Twelve months ago I was one of a growing number
of Wykeham Patrons, enjoying the Pendlebury
trip to Crete, along with convivial dinners in College
Hall, and with no School responsibilities at all.
Now I find myself the newest Fellow, Chairman of
the Development Committee, and, most recently,
Chairman of the Campaign Committee.
Winchester Wardens move fast.
A Report from the
Chairman of
the Development
Committee
Nicholas Ferguson (C, 1961-66)
52 The Wykeham Journal 2014
Having had previous experience as Chairman of
the Institute of Philanthropy and Chairman of the
Courtauld, I took a passing interest in Winchester’s
fundraising efforts back in 2008 but wasn’t totally
convinced that they knew what they were doing.
Move rapidly to 2014, and I’m delighted to report
Winchester now has a strong Development team and
a fundraising programme that has revolutionised the
way we engage with donors, alumni, parents and
Friends. We have a strategy that includes an annual
fund appeal for items that enhance School life;
a telephone campaign; and appeals that are targeted
at people who have a specific interest, such as sport,
heritage, collections and even fishing. Our overriding
aim, however, will always be to support bursary
provision by increasing the endowment or by
relieving the School’s bursary budget on an annual
basis with restricted gifts. The wonderful result is that
this academic year there are over 100 boys benefiting
from bursaries. Here I must make mention of bursary
funds which have been set up by individuals who
care passionately about the Bursary programme.
Their enlightened and imaginative approach has
meant that we have a fund for boys from Northern
Ireland, a fund for budding golfers, and donors who
relieve the School’s budget by contributing towards,
amongst others, an incredibly talented musician
from Hong Kong. The list goes on.
The wonderful result
is that this academic
year there are over
100 boys benefiting
from bursaries.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the hard
work and commitment of the Hong Kong Friends
and the American Friends of Winchester College.
They are increasing awareness and broadening
relations \