This is a period of considerable change for the Benevolent Society of Blues. Least importantly, I have succeeded Guy Wilkes as Chair, after his term expired. Guy had a big impact as Chair. During his time, the back office systems for both applications and accounting were modernised, the group of Trustees were broadened geographically and in gender balance, and we moved to having a full time Secretary to provide support and advice to beneficiaries. The pandemic posed another big challenge, and Guy held the team together admirably through that. Guy’s final initiative led to the next major change to the BSB, so before I describe that, let me thank Guy very much indeed for his service and wish him all the best, at least until our term limit rules allow us to put him back in harness!
During the past year or so, we have been preparing the BSB for a legal transition to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation or CIO. This is the recommended structure for new charities being formed now, so the change puts our regulation by the Charity Commission on an up to date footing. Importantly, it means the charity’s assets are now held in its own name, rather than by holding trustees, making them safer than ever for our charitable work. It also means the theoretical liability of the trustees is now held by the charity itself: this will make it much easier to recruit trustees from the financial industry whose employers have previously restricted them. The transition took place on 1st July 2026, so welcome to the all new Benevolent Society of Blues CIO! Nothing changes in terms of our charitable mission, but those of you that are already good enough to support us financially will shortly hear from us asking you to change the bank to which you make your payments; those that don’t yet do so, perhaps now would be a good time to start!
As I start my term as Chair, let me also welcome two new officers to the team. Jennie Barwise, Hertford Old Blue and former member of staff at Horsham, has succeeded me as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Grants and Loans committee. Chris Laughton has succeeded Andrew Howgego as Treasurer. Many thanks to Andrew for bailing us out when the role of Treasurer fell unexpectedly vacant and his work over the last few years to keep us financially sound, in particular overseeing the transition to using an external independent financial advisor.
The mission of the BSB CIO remains the same as it has always been: to support Blues in need, hardship or distress. Our biggest challenge is reaching those that need our help. We fear there may be many who have fallen out of contact with the school and the Old Blue community, whose circumstances would make attending events connected with their old school the last thing on their mind, and who may have no idea of the existence of the Benevolent Society of Blues. We urge all Blues everywhere to actively seek out schoolmates who may have fallen on hard times, and encourage them to contact the BSB for help.
Finally, let me wish our indefatigable Secretary Julie Eren-Wilson a speedy recovery from surgery. We are monitoring the website and email accounts while she’s away so our work continues, but we look forward to her return and wish her all the best.
Martin Crick (LHB/LaA 1978-85)
Chair