Minutes of the Granthamians' Meeting 02 March 2026

Present

Tom Webster, Simon Pickett, Nigel Barton, Paul O'Reilly, Andrew Roberts, Grace Bufton, Nathan Whales*, Mike Whittington*, Andrew Jones*

*via Teams

Apologies were accepted from:

Michael Barney, Rich Bijster, Gavin Purvis, Robert Sheardown, Ben Whinney

Minutes from the Last Meeting and Actions Arising

No comments were raised on the previous minutes so they are considered accepted by the Committee.

• Action 2.3: TW to issue final version of Comms strategic goals framework to the Committee – Ongoing.
• Action 3.1: RB to contact SP and establish the state of finances for the night – Completed.
• Action 3.2: RB to provide Comms team with info and pictures etc. for some post-dinner publicity – Replaced by Action 4.2 – see minutes.
• Action 3.3: BW to meet with Josh to discuss how donated funds would be split and also on the future long-term direction of the event – Completed – see minutes.
• Action 3.4: PO to organise and present a refined fundraising strategy for committee review – Replaced by Action 4.3 – see minutes.
• Action 3.5: GP to develop a scope of work for the sub-committee, this will be established and circulated to the committee for review – Ongoing.
• Action SGM1: AR to issue a WhatsApp message to those Committee members not present at the meeting for any comments, agreement or objections on the two proposals – Completed.
• Action SGM2: MB to arrange a discussion with SP to summarise the opinions of the Committee on both issues and to finalise a suitable Alumni badge design – Ongoing – see minutes.
• Action SGM3: Following discussions with SP, MB to lead further progress on the rebranding initiative as discussed – Ongoing.

Report of the Chairperson

TW reported that RB was currently unable to contribute to the Alumni following a recent health issue. The Committee wished RB a speedy recovery and return to the group. The rugby match is organised, however effort will be needed for the cricket match and, importantly, the annual dinner. SP stated that, in view of RB’s absence, the School would step in for this year and support arranging the event if required. This offer was gratefully accepted by the Committee. For the cricket, TW will ask RS to help out and get the event organised.

Report of the Treasurer

AJ presented the financial position of the Alumni, included as Attachment 1. The annual dinner made a surplus of £2,586. Ticket income was £2,167 with donations amounting to £2,651. The cost of the bar (£350) was discussed and it was agreed that this ought to be free, bearing in mind the bar retains all sales profits. This will be reviewed for this year’s dinner.

The three awards were those issued on Speech Night.

Report from Sub-Committee Leads

Events Co-ordinator – RB

BW and TW had met with Josh to discuss the future of the H-S Cup. Josh was supportive of the eventual aim of making the H-S Cup more of a general memorial match for pupils or alumni. The name would stay. Any changes would be very gradual over a long period of time. On the subject of where raised funds will go, it was clarified that all revenue/donations were passed on to charities. If it wasn’t for the Alumni’s and School’s contributions and support, the event would end up at a loss. Ongoing support is essential for the event to be able to continue.

There is another meeting planned with Josh where the issues of the Alumni’s involvement can be clarified further and how the event can be developed into the future.

The Committee agreed that it is a popular event with plenty wishing to play in it. Better recognition of the amounts collected and paid to charities as well as the contributions made by the School and Alumni is needed to ensure full transparency of the finances of the match. In the future, one aim would be to continue donating to charity but to retain a percentage for other causes the Alumni can assist with. Other charities collect via buckets at the match. If the Alumni/School agree that all donations will go to specific causes, then there will need to be discussions with those collecting charities to see if they are still interested in participating in match day. Wording on the tickets relating to supported causes will be reviewed as soon as possible to ensure it reflects our intent. SP agreed to formulate appropriate wording for the tickets in conjunction with BW.

NW noted that the variety of means by which information is issued, e.g. Instagram and Facebook, requires an agreed approach by School and Alumni covering all options for issuing information.

SP reported that there hadn’t been much information from the Alumni about the upcoming match, and hence only 5 tickets had been sold at this time (the match is on 4 April). TW would talk to BW about getting the publicity issued as soon as possible.

Action 4.1: TW to ask BW to arrange rugby publicity asap.

All is set up and ready for the match; the main organisation being done by the School at BW’s request. It was agreed that mention of where revenue/donations go should be part of the welcoming speech by BW at the match.

SP noted that the School had not received any pictures from the dinner for publication. TW said he would speak with MB to arrange issue.

Action 4.2: TW to request issue of dinner photos from MB for publication.

The dinner is currently planned for 12 December; it is not yet being advertised on a live basis as the School is awaiting a draft press release from the Alumni. TW will arrange a handover meeting with RB, GB and RS such that planning for the dinner can proceed.

Action 4.3: TW to arrange handover meeting for dinner with RB, GB & RS.

Communications and Communities Co-ordinator – MB

SP stated that he had noted the minutes from the Special General Meeting. A straw poll within the school had not shown much enthusiasm for the proposed name change, and that schools where this style of name was used tended to have the school location in the name, e.g. Old Etonians. However, in the absence of any other proposal, SP accepted that it was for the Alumni to name themselves.

TW reiterated that one of the main drivers for the name change was that ‘Alumni’ didn’t really represent the current style, intent and objectives of our forward planning and that some change was needed moving forward. The absence of ‘King’s’ in the name wasn’t seen as an issue as Old Granthamians was so inherently associated with King’s Grantham. The term has been in use generally over the years.

SP stated that branding was very important within the school. MB had discussed this previously with SP and was due to discuss it again, however this has not yet happened. This is needed before the name/logo change is ratified.

Student data collection was discussed. The School collects, maintains and stores data correctly. The Alumni considered that being able to access student/Alumni data for its own purposes (e.g. rugby match info) was necessary to give the Alumni a form of independence from the School. While the system worked at present, a more robust arrangement may be needed for the longer-term future should relationships change. TW noted that some discussion between School and Alumni would be necessary to agree on access to data. SP agreed to access, noting the important milestones coming up in the next year.

PO noted that the collection and storage of data, currently done by the School, falls under GDPR controls. The use of that data could still be available to the Alumni, while still being managed by the School. Some information sent out each year would be co-branded, TW added, with select information being solely from the Alumni. With the investment in data management ongoing, SP saw no issue with a common database being used for School, School/Alumni or Alumni mailings. BW had been looking at a variety of options for messaging and so a discussion with GB would be beneficial. Good metrics can be obtained from analysis of who is reading messages.

NW noted that the variety of means by which information is issued, e.g. Instagram and Facebook, requires an agreed approach by School and Alumni covering all options for issuing information. TW stated that means of getting joint School/Alumni information issued in a cohesive way was part of the Comms Group under MB.

Fundraising and Development Co-ordinator – PO

PO summarised the outcome of the last sub-team meeting but stated that more clarity was needed on how the fundraising strategy should be presented. The possible use of funds had been discussed (e.g. CIF, awards) as the Committee considered it was necessary to establish where spending would take place before starting a fundraising campaign. It was easy to be over-ambitious in fundraising aims. PO has prepared a draft strategy for use of funds which can be finalised and circulated to the Committee.

SP noted how PTFA funds were spent in the school, generally on immediate usage causes (clubs, etc.) which was reported in the newsletter on a regular basis. Two big events are approaching for the school with a number of large projects planned (e.g. gardens, archive) and there may be an option for a joint PTFA/Alumni funding opportunity.

TW said that the principal aim of fundraising and use of funds was to unlock potential, and this should be the basis upon which our strategy is developed. Once an intent on spending funds was established, then we can turn our attention to how these funds are raised. Additional help from Alumni members may be available to assist in this area. The strategy should be finalised as soon as possible as this subject is interlinked with the other three groups and a common approach going forward is necessary.

Action 4.4: PO to issue copy of draft strategy and follow up with TW on way forward.

GB is available to work with the Alumni to ensure that fundraising is coordinated between both organisations. GB reported that work is ongoing to put together a strategy for communication and fundraising, including establishing how other Alumni achieve their fundraising. SP noted that there is potential to increase fundraising, especially through the PTFA.

It was agreed that a clear fundraising strategy was needed, in conjunction with the School, along with plans – again coordinated with the School – on how funds will be distributed. This will allow a clear message to be given to all sources of funds. The Alumni needs to have a degree of independence; however, both the Alumni and School depend upon each other to some extent.

The concept of regular direct debit/subscription opportunities was discussed and will be considered in the fundraising strategy.

Careers and Mentoring Co-ordinator – GP

GP was unable to be present at the meeting, although he had provided the following update:

“I have exchanged email with Grace and Suzanne regarding the futures fair and work placements which I am trying to help with. I have sourced a solicitor’s firm who are happy to attend the fair to discuss degree apprenticeships.”

TW was concerned that GP may need additional Committee help to progress his initiatives. SP reported that NW had been working closely with GP and that many opportunities in this area for mentoring were out there.

NB asked whether there was a means to harvest names of Alumni who could be helpful in this area. SP said that many ex-pupils had been tracked down although may not wish to join the Alumni. The archives will help identify potential names. A top 100 ex-pupils list would be useful though this would need to be a joint School/Alumni task.

Action 4.5: NB, SP and TW to meet and discuss methods of collecting data from various sources as a basis for identifying ex-students who can assist both the School and Alumni.

Items and Reports for Discussion and Action

No further items were discussed.

Any Other Business

SP reported that current tie stocks comprised 5 ties and 45 bow ties. 350 ties were ordered and have now arrived. The invoice will be sent to AJ. The School is expanding its branded merchandise and the range will be launched shortly.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Alumni meeting will be on 8 June 2026 at 7.00pm in the library and online. The agenda with online joining instructions will be issued no less than 7 days prior to the date of the meeting. Interim meetings for various sub-committees prior to the next scheduled meeting will probably be individually organised.

Actions Arising

• Action 2.3: TW to issue final version of Comms strategic goals framework to the Committee.
• Action 3.4: PO to organise and present a refined fundraising strategy for committee review.
• Action 3.5: GP to develop a scope of work for the sub-committee, this will be established and circulated to the committee for review.
• Action SGM2: MB to arrange a discussion with SP to summarise the opinions of the Committee on both issues and to finalise a suitable Alumni badge design.
• Action SGM3: Following discussions with SP, MB to lead further progress on the rebranding initiative as discussed.
• Action 4.1: TW to ask BW to arrange rugby publicity asap.
• Action 4.2: TW to request issue of dinner photos from MB for publication.
• Action 4.3: TW to arrange handover meeting for dinner with RB, GB & RS.
• Action 4.4: PO to issue copy of draft strategy and follow up with TW on way forward.
• Action 4.5: NB, SP and TW to meet and discuss methods of collecting data from various sources as a basis for identifying ex-students who can assist both the School and Alumni.

Financial Position of Alumni as at 2 March 2026

Bank Balances

• Investment Account: £870.30
• HSBC/PayPal current account: £13,562.14
• Newcastle Building Society: £1,102.00
• Total: £15,534.44

Payments Since the Last Meeting

• Jakub Mijal – Achievement Award: £100.00
• Alexandros Patrinos – Initiative Award: £100.00
• James Gleed – Head Boys Award: £100.00

Annual Dinner

• Dinner proceeds via King’s School account: £4,828.49
• Cash received on night: £85.00
• Total income: £4,913.49

Dinner Expenses

• Laura Bijster – Meal costs (65 x £25): £1,625.00
• Richard Bijster – Prizes for Heads/Tails game: £100.00
• Wages costs: £251.99
• Bar costs: £350.00
• Total expenses: £2,326.99

Total surplus: £2,586.50