John Roysse was, first and foremost, a senior Mercer – a centuries old Guild whose philanthropy continues today, supporting schools (including Abingdon) and other organisations. To his name, we have added WBro Sir James Cobban – the principle driving force of not only the Lodge, but much more significantly, for the Assisted Places Scheme (effectively Bursaries financed by government) that propelled the School both in terms of scale and in academic reputation, forming the firm foundation for the establishment into which it has developed and Bro John Foden and WBro Nigel Hammond, both prominent members of the Lodge, who were fierce advocates of the bursary system that continues to open the doors of the School to those who might otherwise be excluded. Indeed, WBro Nigel bequeathed his entire estate to help finance bursaries. These are worthy exemplars to emulate.

The Lodge met in a variety of rooms within the School from 1964 to 1983, when it moved to the Guildhall, In Abingdon town centre. There were a number of factors which influenced this move, and it was not until 2008 that the Lodge moved back to the School, where it has met and dined until recently.

As the School rebranded itself from “Roysse’s School” to “The Abingdon Foundation” over the years, so now the Lodge has widened its remit similarly. Where in the past the Lodge has made considerable contributions to the School, it will now endeavour to support education in all sectors throughout North Berkshire and South Oxon.

For further information, please email either wm7957@berkspgl.org.uk or the Secretary at s7957@berkspgl.org.uk or secretary@johnroysse7957.org.uk

John Roysse, by unknown artist, in the Amey Theatre.