On a sunny day in mid-May, members of the Bob Stanier Society gathered together in the Dining Hall to celebrate their connection to the school and to one another.

After guests had arrived, Master Helen Pike warmly welcomed everyone and thanked them for their membership of the Society. The Bob Stanier Society was formed in 2016 as a tribute to the influential former Master, Bob Stanier, who helped to form the ethos of the school today. Bob Stanier Society members are OWs, former staff and parents, all of whom have pledged a gift in their will to benefit MCS. Some have designated that donation towards bursaries and others to areas of special interest.

The Lunch began with champagne – what else to celebrate these generous legators? – before members delighted in a selection of archival films, courtesy of John Leighfield (OW 1957), President of the Bob Stanier Society. The films presented a glimpse of school life from the 1950s to the ’80s.

Guests also had the opportunity to see the newly hung portrait of former Master Tim Hands, painted by MCS art teacher Tom Hunter and gifted to the school by OW and Bob Stanier Member Ken Barnes (1952) and his wife Vera.

The school’s Archivist, Lindsay McCormack, exhibited pictures painted by Stanier and displayed them alongside the portrait of Bob himself, painted by former teacher and acclaimed artist Peter Greenham RA.

After lunch, guests were invited to watch the 1st XI play Abingdon School on School Field: albeit a short game as MCS won by eight wickets!

Next year, the Bob Stanier Society gathering will include the final rehearsal for the annual MCS concert in the Sheldonian Theatre on Thursday 26 March 2020. Please put the date in your diary.