Celebrating a 25-year history of generosity

Every student who passes through the Bluestone benefits from the generosity of those who have gone before them. The Witherby Tower Society, which honours those who choose to remember the School in their Will, is a tangible representation of this generosity. 2020 marks 25 years since the Society began its work. Since then, the impact of those who have provided bequests has been felt through scholarships, improvements to our buildings and grounds, and many other vital projects.

Incoming Witherby Tower Society Committee Chair, Jim Cousins AO (OM 1961), has a first-hand understanding of why this kind of support matters. “When I first started at Grimwade House as a boarder it was a very difficult time for me at home,” he says. “The Boarding House became my second home. In my later years at the School, when it looked like I might have to leave due to financial difficulties, I was offered a scholarship that allowed me to stay.”

Jim sees the role of Committee Chair as one of moving the Witherby Tower Society forward, adding that he has always felt “indebted” for the education that enabled his later achievements. “I thought the best thing for me to do would be to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy the advantages that I gained,” Jim says. “The support we can provide gives opportunities not only to people who wouldn’t usually be able to afford to come to the School, but also to those who already attend but find themselves in circumstances where they need support to remain with us.”

While the students and projects supported through the Society have been many and varied, the central mission to develop and sustain the School has not changed. Bruce Parncutt AO (OM 1968), who was Chair of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation when the Witherby Tower Society was established, says this sense of constancy is important.

“For members of the Melbourne Grammar community, the School is an enduring and trusted institution. It has a history of over 160 years, so people who are members of the Society know their gift will support the institution for centuries to come.” Bruce says. “Our members are people who have a great sense of belonging to, and appreciation for, the School.”

A member of the Society himself, Bruce worked alongside others such as Founding Patrons Don Cordner (OM 1939), Free Strickland AM OBE KStJ (OM 1937), and Nigel Peck AM (OM 1945) and John Clark AM (OM 1951), to create what was a unique organisation for its time—perhaps the first of its kind in Australia.

“Establishing the Witherby Tower Society was a recognition that people who have a passion for a particular institution are part of a family,” says Bruce. “We all like to belong. To be part of the Society is to be an ongoing part of the School family and School life into the future.”

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Recognising Andrew Guy

As we celebrate 25 years since the founding of the Witherby Tower Society, we also express our gratitude and appreciation for outgoing Committee Chair, Andrew Guy (OM 1965).

Having held the role of Chair since 2011, Andrew’s service has contributed to the lives of many, from talented students whose attendance is only possible through a scholarship, to those who gain an exemplary education through outstanding buildings and grounds.

“I’d like to acknowledge Andrew’s fine leadership and strong involvement over the past nine years,” says incoming Chair Jim Cousins AO (OM 1961). “Andrew has done an outstanding job. His work will benefit the lives of past and present students for many years to come.”