Winchester Heritage Open Days:
‘Last year Suzanne Foster, who runs the archives,
ran fantastic tours; there were guided tours of
War Cloister and the history of the College at
War, which were very moving; there were guided
tours of the Science Collection; and guided tours
of the Fellows Library,’ says Nicky. In 2018 Tim
Hands also gave a talk on Shakespeare’s First
Folio which is in the College’s possession and
was brought out on display. ‘The other thing that
happened that year was a visit by the broadcaster
Jennie Murray, who was interviewed by Catherine
Ogle, the Dean of Winchester, in New Hall. In
2019 the focus was on Keats and his riverside walk.
They have now started to think about using their
convening power to bring great speakers, which
I think we can do much more. It’s exciting.’
I mention too that there must be ways for
boys to engage and provide help — even if it’s
just social media activity. Or perhaps Tim Hands
could convene multi-agencies from across
Winchester at the College each year as an
Advisory Group on the Heritage Open Days.
She smiles, and makes a mental note. Sorry Tim!
n ick y got tli e b
Nicky is supported by a second volunteer,
Becky Brown, who initially offered help
with social media and has now become a key
person on the team. ‘She was a breath of fresh
air. She got our Winchester Heritage Open
Days website going, she knows about good
governance, her background is fantastic,
and she is the person who has put weight
behind getting us better funded as well.’
The plans for 2020 are more ambitious still.
Between Nicky and Becky, they commit around
100 hours a week towards this amazing volunteer-
led initiative. In September 2020 the school will
be putting on an exciting programme of new
specialist tours and talks from a range of experts,
which prove particularly popular. In addition to
their coordinator roles this year, Nicky and Becky
will focus on researching future funding options
to develop a more sustainable, long-term future
for the programme in the city. There is no question
of the appetite for access to the city’s rich heritage
and, working with all the partners involved,
the school is helping to drive these discussions.
Last year’s brochure had so many fun things
to see and do. I particularly loved the title ‘Poetry,
Pies and People Power — What’s Not To
Celebrate!’. This year’s theme is ‘Hidden Nature’.
Let’s hope they don’t rediscover Gunners Hole!
The Wykeham Journal 2019 21