As great-grandsons of Sir Thomas Lane Devitt, who founded the College in 1917, we are glad to add our voice in support of this charitable merger, which secures the future of the College at a difficult time for the independent sector. Sir Thomas and Sir Philip built up the College to do a job. It was meant to meet a real need of its day, not to stand as a memorial to anyone. The family has tried to do its part ever since, and all three of us have served as governors at one time or another. The College still lives by its Flag Values, and the ones that come to mind today are moral courage and resilience, because those are exactly what this decision has asked for.

We are especially pleased that the partnership is with the Mill Hill group, because of an old connection between our two families. John Pye-Smith was one of the founders of Mill Hill in 1807, and in 1863 his granddaughter, Fanny Pye-Smith, married the then Mr Thomas Lane Devitt. So this merger really does keep it in the family: two founding houses, joined by marriage more than a century and a half ago, brought back together again. However, what matters most to us, as we know it will to you, is that the things that make Pangbourne what it is are carried forward: its character and its traditions, the Chapel and the river, and above all the way it sends young people out into the world ready for it and grounded in those same values.

We are confident this partnership will protect all of that and give the College a secure future. Desmond will continue as a member of the advisory board being set up to oversee the transition and the rest of us will go on supporting the College however we can. We hope very much you will want to do the same.

Fortiter ac fideliter

Sir James Devitt Bt.
Richard Devitt
Desmond Devitt