Goddard Society Lunch 10th September 2016 I: Spencer Leeson Spencer Leeson, Headmaster from 1934 to 1946, was, of course, a giant. He was Chairman of HMC seven times, and was to become Bishop of Peterborough. Leeson was immensely proud of Winchester College. Few things, even the Nazis, perturbed him. So when an anxious colleague asked him in 1939 what would happen when the Germans landed, Leeson responded that it would be time to think about that when the invaders got to Eastleigh. It is possible that there was only one thing that perturbed the formidable Spencer Leeson. John Dancy, in his biography of Walter Oakeshott, gives us a clue. He tells us that a bright young thing once asked Leeson “and how do you like being Headmaster of Winchester, Mr Leeson?” “Madam”, was the grave reply, “how will you like the Day of Judgement?”. II: The 59th Headmaster So how do I like the day of judgement? My wife tells me that for the first time in many a year, I am singing as I walk around our house. She is therefore, for her own part, very unhappy, as you may imagine, about our move. She last night reminded me that, after we were both privileged to be asked down here in June last year to discuss the headmastership with the Warden and Fellows, we went, once proceedings had ended, to Winchester Cathedral, and sat together there, in silence, in the nave. We paid our respects to William of Wykeham, and also to William Waynflete, one of my predecessors as Headmaster here, and Founder of my previous school, Magdalen College School. And, as we sat, we realised just how wonderful the heritage of this school is, and just what a privilege it would be to be asked to be in charge of it. And then it happened. III: All of you honoured guests As late as 1400, our illustrious Founder was thinking that it might be better use of his wealth to distribute it to the poor and needy than to continue to endow munificently an educational foundation. How fortunate we are that he continued with his plan. How fortunate today’s pupils, and the pupils of the future are, that you, like him, are willing to contemplate endowing further this magnificent school. IV: Conclusion So how am I enjoying the Day of Judgement? The answer is very much – its beauty; its traditions, and their effect; its spirit, and what makes that spirit. I’m very confident that you also will enjoy, whether metaphorically or actually – not least because of your munificence – the Day of Judgement. Thank you very much for coming today, and thank you all the more for your generosity, and your support. .