Winchester College is indebted to an army of volunteers, donors and other friends who give us their time, experience, knowledge and generous financial support year after year.

Below are just a few snapshots of the ways in which our friends and volunteers have helped us this year. We are grateful for each and every one.

Your insights and experience

When Elizabeth Stone returned to Winchester in 2023, high on her list of priorities was meeting as many members of our community as she possibly could, and learning more about their experiences of the College that she loves. Many of you have generously hosted us in your homes or elsewhere, and all of you have helped us build a clearer picture of what Winchester is today, and where the future might lead. Thank you.

A global community

Our school and alumni community are residents of around 60 countries, making us a truly global community. In addition to our loyal friends at the American Friends of Winchester College and the Hong Kong Friends of Winchester College, this year we have been able to meet up in Thailand, India, Germany, Japan and Australia, to name but a few. The warmth of welcome has been tremendous.

Wykeham Patrons and the Goddard Legacy Society

Many of our most loyal and generous donors can be found amongst our Wykeham Patrons and members of the Goddard Legacy Society. Anyone who pledges to donate at least £25,000 over five years is invited to become a Wykeham Patron, and the Goddard Legacy Society exists for anyone who has pledged to make a gift to the school through their Will. Both groups are invited to special events in Winchester or elsewhere, and in the case of Patrons, these even involve overseas trips. There are currently 168 Wykeham Patron households and 237 members of the Goddard Legacy Society who provide the backbone to our entire fundraising programme and without whom Winchester College would be a very different place. Their support is absolutely invaluable. Thank you.

Events

Our busy events programme would simply not be possible without the support of yet more volunteers, most especially the Parents’ Events Committee and the many alumni whose energy and enthusiasm have led to informal reunions across the globe. Do let us know when you are planning a Wykehamical gathering. We would love to help you spread the word, and to see some photographs afterwards.

Thank you as well to the residents of the City of Winchester and beyond who have chosen to be connected to us by joining the Friends of Winchester College. It is a pleasure to have you with us.

Clubs and societies

Central to the Old Wykehamist experience are the many cultural, sporting and regional clubs and societies run by volunteer OWs of all ages. Visit our website to see the current list (wincollsoc.org/clubs). If your particular passion isn’t represented, and you would like to change that, do get in touch. We owe enormous thanks to everyone who gives up their time to run these groups for us.

Careers and Futures

Last but not least, thank you to every parent, past or present, and every OW who has given up their time to give a careers talk, help at our Futures Fair, speak to VIth Book about life beyond Winchester, or amended their online profile to offer careers or mentoring support (wincollsoc.org/careers). Support of this kind, across the generations, helps set us apart from many other schools, is greatly appreciated by current pupils and their parents and is even useful to past pupils as they embark on the early stages of their careers. We are hugely grateful.

Melanie Bushell
Director of Development, 
Director of Winchester College Society

Christopher Normand (F, 1976 - 81)
Director of Winchester College Society