Unveiling the Michael Button Room

At our last 1847 Legacy Society Lunch in September, Jan Keeling (Weirfield School & Babbingly, 1967-1975) and David Jenkins (Wills West, 1946-1958) officially opened ‘The Michael Button Room’ in recognition of Michael’s (Wills East, 1949-1956) lifetime service to the School and the Old Tauntonian Association.

During the unveiling of the room, which unfortunately Michael was unable to attend since he was in hospital at the time, Henry Keeling, Chairman of Governors (School House, 1963-1974), commented that “like a stick of rock, if you were to cut him in half it would read Taunton School the whole way through”.  

Michael had sent a speech for the unveiling, which was read by David Jenkins, in which he said how he was “deeply honoured and grateful to those who made this possible”. 

In celebration of all that Michael has done for Taunton School, we record here a few of the many facets of his career, his contribution to the School and the support he has given to the OTA. 

Michael had a notable career. As a former Chief Executive in the textile industry, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world, he is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA) and a former member of the Institute of Marketing.  

In retirement, Michael has not slowed down and is currently co-owner of two restaurants in London and at one time also in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Alongside this, since joining in 1977, he plays an active role in Freemasonry and additionally, in 2010, he was admitted (by redemption) as a Freeman of the City of London.  

Since leaving the School in 1956, Michael has taken on several roles within the OTA including; Secretary of the Midlands Branch (1957-1964), Chairman of the Midlands Branch (1965-1967), Association Secretary (1969-1978), Chairman and Co-Founder of the 200 Club (1972), Trustee (1976-2011), President (1977-1978), Treasurer (1978-1983) and Vice President (from 1988). Michael was also the lead fundraiser for the new Chapel Organ campaign in 2006 and helped raise over £91,000.  

In School his roles have included Governor (1997-2012), Chairman of the 1847 Legacy Society (2016-2023) and, since 2012, an Honorary Life Vice President. 

Whilst a Governor at Taunton, Michael led, as Chairman, the Marketing Panel as well as serving on the Finance and General Purposes Committee, Appeals, Foundation and Nomination Committees. He was a member of the Executive of Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools and of the Independent Schools Council Child Health and Well Being Committee, which led to him being invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2004.

We remain deeply grateful for all the Michael has done and continues to do for Taunton School. The staff and pupils are honoured to have a room named after him.