2008/09 Chairman's Report

Dear Worthians

When I introduced the 07/08 issue of The Blue Paper, I commented on the widespread problems facing many as a result of the global economic turmoil.  In the subsequent year, amidst what has been a very difficult period for so many, there has been a succession of significant events centred on Worth which have provided both a welcome distraction from the economic problems and a cause for immense celebration. 

The celebrations marking Worth 75 started last September 2008 with solemn vespers held in the Abbey Church, 75 years to the day when monks from Downside sung vespers at Worth for the first time.  Many wonderful events have followed including, for the first time in history, an entire Benedictine school gathered for Mass in Westminster Cathedral with the monks, teachers (past and present), Worthians and others from the Worth community to celebrate St Benedict's Day.  Our Society contributed to the celebrations in May with a ‘Picnic Pops' concert on the sunken lawn, and we are organising a reunion lunch for the founder members of the school to mark fifty years of the senior school this coming September 2009.

Throughout the year the Committee has worked hard to increase the Society's charitable work by arranging opportunities for business, social and spiritual purposes for our members, as well as support for the school.  On the charitable side, we were able to provide more financial support than ever to Worth students and Worthians undertaking voluntary work, we helped students and recent leavers find work experience with a number of Worthians and continued our support for careers' education at the school.

I am delighted to report that the school continues to thrive, despite these challenging times, under the superb direction of Gino Carminati, assisted by the deputy headmaster, Dr James Whitehead.  The entry of girls to the school this academic year has been a wholehearted success, and it is pleasing to see that the girls chose Jessica Coffin, the daughter of Worthian Christopher Coffin (G'73), as the first head of the girls' house, St. Mary's.  The Monastery continues to be an immense centre of influence and was featured recently on the BBC news channel for its initiative in offering short stays to those wishing to experience monastic life - ‘a try-before-you-buy' concept as described by one individual.  Monks also maintained their link with Worthians overseas during the year with Abbot Christopher and Fr Charles meeting Worthians when they visited Hong Kong and Australia.

One of the principal objects of our Charitable Trust is to further Catholic education and the Committee has for some time considered how we might help those less fortunate than ourselves to benefit from an education at Worth.  I am delighted to say that for the first time the Society will be supporting the school in providing a scholarship for a student entering Year 12 (the 6th form) this September.  Our funds do not enable us to offer a full scholarship at present, but our partnership with the school ensures that a student whose parents do not have the means to provide such an education, will be offered the experiences and opportunities shared by us all.

In the last year we very sadly heard of the loss of three Worthians, Justin Gorman (G'78) who died in 2006, Angus Husband (R'68) and Johnny Hoyle (C'65).  From the teaching staff, Ambrose Bristow and Anne Powys-Lybbe who each made significant contributions to the lives of so many of us, also died during the year.  Please remember each of them in your prayers.

One of the most rewarding aspects for those of us who serve the Society through the Committee, is seeing the desire of so many Worthians to maintain contact and to re-connect with others from Worth.  Our Secretary, Olivia Henley, was able to provide much help in that respect over the last year by assisting with the organisation of 10-, 20- and 30-year anniversary reunions, as well as other social gatherings.  There has also been considerable enthusiasm from our members in providing news and stories for The Blue Paper, which once again offers an insight into the extraordinary lives and experiences of a number of our members, as well as the wonderful contribution so many Worthians make towards improving the lives of others.

As ever, there has been a great deal of work behind the scenes of the Society, with much time devoted by Committee members to developing the benefits for our members, as well as our charitable work.  On behalf of you all I would like to thank each Committee member for his continued support and hard work over the last year.  We are particularly grateful to Fr Kevin and Fr Luke who contribute very significantly to the Committee, and very special thanks are due to our most superb Secretary, Olivia, whose hard work, efficiency and helpfulness is an inspiration to us all.  The bulk of the work in producing this issue of The Blue Paper is due to Olivia, most ably assisted by the first class design and production team at Green Lizard - Michael and Simon Gabriel - and I hope you enjoy what follows.

With best wishes to you all.

Nicholas Butterworth (G'76) - June 2009