Worth Society - Widening our Horizons

It is now almost eight years since the Worthians took on the responsibility of running Worth Old Boys’ Society from the School. As a charitable trust we have strived to find new ways to benefit our membership, pupils at the school, as well the wider community. Through improved communications such as The Blue Paper and our website, the very successful annual careers fairs and the Global Action Awards, we have established a relevant and active charity for the future.

However, in response to feedback we have received from you, our members and supporters, it is clear that there is a growing appetite for our organisation to be used not only as a link with the School and for our charitable activities, but also as a means of networking both socially and for business purposes. There is also an increasing demand for us to improve and extend the range of merchandise for sale.

As these activities fall outside the charitable objects of the Worth Old Boys Society, we have therefore established a not for profit limited company, which has in effect, taken over the day-to-day running of the Society. This company has been established and is known as the Worth Society. The fact that reference to ‘old boys’ does not appear in the new title is not unrelated to the fact that in a couple of years from now we will be welcoming our first influx of ‘old girls’ into the Society!

Profits made by the company will be ploughed back into the charitable trust which, for now, will continue to be known as Worth Old Boys’ Society. The trust will continue to operate through its trustees and will continue to make charitable grants such as the Global Action Awards and, as its funds grow, to make a real difference to past, current and future pupils, to Worth and to a wider community.

From 1st September 2008 all costs of running what Worthians have formerly known affectionately as WOBS, will be met by Worth Society and membership subscriptions will be paid to Worth Society. Separate charitable donations to Worth Old Boys’ Society (the charitable trust) will continue to be gratefully received.

As with all limited companies, the directors will hold annual general meetings which we hope will attract a larger number of you to become involved in the running of the Society – even if just by attending that meeting and sharing your views with us.

We therefore look forward to welcoming you to our first AGM which will take place on Monday 28th September 2009.

Simon McMenemy (R’89)
Director, Worth Society
Chairman of Trustees, Worth Old Boys’ Society