourish and to focus on what matters in life.

On Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome Old Waynfletes, parents, Governors and Friends of the school who plan to leave a legacy to MCS, for a special event marking the 10^th anniversary of the Bob Stanier Legacy Society.

The Bob Stanier Legacy Society was founded in 2016, as a tribute to the influential former Master, Bob Stanier, who helped to form the ethos of the school today. Society members are OWs, staff, parents and Friends of MCS, all of whom have pledged a gift in their will to benefit the school.

To mark the society’s 10^th anniversary, we were pleased to have Alex and Robert Stanier, grandsons of Bob Stanier, in attendance at this special event. Guests were treated to a bespoke Archive display and presentation from the school Archivist Isobel Cree, followed by mini lessons taught by MCS teachers! Invited back into the classroom, guests could attend three lessons in the following subjects:

History: Mr Rob Hemingway, ably assisted by Matthew (Third Form), presented a highly engaging History lesson referencing Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – one of the archive treasures on display. Guests had questions to answer and if in doubt Matthew would help them out.
Maths: Mrs Claire Lewis organised an exciting lesson about communication in mathematics, equipping guests with mini whiteboards to solve problems.
English: Miss Jemima Coleman led an energetic and lively session on creative writing. She explained some fun ways to kick start the creative process and then challenged the guests to write a very short story with the final line ‘… and then the firebell went off’.

With guests aged 31-89, for many it was their first time back in the classroom in decades – an experience that was both daunting and full of laughter. Yet some things never change: the sound of the school bell, the energy of a busy class and the simple thrill of learning something new.

After their lessons, guests enjoyed a lunch in the Riverside Pavilion at St Hilda’s College alongside music performances (organised by Mr Jon Cullen) from the Third Form and Lower Fourth Form String Quartet, and Sixth Form Close Harmony group. The Master and John Leighfield CBE (OW 1957), President of the Bob Stanier Legacy Society, gave their hearty thanks to our legators, acknowledging the tremendous growth of the society over the past ten years.

A legacy can be one of the most meaningful gifts we make, and we are grateful to all those who choose to support future generations at MCS this way. Through the Bob Stanier Society, we have the opportunity to thank legators for their intention, and celebrate what makes the school so special.

To find out more about the legacy society, please visit this page or contact Alexis Thompson, Head of Philanthropy in the Waynflete Office at [email protected].