Old Wellingtonian Society

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Old Wellingtonian Society

The OW Society exists to create a supportive and lifelong relationship between OWs of all generations and the Wellington Family. Semper Domus Floreat!

Welcome to the OW Society - What you make of the Society is up to you, but our main aim of communication works only if we know where you are. If you are a Life Member, the Wellington Year Book is your due for the rest of your life, for that is part of what your subscription covers. Please keep us up-to-date with your address in the years ahead, on Facebook, or by letter, telephone or email to the

OW Office at College, [email protected]

There is also the this Website, www.owsociety.com, which includes details of forthcoming events, sports fixtures, results and match reports, updated news and photos from events involving OWs wherever they happen to be. Your involvement in the OW Society matters to us and we welcome ideas for the future success of the Society, especially in this rapidly changing world. Please let us know how we might serve you better.

22/06/2026

A much-loved Wellington tradition, the Boughey Run challenges pupils to race from Front Quad to Swan Lake and back before the College clock strikes twelve. 🏃‍♂️⏰

Named after John Boughey (Bd 61), one of Wellington’s very first pupils, the run honours a remarkable figure in the College’s history. Boughey was the first Head of College, the first Queen’s Medallist, and later rose to the rank of Major General.

The earliest reference to the Boughey Run appears in College records in 2009, though the tradition is thought to have begun sometime between 2007 and 2009.

Pictured here is John Boughey, seated, in 1859 wearing Wellington College's original uniform.

20/06/2026

From selling clothes on Depop during lockdown to teaching herself to sew through YouTube tutorials, OW India Wheeler (A 18) has turned a lifelong ambition into her own fashion brand, India Grace London.

In our latest OW Spotlight, India reflects on leaving a job that wasn't allowing her to grow, taking the risk of building her first collection and launching her brand just five months ago. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Don't wait until you feel ready, because you never will. At some point you just have to start.”

She also shares how Wellington helped shape her resilience, and the teacher who predicted she'd one day run a big business.

Read the full interview here: https://www.wellycom.net/ow-spotlights/ow-spotlight-india-wheeler-a-18/

17/06/2026

HELP US FIND OUR LOST BUST!

All Wellingtonians will be familiar with the bronze busts of the Duke of Wellington's generals, arranged in niches around the main College buildings. Originally there were 34 of these, but at some point, probably in or around the 1990s, one went missing. We have heard rumours that this may be linked to an episode of pupil high-jinks, and that the missing bust may be resting in Swan Lake!

If you know anything about the truth or otherwise of this rumour, and particularly if you can point us to which part of the Lake should be searched, we would be most grateful - we extend an amnesty, absolving you of any blame, in exchange for useful information!

Please email [email protected] if you have any information about our lost bust.

13/06/2026

What a fantastic evening celebrating 40 years since the Class of 1986 left Wellington!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Bonds, Mayfair last Friday to reconnect, reminisce, and share memories from your time at College. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces together again, catching up and celebrating this special milestone.

Thank you to all who travelled from near and far to be part of the evening, and to those who helped spread the word!

12/06/2026

Fast, competitive and packed with House spirit, the Potter Pavilion Dash has been a Summer Term favourite since 2005 🏃

Originally known as the Pink Pavilion Dash, the race sees Houses battle it out over a speedy lap of Turf, with Junior and Senior Boys’ and Girls’ titles up for grabs. Even during lockdown in 2020, the tradition continued, with pupils completing a virtual 1km Dash from home.

Renamed in 2023 following the dedication of the Potter Pavilion (in honour of the Potter family’s longstanding contribution to College life), the event remains a celebration of speed, determination and friendly House rivalry.

06/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday evening for our Wildlife Tour of the Wellington College estate. 🌿

Led by our Grounds and Gardens Manager, Mark Dodd, the tour offered a fascinating insight into the management of our 440-acre campus, including wildlife conservation, landscaping, and the protection of our nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

One parent shared, "I've been part of the Wellington community for many years and I am extremely glad I finally made it - I wish I'd done the tour sooner!"

Thank you to Mark for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm, and to everyone who joined us to explore the remarkable biodiversity on our doorstep.

05/06/2026

🎓✨ Calling all young OWs - fancy a trip back to Wellington this summer?

Join us for a relaxed evening as part of Lower Sixth Get Ahead Week and share your experiences with current students as they begin exploring life beyond Wellington. Whether you're at university, about to graduate, or have taken a different path, your insights and advice could make a real difference.

Expect great conversations, street food, drinks on Turf, and the chance to catch up with old friends and familiar faces from staff.

📅 Wednesday 17 June
⏰ 6.00–8.30pm
📍 Wellington College

Already signed up? We’re looking forward to seeing you.

Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time – DM us for the link to register!

29/05/2026

From extraordinary endurance challenges to life-changing charitable work and inspiring new initiatives, there’s plenty happening across the OW community.

Recent stories on OW News include Angus Neale (Bn 18) completing the Marathon des Sables in memory of his friend Haydn Robarts (Bn 18), Adam Wilkie (Bn 11) taking on his moving “In My Father’s Lane” swimming challenge, and OWs Neil Polley (Pn 75) and Christopher Hill (Pn 75) delivering vital medical supplies to Ukraine.

You can also read about Jonathan White (Pn 78) receiving an OBE for river conservation, the launch of the new 17 for 17 sustainability podcast series, and the latest events, reunions and achievements from across the Wellington community.

Click catch up on the latest OW news and stories: https://www.wellycom.net/news/

26/05/2026

From conservation medicine in the Congo rainforest to science diplomacy and AI, from entrepreneurship and wildlife filmmaking to careers in politics, the OW Spotlights celebrate the incredible variety of paths Wellingtonians go on to take.

Read about OWs including Greta Keenan (Ap 11), working at the intersection of science, technology and global policy, Dr Greg Dickens (S 04), inventor and former veterinary surgeon, Richard Wollocombe (C 86), wildlife cinematographer, and Freddie Coughlin (T 22), reflecting on his experiences in politics, international relations and student life at St Andrews.

The Spotlights are full of advice, career journeys, memories of Wellington and reflections on life beyond Welly, making them a fascinating read for pupils, parents and OWs alike.

Explore the OW Spotlights and discover more stories from across the Wellington community here: https://www.wellycom.net/old-wellingtonian-society/ow-spotlights/

19/05/2026

Adam Wilkie (Bn 11) has taken on an extraordinary challenge inspired by the legacy of his father, Olympic champion David Wilkie MBE.

In 1976, David Wilkie made history by winning Olympic gold in the 200m breaststroke in a world record time of 2:15.11. Now, 50 years later, Adam is attempting to match that time in a deeply personal journey shaped by determination.

Having stepped away from his career to train full-time, Adam’s challenge, “In My Father’s Lane – Chasing 2:15”, is raising funds for SportsAid, the charity that supported his father as its very first award recipient in 1976.

Click to find out more and support Adam: https://www.wellycom.net/2026/04/21/adam-wilkie-bn-11-in-my-fathers-lane/

Address

The Old Wellingtonian Society, Wellington College
Crowthorne
RG457

Website

https://www.wellycom.net/old-wellingtonian-society/, https://www.wellycom.net/

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