Amongst the multiple achievements of a very full life, Marlborough benefited from 16 years of Hayden’s contribution to Council (1996-2013). For the last 7 years of that time, he was Chairman. Hayden was delighted to be the first Chairman who was not actually an Old Marlburian. He expressed further joy that Tom (PR 2001-06), his youngest son, and Rosie (PR 2021-23), his granddaughter, joined Preshute in these years. For most of this time the Phillips family lived in Mildenhall which made close involvement strong,
Hayden’s partial executive skills made him ideal to be Chairman at a time of strong forward momentum for Marlborough. His frequent appearances in College and ability to captivate all those involved across the entire Common Room and Bursarial staff, exuded an easy charm. He had a ready ability to communicate and grasp the integral needs of the multiple day to day facets of the complex structure of a powerful co-educational boarding environment. An artful Chairman of meetings of full Council, Hayden could steer a vast agenda in crisp yet equally unhurried time.
Over three different Masters’ time the programme delivered was considerable. Hayden joined Council during Edward Gould’s Mastership. In 2006 he became Chairman during Nick Sampson’s time as Master. Finally, in 2011 he led the process which saw me into the role. He retired in June 2013. These seventeen years were a period of imaginative development of the College.
Key achievements included the establishment of Marlborough College Malaysia, and navigating the complexities of acquiring the Ivy Hotel which was opened as the College’s much needed expansion for girls in September 2012. It was also the time for development of links with Swindon Academy, of much significant Academic curriculum reform and improvements in teaching practice. Arguably, closest to his heart, was the expanded arts programme. This mirrored his very public involvement in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and as Chairman of the National Theatre.
Hayden’s ebullient presence lit up a room. He was a popular platform performer on Prize Day. Then, his copious anecdotes were used to bring humorous effect to the set piece occasion, spicing up the atmosphere of the occasion. He and Laura, a most encouraging figure alongside him at such events, delighted in the work put into the Master’s Lodge in 2012. Hayden took a profound interest in delivering the project to encourage wider community engagement.
Hayden stayed in close touch for the rest of his life. It was good to see Marlborough well represented at his funeral in Salisbury Cathedral. Hayden was a strong support and his sense of fun and happy engagement with all whom he encountered, made him a most engaging, committed individual. This all made a profound difference to the College whose purpose and development he valued and whose environs he enriched.
Jonathan Leigh (Master 2012-18)
