Foundation Day

Foundation Day, our annual big thank you to all of our benefactors and legancy club, the Devonshire Society, was, as ever, a very enjoyable event. It is always our pleasure to welcome this ever-growing group of College benefactors.

The day began with the thanksgiving service in Chapel with the College Choir in fine form. College Chaplain the Revd Daniel Merceron outlined the history of the Chapel, celebrating its 150th birthday, remarking on some of the stained-glass windows, mentioning past chaplains and talking of how the Chapel remains a place of quiet reflection for the whole College community. This was followed by a Champagne reception in the Christopher Kirk-Greene function rooms situated next to the dining hall, all in the (David) Winn building, and entertainment provided by some of the College’s top musicians before lunch when Headmaster Tom Lawson, a new member of the Devonshire Society, briefly spoke.

After lunch, there was an opportunity to hear from OE Josh Curryer (Reeves 2014-2016) who spoke about his tough start in life, being fosterered and who had great ambitions to attend Eastbourne College. Thanks to the busary awarded to Josh, he was able to reach his goal, joining Eastbourne College in the sixth form.

His heartwarming story was received with great applause and not a dry eye in the house, and there was then an opportunity for everyone to have a preview of the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal video which was later released on Speech Day (29 June) when all current College pupils, parents and teaching staff were in the Congress Theatre for prizegiving.

The Devonshire Society is a very special and cherished group of College supporters, and we encourage all those who want to see the school go from strength to strength (especially in this current political climate) seriously to consider joining. More details about legancy giving and the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal can be found on our website.