Welcome to SRC Trust
An Unprecedented Moment in College History
For those who may not be aware, in October 2024 Hild Bede College relocated to Rushford Court, a new site near the viaduct. This will be the college’s home for the foreseeable future. The original Hild Bede site is undergoing redevelopment and will return as a non-catered college facility, though no confirmed timeline has been set.
This transition brings unique challenges. Maintaining Hild Bede’s rich traditions—its clubs, societies, formal dining occasions, and social life—requires significant effort and resources. These activities have shaped student experiences for nearly fifty years, and ensuring their continuity is critical.
The responsibility for sustaining these activities falls to SRC. However, due to the relocation and redevelopment, the cost of maintaining them has surged—by as much as 80% in some cases. Compounding this issue, SRC has minimal infrastructure, no additional financial support, and faces increasing funding pressures.
Introducing the SRC Trust
To address this unprecedented challenge, we are launching the SRC Trust—a new funding initiative that enables Hild Bede alumni - and in particular those with strong connections to SRC - to directly support student clubs, societies, and cultural life.
The trust will provide ongoing financial assistance, ensuring that diverse and accessible events and activities remain available to students.
Our goal is to double SRC’s current income through alumni contributions.
Some key information on SRC finances:
SRC income comes from the SRC Levy (£55 per student, with 20% VAT), university grants, and donations.
SRC does not make a profit—all funds support student life, including Freshers' Week, sports, societies, and subsidised events.
The President’s salary (35% of expenditure) ensures smooth operations, while the rest funds events (24%), grants (9%), and more.
On average, SRC receives £93.22 per student and spend £93.31—keeping finances balanced. Without the SRC, activities would be far more expensive.
You can learn more about the SRC’s financial details here.
Sign Up to Become a Subscriber
In the coming weeks, we will be inviting alumni who were involved with SRC to sign up for a monthly subscription to the SRC Trust. Your support will ensure that future students can enjoy the same enriching experiences you did whilst at college.
As a subscriber, you will receive monthly updates on the impact of your contributions, highlighting the clubs, societies, and events you help sustain.
The donation page is currently in development and will be available soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest using the form below.
Join Us for the SRC Trust Soft Launch at College Day 2025
An event to soft launch the SRC Trust and drive awareness will take place during College Day weekend, May 2nd–4th, 2025, in Durham.
We are encouraging all former SRC Presidents to attend and learn more about the initiative and how they can support it moving forward.
For more details about Hild Bede College Day 2025, please email admin@srctrust.org or reach out using the contact form below.
‘Coming Home’ to Hild Bede
Wider Fundraising Efforts
The SRC Trust is just one of several initiatives now underway to support Hild Bede during this transition. We encourage all alumni to get involved in ways that best resonate with them.
Activities currently underway include:
Working with the Alumni Association on a relaunch of the organisation
Partnering with both the SRC and Caedmon Trust to strengthen their support
A major college-led fundraising campaign - a key part of which is an upcoming phone campaign - supported by outreach activities, including further alumni events going forward
You can learn more about the college phone campaign here.
Contact Us
The ability to subscribe and make donations will be available soon. If you are an alumni of Hild Bede and would like to support the trust, please get in touch.
We can’t wait to hear from you!