The James Wesson Bursary Fund was established in 2016 in memory of James Wesson, the much-loved former A Social Tutor (1995-2003), Don (1992-2003), and Master in Charge of Cricket during the golden era of the 1990s which saw seven consecutive unbeaten teams. The fund provides means-tested fee support for boys with a real passion for cricket. Since its founding, it has supported two exceptional boys through Radley.
In conversation with Charles Hastings – Tutor of F Social and Maths Don 1977-2009 and a close friend and colleague of James Wesson – as he reflects on James’s remarkable legacy and the impact of the bursary Charles established in his name.
What do you think James would have thought about the impact of the bursary?
Oh, he’d be thrilled. Absolutely thrilled. First and foremost, because it has helped to fund talented young cricketers to attend Radley. That would have meant everything to him. And only then, as a distant second, he’d acknowledge that it bears his name. That was just who he was – he cared deeply about the boys and about sport. The recognition would have been far less important to him than seeing strong young players given a chance to thrive at Radley.
The bursary has been incredibly well supported by the Radley community. Why do you think that is?
James was much loved, simple as that. When we approached ORs – especially the former First XI Captains and A Social Prefects who helped launch the fund – they didn’t hesitate to help. It was a most immediate and positive response and that’s testament to the kind of person James was: warm, human, never authoritarian, but always respected. He had a unique ability to command loyalty while remaining approachable. People wanted to support this fund because they wanted to honour him.
The bursary fund was initially set up with a major gift – how did that come about?
I started the fund with a gift of £50,000 which at the time I thought might be the largest donation. Then, a few days later, I got a call: “I’m afraid you’ve been beaten!”. I was astonished. The generosity of that Old Radleian and that of so many ORs, former Radley parents and staff, speaks volumes about how much James meant to them – after just a few weeks, over £250,000 was raised. And we mustn’t forget the role Richard Morgan, Warden from 1991 to 2000, and Colin Dudgeon, the Development Director at the time, played in setting it up – it wouldn’t exist without their efforts.
Can you tell us a bit more about James as a person?
He was one of the most lovable people you could meet. Always warm, always giving. He had time and energy for everyone. After Radley he became a priest, which made perfect sense given his character. He was an outstanding curate in Brighton, working with tough communities, and he connected with them brilliantly.
You mentioned his influence at Radley – what made him such an impactful figure?
He had the rare ability to strike the perfect balance between approachability and authority. The boys knew they could trust him, but they also knew where the line was. He cared about developing good people, not just enforcing discipline. That’s why, even years later, ORs speak so warmly of him. He was a mentor, a friend, and, above all, a truly good man.
This bursary is more than just financial aid; it’s a tribute to James’s values, his love for cricket and his belief in giving young people the best possible start.
