Spread the WBS spirit

The thoughts of new alumni team member Matt Quinn

As a past Windsor Boys’ School pupil, I remember the cold break times spent standing in the quad, or the look of disappointment you’d get from the teacher on duty when you walk through the gate 10 minutes late for the fifth day in a row. Getting shouted at for spending free periods sitting in the sixth form corridor eating instead of revising, as it was often the case to do everything possible to avoid work, is also a vivid memory. But no matter how drizzly the day, early the mornings or unproductive the day, I am still sad that those days are behind me. All that is left are the memories and the painful agreement that my parent’s constant claim that “school days are the best days of your life” was correct all along.

Now, as a recent graduate of university looking for a lifelong career, I feel even further from those glorious care-free days. However, I have been given the incredible opportunity to reclaim some of that former glory by becoming social media manager for the recently formed Windsor Boys’ School Alumni. For those who don’t know much about the alumni, don’t fear. It was created a matter of months ago and is still evolving into what will hopefully one day rival that of our rivals Eton College. They have had a few hundred years head-start on us but not to worry, we will show them how it should be done. We want to become the official link for ex pupils, teachers and anyone else who can say the school has had a part in their life to stay in contact. Through social media and a newsletter which is currently in the pipeline, we would like to keep alumni informed as well as organising events and reunions to keep us together. This will all culminate in one day becoming a registered charity which will raise funds for school projects and in doing so shape the future of the next generation of boys.

I know all about the loyalty and prestige we hold for our old stomping ground. Since leaving for university, I have found that the majority of conversations between me and my friends have revolved around our time as Windsor Boys’. Sports tours, final year antics and classroom memories are all regularly on the agenda and some stories remain just as funny no matter how many times they’re repeated and embellished. It is for this reason that I leapt at the chance to return to the school, if only in a small capacity. It is my task to make as many people as possible aware of who we are and what we do.

While at university I was shocked that many other students seem to have nothing but contempt for their old school, and would never consider going back. On the other hand, I am very proud to say that I spent five years as a Windsor Boy and it will always be a part of my life just as it remains for thousands of other past pupils. I found that if you immerse yourself in the tradition and customs of our school, you will certainly come out the other side a better person, a man, and I believe this culture makes the school unique.

So here I am. A humble journalism graduate who is aiming to do his part in improving the school I am so fond of. I know that there’s plenty more who would like to do the same and this is your chance. All we are asking is that everyone reading this who has the same enthusiasm and loyalty to the Windsor Boys’ School also does their part, no matter how big or small it might be. You can write a blog on anything WBS related, send us your old pictures and stories of school, read our newsletter or simply follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. There might be an event you’d like to attend and this will keep you updated. Anything you can do to spread the word and support us in our cause will be greatly appreciated by the team and will be fulfilling our school motto… Uno Animo!