The life of Thomas Oken, one of Warwick’s greatest benefactors, is celebrated annually by a special service at St Mary’s Church, followed by the traditional Oken Feast held at the Lord Leycester Hospital. This year, the service and feast took place on Friday, 31 January.

The Oken Feast acts as a meaningful way for the town of Warwick to remember Thomas Oken, whose action at the time of the Reformation secured assets for the town of Warwick rather than them passing to the Crown. His far-sightedness and his own personal commitment to the support of others resulted in the charity which bears his own name and The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, Warwick.

At the Foundation, we remain beneficiaries of both these charities today. Indeed, were it not for Thomas Oken and his charity, our own charity would most likely no longer exist, given the historic financial lifelines given to us.

The charity continues to make significant grants each year to local organisations in Warwick, including those that either directly or indirectly support education:

• Bursaries with Warwickshire College 

• Warwick - A Singing Town and Holiday Action at the Foundation  

• MIND

• Homestart, Parenting Project, Citizens Advice, Safeline, and more.

At this year's Feast, our Principal, Mr Richard Nicholson, gave an address which can be read below. For more information about the Thomas Oken charity, see here.