What is… the Lucia King nursery?A century-old institution, a home-from-home, a stepping stone to a brighter future – find out how Dr Graham’s Homes cares for its youngest pupilsA chaplain, a farm manager, and a tireless campaigner for sponsored children – few figures can match the profound impact Revd John Webster has had on Dr Graham’s Homes over the last 60 years.
(He would be far too modest to admit that, of course, so we’re happy to declare it on his behalf!)
John’s remarkable journey with the Homes started in the 1960s, when he moved to the school with his wife and young family. In the decades that followed, he has served as a trustee and Chair of our charity, inspired countless supporters around the world, and launched fundraising ventures that have raised many thousands of pounds for sponsored children at the school.
A young John (fifth from right, in the dog collar) at DGH in the 1960s
So we are absolutely delighted to announce that Revd John has agreed to become the Patron of DGHUK – a very worthy figurehead for our continuing work with the sponsored children at Dr Graham’s Homes. History buffs may also like to note that Revd John is in fact the first-ever Patron of DGHUK. Patrons of the school itself have included Queen Mary (1913) and the famous diplomat Madam Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1958), so he is in illustrious company!
Thanking John for his remarkable years of service, DGHUK Chair Esther Pears says there could hardly be a better person to fill the role:
“John is known, loved and respected not only by the UK committee, but by the entire global Dr Graham’s Homes family,” she explains. “His life’s work has touched generations of children, offering them hope, opportunity and care."
👉 You can read her full announcement below…
On his way from Kolkata to Kalimpong with the fundraiser he created, the 3Ks Tour
Letter from the Chair and trustees
The New Patron of DGHUK
The Revd John Webster arrived in Kalimpong, West Bengal, in December 1964 with his wife Jennifer and their two tiny sons, stepping into a world that would change his life forever. Invited to serve as Chaplain and Farm Manager of Dr Graham’s Homes, he brought with him not only his ministry and his BSc in Agriculture, but a deep sense of purpose and compassion.
Those eight years in Kalimpong became some of the most meaningful of his life. John often spoke of the children with great affection – their spirit, their resilience, their warmth. He admired the Nepali farm workers whose dedication and quiet strength shaped the very heartbeat of the Homes. These relationships left an imprint on him so profound that, even after returning home in 1973, he carried the people of Dr Graham’s Homes in his heart every single day.
For more than 40 years, John has poured his time, energy and love into the Dr Graham’s Homes UK Committee. He has served in many roles, including Chair, and has tirelessly championed the Homes through fundraising and advocacy. His commitment has never wavered.
Now in his 90s, John continues to serve as Honorary Vice President of DGHUK. He still attends every trustee meeting, still contributes thoughtfully to every AGM, still shows up with the same devotion he carried with him in 1964. His presence is steady, wise and deeply cherished.
John is known, loved and respected not only by the UK committee, but by the entire global Dr Graham’s Homes family. His life’s work has touched generations of children, offering them hope, opportunity and care.
Today, with immense pride and gratitude, we honour him as Patron of DGHUK – a recognition of a lifetime of service, and of the extraordinary love he has given to the children of Dr Graham’s Homes.
Esther Pears
Chair, DGHUK
His life’s work has touched generations of children, offering them hope, opportunity and care.
Discussing cheese making in the 1960s TV documentary, The Lollipop Tree!
John Webster and the Homes: a (very brief) timeline!
1964 - arrives at Dr Graham’s Homes to serve as both Chaplain and Farm Manager
1969 - makes a cameo in The Lollipop Tree, a TV documentary about the Homes
1971 - helps create the school’s very first sponsored walk, from DGH to Darjeeling
1973 - returns to the UK with his wife and children
2004 - creates the first 3Ks Tour, a fundraising cycle ride through the Himalayas
2009 - launches “Jars for Change”, asking supporters to donate spare cash to the Homes
2017 - completes his last cycling fundraiser, now known as BikeforDGH (at the age of 80!)
2020 - steps down as a DGHUK trustee, after decades of incredible service
2023 - celebrates his 90th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and DGHUK supporters at a Nepalese restaurant in Edinburgh
John’s son Callum, left, with family friend Peter Cook, now one of our trustees!
Leading the prayers at our 125th anniversary celebrations in London, 2025
Celebrating his 90th birthday in Edinburgh (with Nepalese food)
What is… the Lucia King nursery?A century-old institution, a home-from-home, a stepping stone to a brighter future – find out how Dr Graham’s Homes cares for its youngest pupils
