President’s Message

Introducing Our New President of the Whitgiftian Association

“It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I take up the role of President of the Whitgiftian Association for 2025. To be invited to serve an organisation so rich in history, camaraderie, and purpose is a tremendous honour. I follow in the footsteps of many outstanding individuals who have led the Association with wisdom, energy, and devotion to the Whitgift community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my predecessors for their stewardship and their continuing support as we look to the future.

My relationship with the Old Whitgiftian Association has been shaped over many years of service, across a wide range of roles where I’ve been fortunate to have encountered many of my predecessors. Having started playing rugby for the OWRFC Juniors in 1982, I was coached by the wonderful Gerry Bowthorpe (2001), and when my playing days were over, I joined the committee and was OWRFC President from 2001-15. Martin Turner (1967) was a constant source of advice, frequently providing it even before being asked! In 2013, I rejoined the Whitgiftian Benevolent Society for a second stint as a Trustee and remain so today. The WBS continues to perform magnificent work, with complete discretion, for members of the Whitgift Family in need. I would urge you to make contact if you know of a case where we can assist. The experience of listening to Jim Collis (1982) asking questions which cut through the froth to reach a decision was only bettered by hearing updates from John Straw (2007) where he personally fought the banks on behalf of cases to expunge debts. My worry is that there are many OWs who are unaware that the Society is there to help those in need.

I currently serve as Secretary of the Whitgiftian Association Trust and sit with Pip Burley (2011); Stuart Woodrow (2013); Lord Tope (2016) and Dr Richard Bateman (2017). WAT launched a bursary appeal which raised sufficient funds to enable a boy to attend Whitgift on a 100% bursary. Whitgift For All, led by Lord Freud (2018), has continued this work. WAT continues to support the Old Whitgiftian sports clubs and the maintenance of our cherished clubhouse at Croham Manor Road.

David Stranack (2014) asked me to succeed him as OWA Chairman, and I spent a couple of years with the invaluable support from Stuart Woodrow at the coal face of the Clubhouse. My greatest debt of thanks is to Derek Tullett CBE (1999) whose friendship and mentoring, especially during my first directorship, gave me more than I ever realised at the time and is a constant reminder to me of how OWs can support each other.

Looking ahead, I am excited to work ever more closely with the School’s Development Office, whose efforts to engage alumni and support the next generation of Whitgiftians align so closely with our own. I also welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the John Whitgift Foundation, whose charitable work and stewardship of the School reflect the enduring legacy of our founder. So much of Whitgift’s charitable aims of care and education are already undertaken in the Junior sections at the Clubhouse and I’d encourage you to visit and support these sections as they serve the community.

The Whitgiftian Association stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. As President, my goal is to celebrate our history while helping to build a connected, dynamic community that reflects the diversity, energy, and potential of all Old Whitgiftians—young and old, near and far. I’m confident that your committee has the talent and drive to make this happen.

I look forward to serving you in the year ahead.”

Warm regards,

Nick Somers (1984-89)
President, Whitgiftian Association