Foundation Office

Foundation Office & Lancing Society

Dear OLs, colleagues and members of the Lancing community,

The first week of the Advent Term began with the sad news of the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I was one of the few girls who were at Lancing in May 1978 who had the privilege of meeting King Charles III, formerly known as The Prince of Wales. He attended the service to commemorate the dedication of the west end of the Chapel, and he also came to open Manor, the first girls’ House. It was certainly a memorable day for me, as a 17 year old.

In April this year, when he was unable to attend the completion of the Chapel, King Charles III wrote to the College and said: ‘The memory of my visit to Lancing on 13 May 1978, to witness the consecration of the wonderful Rose Window, is still with me after all these years. How could anyone forget the splendour of such a magnificent building? I need hardly say that I only wish I could be with you in person to celebrate today’s historic occasion.’

Lancing has had a number of royal encounters over the years and we have decided to continue the royal theme in the following pages with OLs reflecting on their careers in the service of the Royal family.

The College was well represented at Sir Christopher Meyer’s memorial service in November. The congregation of politicians, journalists, diplomats, OL contemporaries (including the President of Ghana), close friends and family from all over the world came together to honour Christopher as one of the most outstanding diplomats of his generation. The tributes came from a distinguished group of friends and colleagues: Adam Boulton (Political Editor of Sky News, 1989–2014), Charles Anson CVO (former Press Secretary to Her Late Majesty the Queen), David Westin (former President of ABC News) and Sue Lawley OBE who first met Christopher when interviewing him for Desert Island Discs. Baroness Meyer said afterwards that ‘Christopher would have been incredibly moved to see his school friend – and now President of Ghana – celebrating his life with us.’ See page 66 for Charles Anson’s tribute.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Quad and that you get a feel of what makes the College such a vibrant place today. There is a real buzz from such communal energy and your involvement plays a great part in this and is so important to us. And now, as tradition decrees, the wonderfully evocative Carol Services are upon us which means that the Lancing festive season has truly begun.

My warmest Christmas wishes to you all and your families,

CATHERINE REEVE Foundation Director

These photos show the President of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (Field’s 1957–1961), enjoying a private gathering with some of his Lancing contemporaries in November. It was a remarkable evening filled with laughter, reminiscence and reflection as a number of them had not seen each other for 60 years!