As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what makes the Brutonian community so extraordinary. In true Brutonian spirit, we’ve arrived at December with energy and enthusiasm, ready to celebrate the connections that unite us across generations.

Our communication channels—email, WhatsApp, social media, and the web portal—are thriving, which is no small achievement given the legendary reputation of Old Brutonians for being elusive! Someone recently joked that getting an OB to reply to an email is like finding the last Purple Quality Street at Christmas—possible, but only if you’re quick and very lucky!

The mentoring scheme remains a cornerstone of our work, and while activity has been quiet, we are committed to supporting Brutonians as they prepare for life beyond King’s. The OBA Magazine, thanks to Chris Biddle, was warmly received, and we look forward to even more stories—especially from our female community—in the next issue.

Events have been a real highlight this year. Attendance at the Wessex Lunch doubled, and the London Lunch is set to welcome nearly 100 guests, including reunion groups from 1995 and 2000. Old Brutonians are travelling from as far afield as New Zealand, California, Germany, Bangladesh, and Egypt. This commitment to staying connected is inspiring and reminds us what makes this community so special.

Our charitable work continues to make a meaningful difference. We currently fund bursaries at King’s and aim to add more in the coming year. We’ve also supported the school with new theatre AV equipment and are exploring future projects to ensure our contributions have lasting impact. A special highlight is a generous legacy gift from Lionel Allerton Hemsley to the Old Brutonian Association Charitable Trust, which will establish the Eddington House Memorial Scholarship—a wonderful tribute to his enduring connection with King’s and a vital step in supporting students facing financial challenges.

Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to build on this momentum with more opportunities for OBs to reconnect—through regional lunches, dedicated reunion events, and enhanced digital engagement. We’ll continue to grow the mentoring scheme, making it easier for current students and recent leavers to access career advice and support from our wide OB network. For those preparing to leave King’s, remember: the OBA is your lifelong community. Stay connected, share your stories, and help us keep the Brutonian spirit thriving.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our committee and the support of the wider OB community. Thank you for your time, energy, and generosity. As we look ahead to 2026, let’s continue to strengthen these bonds and celebrate what unites us.

On behalf of the OBA, I wish you all a joyful Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a prosperous New Year. May your inbox be full of festive cheer—and, if my Christmas wish is granted, my inbox full of news from Old Brutonians!

Floreat Brutonia!