From the Chair T
his year has seen the very welcome return of in-person events to the Marlburian Club calendar. Club Day took place at the College in October 2021 alongside the Festival of Sport. The Marlburian Choir resumed its usual form at the Carol Service, raising the rafters at Chelsea Old Church. The Triennial Dinner at the Honourable Artillery Club in March was a huge success, being well attended by a number of younger Marlburians. Meanwhile, at the sustainable finance event, many Marlburians commented on how friendly, sociable and informative the event was and the John Dancy Memorial Service was a wonderful celebration of his life and association with Marlborough. Going forward, we will continue to hold the Festival of Sport each year, while Club Day will take place at the College once every three years. The Club AGM will then be held online every second and third year and will be followed by a presentation from the winner of the Old Marlburian of the Year Award. When held at the College, Club Day will become a grander affair with more social and networking opportunities. This will enable Marlburians to enjoy one large social event each year by rotating an in-person Club Day with Summer Drinks and the Triennial Dinner. On the sporting front, it was great to see so much sporting activity again, reports of which can be found later in the magazine. The Committee and Development Office have also been busy finding out what Marlburians want from your Club, engaging a market research agency to conduct both surveys and interviews with Marlburians internationally. Your feedback indicated that the Marlburian Club Magazine was the most valued asset across all age groups over 30. Interest in year group reunions was highest across all ages. Social events and talks were the other two of the three top events you showed greatest interest in. The 18-29 age group were most interested in attending events, with a stronger preference for professional groups and networking opportunities, boding well for the Club’s future. We also gained invaluable insights into what different cohorts of Marlburians want from the Club. You told us that you want more diversity and inclusion, sustainability, charitable events, informal TEDx-style events, skills-building events, talks on topics of interest, activity-based events, and mentoring and internship opportunities.
‘Don’t forget, we’re part of a family! So, let’s all pull together, for together we are all stronger.’ We will also use your feedback to ensure that we deliver events and resources that are relevant and that we communicate with you clearly about those that are meaningful to you. I’d like to thank the President, the President Elect, the Committee, the Professional and Sporting Group Heads and the Club and Development Office for all their hard work over a busy year. If you would like to support any of the above initiatives, please contact kgoodwin@marlboroughcollege.org
In the words of one Marlburian interviewed, ‘Don’t forget, we’re part of a family!’ So, let’s all pull together, for together we are all stronger.
Karen Hill (B2/MM 1988-90) Club Chairman The Marlburian Club Magazine
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