With colleagues, Bruce Aitken, Functions Manager (left)
and Sue Brown, Warden’s Housekeeper (right)
Colin used to work as night security at the school,
and would unlock the College at 6am every
morning. In this role he was afforded the luxury
of enjoying Winchester’s ancient beauty at dawn.
Before Chapel’s clocks were automated, his
role also required him to kick-start the clock
mechanics. He loves Chantry, Winchester’s
precious architectural treasure.
Winchester College has been central to the Nutbeam
family. Colin and Viv have raised three children
whilst working for the school, and all of them have
been married in Chapel. Their first grand-daughter
was christened at the font. The family atmosphere
and kindness shared with them by others working
at the school has been a constant pleasure during
their time at Winchester. ‘People care at Winchester’,
remarks Colin as he refers to the great number of
humble and considerate students and teachers that
he has known. In particular, he fondly cites the
ever-cheery Dr Julian Havil. Viv remembers
Sir Jeremy and Lady Morse gifting her a gold
brooch to thank her for her tremendous work.
When a long-serving teacher leaves Winchester,
the College is sure to make its appreciation known.
The veteran teacher can expect gratitude from students
and teachers alike. Colin and Viv’s retirements were
treated the same way. Colin’s final day of work at
the College finished with a champagne reception
and applause in the Dons’ Common Room. Colin,
In the Works Department
most bizarrely, found himself being driven down
Kingsgate Street on a Christmas sledge listening
to Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’.
Though they are ending their full-time careers at
Winchester, they will continue to be members of
the community that they cherish from their new
home in Culver Road. Colin will still be found at
the Wykeham Arms, where he will s tart working
as their handyman and continue drinking Seafarers
in his seat. Viv will still be seen smiling as she walks
down College Street, but at least she won’t have
to worry about providing sustenance for the boys
and fine dining for the guests.
Mick Neville, Ted Youles, Dave Hayden and Colin in the early 1970s.
The Wykeham Journal 2017 41