The Chronicle, Spring 2019

23 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Richard Hayes What do you do at Teddies and how long have you been here? I’m the Estates Bursar. I’m responsible for the Maintenance, Logistics, Grounds, Health and Safety, and Security Departments. I also oversee capital projects such as the current Quad Development and the construction of Cooper Lodge. I started here at St Edward’s late in 1999 as a rosy-cheeked construction manager from Wiltshire! What did you do before Teddies? I’ve been involved in the construction industry all my life. After a spell as a bricklayer (extremely hard work but very well paid), I became a construction manager and found myself in charge of construction sites all across the south west. This is where I learnt the complex art of managing projects, people and budgets. Alongside my main career, I joined the Royal Navy Reserves and trained as a mine warfare specialist. I undertook short tours on many famous ships including HMS Invincible and HMS Brave, and managed to visit most of the foreign ports in the western world along with one or two in the Far East as well. This culminated in me being sent out to the South China Sea to help oversee the handing back of Hong Kong. My best memory of that trip was being lucky enough to attend a BBQ on a beach on We’ve just started building Cooper Lodge on Field Side, our 13th House and first co-ed one. It will open in 2020 at the same time as the Quad Development (see opposite). Of which new development (so far) are you most proud? The Life Science Building. Its subtle modern architecture and internal functionality have been a success since the doors were first opened. How does the school community cope with building work? The pupils and staff are amazingly tolerant and helpful considering the constant bombardment of activity. I am sure they can all see the benefits and are looking forward to the results as much as I am. Best advice you’ve ever been given? You may end up in life doing something that you didn’t set out to do, so embrace change. What do you in your spare time? I’m a regular long-distance motorcycle tourer, keen sea kayaker, father of two, grandfather of four – and a lover of the Isle of Tiree which I visit regularly. Tioman Island, which was tropical paradise. How is the Quad Development going? It’s fantastic to see the structures emerging now – the first floor of the Study Centre is in place and the oval shape of the Hall is rising up out of the ground. I’m already thinking about helping to prepare the School for the move into the new building. These are exciting times. What’s the next big project?