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It is with great sadness that the College has to announce the loss of one of its most loyal and devoted OLs. Nigel Ventham (Field’s 1945–1949) died on Monday 16 January 2023 at the grand age of 91. Nigel had a long and distinguished career with the College, although his first days were in Ludlow where the school was evacuated. He was a Prefect and Captain of the School, after Lancing he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and served with the Airborne Division from 1949–1951 and then went to Cambridge (Magdalene) where he read chemistry. From Cambridge he joined BP as a Chemist, working in research and refineries and stayed with the company for the next 30 years. He retired from BP to farming in Sussex and remained active on the farm well into his eighties, it was a great love and passion for him. Nigel’s three sons followed him to Lancing: Jeremy (Head’s 1974–1979), Nick (Head’s 1977–1982) and Tom (Head’s 1978–1982).
Nigel was a Lancing governor from 1970, he became Chairman of the Governing Body from 1981–1985 and was a real champion of co-education at the College. He served on the Southern Division 'Finance and General Purposes Committee' of the Woodard Schools after his spell as a governor. He was also Chairman of the Lancing Club from 1996 –2001, where his leadership and understanding of the wider Lancing community was invaluable, and he became a Vice-President after his role as Chairman. Nigel was awarded the honour of a Fellow of the College in 2011 by Dr Harry Brünjes, who was then Chairman of the Governing Body.
The family has advised that they will be arranging a memorial service and we will send out details of this as soon as the date is confirmed. If you wish to write to Nigel’s widow, Joanna, please contact the Foundation Office at foundation@lancing.org.uk or write to us at Foundation Office, Lancing College, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0RW. We will forward any letters and emails to Joanna.