Visit by the Joseph Rank Trust highlights its support for HMC students

A recent visit by the Secretary of the Joseph Rank Trust was a reminder of its support for increasing the College's student accommodation provision.

 

On Wednesday 18 October, Harris Manchester welcomed the Secretary of the Joseph Rank Trust, Dr John Higgs, to the College. 

The Trust played a key role in supporting the development of the Wrigley building, which was completed in 1992 and is named after former HMC President Sir Tony Wrigley (1931-1922). The building now forms an important part of the College’s accommodation offering, housing 12 student bedrooms and an additional room for guests. 

A woman and a man stand next to an engraved wooden panel

HMC Principal Professor Beth Breeze with Dr John Higgs next to the panel commemorating Joseph Rank

 

During his visit Dr Higgs met HMC Principal Professor Beth Breeze before inspecting the engraved wooden panel in the Wrigley building that commemorates Joseph Rank (1854-1943). A businessman from Hull, Rank founded one of the UK’s largest flour milling and bakery companies and went on to become a notable philanthropist.   

Dr Higgs also met some of the students currently living in the Wrigley building. They included Matthew Barrett, a first-year undergraduate studying Law, who commented: “Having such a wonderful room on the college grounds makes a big difference. It gives me a base right at the centre of town and is a comfortable space to retreat to for quiet moments of concentration or relaxation (and has great storage for my mountains of sports equipment). The comfort and quality of my room means I can really focus on my studies.” 

 

A young man leans against the column of a red-brick building

HMC student Matthew Barrett outside the Wrigley building

 

The Joseph Rank Trust was set up in 2002 to bring together the various charitable organisations that were established by Rank during his lifetime and is dedicated to funding “projects that demonstrate a Christian approach to the practical, educational and spiritual needs of people of all ages”, as well as projects that adapt and improve Church properties. 

Professor Breeze commented: “We were delighted to host Dr John Higgs at the College and give him the opportunity to hear directly from our students about the hugely positive impact of the Trust’s support. I look forward to welcoming him back soon, and to continuing our relationship with the Trust.”