Marriott mavericks

100 Up!

Late last month I returned to?Canford School?to join his my fellow?alumni?to celebrate the school’s?Centenary?at?the‘Proms In The Park Garden Party’,?held on Mountjoy –?affectionally known as?‘Munje’.

Canford School, is an esteemed co-educational boarding school situated in the picturesque Dorset countryside, spanning across a vast 300 acres of breathtaking landscapes alongside the tranquil River Stour. Amidst this remarkable setting, a journey of a lifetime unfolded as I walked back through the entrance arch?and started to remember those in my year and the?‘Maverick spirit’?we created as leavers in the?Summer of ’86. Those cherished memories, lifelong friendships and eagerness to have?‘a crack at life’?were created under?Martin Marriott, headmaster at the time.

Mix it up!

During my transformative years at Canford, I learned many invaluable life lessons that extended far beyond the classrooms. At 14 while?still just a?‘grov’?at the end of year house party,?I discovered the delicate truth that strawberries and a bottle of,?‘smuggled in’, neat gin simply don't mix!?After spending a night in the sanatorium to recover, I was then confronted with my first major decision. Standing next to my Mother, feeling rather dishevelled, my Housemaster –?Peter Cadogan?– asked whether I would like to be?Head of Common Room.?“Yes he would”, my Mother said assuredly. I never looked back!

Embrace Each Day!

From that day on I dedicated himself wholeheartedly to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Embracing the opportunity to have fun and engage in sports activities every day.?I undoubtedly unlocked my full potential both on and off the field. My unwavering commitment earned me places in the Hockey 1st XI, Tennis 1st VI, and Golf VI teams, as well as Head of Beaufort House and Deputy Head of School in my final year.

Cherished Traditions...

Those five extraordinary years at Canford School were nothing short of exceptional, where hard work and play coexisted harmoniously.?In our penultimate Summer Term, many of us were involved in the?Summer Play?–?Measure For Measure by William Shakespeare.?After the final performance,?a cherished tradition unfolded –?celebrations at ‘The Bridge’.?This disused bridge, spanning the River Stour just outside the school, became the setting where we would revel in the joys of?camaraderie?and?revelry. However, fate took an unexpected turn when a fellow Prefect was sent on a somber mission to deliver grave news to one of our friends. Unfortunately, this led to the?exposure of the gathering, resulting in the entire group being?‘rusticated’—sent home until the end of term, with the potential of missing Speech Day!?As?20+ of us?stood in Martin Marriott’s study, I’ll never forget those immortal words he uttered,?“there can be no safety in numbers... you’re all being sent home!”

Strike While The Iron Is Hot!

In that pivotal moment, my entrepreneurial spirit and innate branding acumen ignited. Determined to commemorate this?landmark moment?in our school careers, I visualised, designed, printed, and distributed the?‘Bridge Club?Tie’?to my?fellow conspirators. Testament to the?‘Maverick Spirit’?that permeated throughout our year, embracing our unique identity amidst all those challenges that school life threw at us!?We –?‘The Mavericks of '86’?may not have been universally admired during our time at Canford School, but I’m sure our?indomitable spirit?left an?indelible mark.

Blazing Trails Ever Since

Since our departure,?‘The Mavericks of '86’?have continued to?blaze trails, with the?impact reverberating?far beyond the confines of Canford. From the?founding minds?of?that remarkable year?emerged and continues to do so, an impressive roster of successful companies, including:?ASOS,?Gumtree,?The Hendy Group, and?Hilliers Garden Centres,?among many others. These achievements speak volumes about the resilience, determination, and?entrepreneurial spirit?fostered at Canford.

Explore, Express and Excel...

As Canford School's current Headmaster,?Ben Vessey, aptly remarked in the Salisbury Cathedral Centenary Foundation Service Programme,?"We are delighted with the many wonderful achievements of our pupils who aim high and fulfill their potential, with impressive individual and collective outcomes on so many levels and across a range of contexts.?The vision of Canfordians, both present and past, to?explore,?express, and?excel, continues to drive them towards greatness, propelling them into a future filled with?boundless possibilities.”

Embrace Your Maverick Spirit!

To?all Canfordians?and indeed?readers of my blogs,?especially the esteemed?‘Marriott Mavericks of '86’, please continue your?remarkable lives?and?stay connected.?Embrace your Maverick spirit, celebrate your?shared heritage, and let the legacy of?your education?shine brightly through your achievements.?

Catch up soon!

Best regards

Nick?

Founder & Brandologist

Moo Design & Brandboxes

T: 01926 770042

M: 07976 362347