Campaign for Culford BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating, the paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.
JOHN H SCHAAR
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What greater or better gift can we offer than to teach and instruct our youth?
CICERO
FROM THE
Headmaster Over the last seven years Culford has undergone a remarkable transformation and our growth from 570 to 700 pupils has confirmed our position as one of the leading schools in East Anglia. Our vision of an education that is challenging, enriching and fun has been hugely successful. Culford has a strong reputation for outstanding pastoral care; for pupils achieving their very best academically; and for an exceptional range of sporting and extra-curricular activities. Boarding Houses, Science, Drama, Music and Sport have all benefited enormously from superb new facilities but we still wish to enhance provision further. We intend to cement Culford’s position of excellence and drive things on to the benefit of all pupils now and in the future. In 2012 the following projects were identified within our Strategic Development Plan: • • • • • •
A New Library A Refurbished Hastings and Skinner Teaching Facility A Second Girls’ Boarding House A New Kitchen and Dining Facility A Redeveloped Art Department A Restored Culford Hall
Our ambition is to provide facilities at Culford that allow children to maximise their potential, whatever their talents. The projects we plan will enhance our pupils’ learning, creative expression, pastoral care and, most importantly, overall enjoyment of their school experience. Achieving all of these goals requires an investment of £4.75 million. The School intends to meet £3.1 million from existing gifts and current and future revenue; indeed, we have already succeeded in completing Phases I and II of the new girls’ boarding House and have entirely refurbished the Ashby kitchen complex. Our challenge now is to raise the remaining £1.65 million required through gifts and donations. We have been exceptionally fortunate to have already received a pledge of £250,000 from a generous Old Culfordian. I have also been delighted to pledge a gift myself, as I know that these new facilities will transform our pupils’ experience and I feel proud to be able to contribute towards that. I hope that you will share our vision and help us realise it by participating in the Campaign for Culford.
Julian Johnson-Munday MBA MA Headmaster
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What we have achieved Since our last appeal was launched over ten years ago, Culford has made huge strides in developing and maintaining its facilities.
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With generous support from benefactors Culford now benefits from: • • • • • • • •
The William Miller Science Centre Astroturf for Hockey and Tennis A Language Laboratory The Sports and Indoor Tennis Centre The Studio Theatre The Music School refurbishment Restoration of the Billiard Room and the Beech Room Restoration of all the stone balustrading on the North Front of Culford Hall with an ongoing programme of refurbishment in place.
Prudent financial management of our resources has also enabled the School to: • • • • • •
Refurbish three Boarding Houses at a cost of £3m Open a new, purpose-designed Nursery Provide a superb £25,000 Nursery playground Re-roof the Hastings & Skinner teaching buildings Create a rehearsal studio for music Open a new Girls’ Boarding House in 2012, as part of a phased development • Refurbish entirely the Ashby kitchen complex in 2012.
In addition, much has been done to bring our 480 acre estate into the 21st century: • A new electrical system has been installed at a cost of £400,000 • A new water supply, pump-house and pipework has been put in at a cost of almost £200,000 • A new bio-mass heating system provides significant environmental and economic benefits. There is no doubt that Culford has been extremely fortunate over the past ten years. We have benefited from the generosity of many Old Culfordians, parents and friends of the School. Our finances are in good order and are prudently managed while school numbers and boarding have grown significantly. Pupils are achieving academic and sporting success at all ages and the arts thrive throughout the School. There is much to celebrate and we are optimistic and excited about the future. We now seek to build on our achievements with the support of our alumni and friends. Our aim is to ensure Culford’s continued growth and success for future generations. The following pages describe the key projects which form part of the Campaign for Culford.
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Campaign for Culford A New Library Owing to the significant growth in pupil numbers, our current Library in Culford Hall is no longer adequate and is poorly located away from the classrooms. We intend to build a landmark Library at the academic heart of the school, next to the main Hastings and Skinner teaching blocks and nearer the Houses. We also intend to refurbish the teaching facilities throughout the Hastings and Skinner buildings, including a new entrance with a landscaped garden, terrace and pathways leading to the William Miller Science Centre and beyond. At an estimated cost of £2,200,000, the new Library will provide exceptional study facilities, including a flexible lecture theatre. It will provide an inviting space where pupils are keen to go and study; an environment which will support their ability to learn, share ideas, research and investigate; and a place where they can fulfil their potential as independent learners. Estimated project cost of the Library:
£2,200,000
Estimated cost of Hastings & Skinner refurbishment and landscaping works
£650,000
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The Library is the temple of learning and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.
“ CARL T. ROWAN
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Campaign for Culford Boarding at Culford has grown strongly and in 2011 the School announced the planned opening of a new girls’ boarding House in the space occupied by two day Houses. Phase I saw Fitzgerald House open with 30 boarding beds in September 2012. The School intends to fund all this development work from revenue; a total investment of over £1 million across three years. The new House will offer all the modern facilities parents and pupils expect for boarders; and allow complete integration for day pupils who will all now belong to a boarding House. Estimated project cost:
£1,075,000 of which £750,000 has already been invested in Phases I and II
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A Second Girls’ Boarding House
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
A New Kitchen and Dining Facility The Ashby kitchen and dining complex is now 40 years old and we have outgrown its facilities. The catering team prepare and serve over 1,250 meals each school day, as well as providing match teas, packed lunches, formal luncheons and occasional grand-scale dinners. During the summer of 2012 the kitchens were completely redeveloped to meet all our catering needs, at a cost of ÂŁ500,000, and we now intend to refurbish the dining area to offer a better eating and social space for pupils, teachers, colleagues and visitors alike. Estimated project cost:
ÂŁ100,000
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Campaign for Culford The Art department is a special place at the heart of Culford. Pupils produce outstanding works of art and deliver some of the best GCSE and A Level results in the School. The Art department lacks the display space our pupils’ work deserves, and the classroom and storage space they need. We plan to remodel the building to create a new entrance gallery which will offer a stunning space for displays of pupils’ artwork. The gallery will lead into a light and airy teaching studio with a new glass panelled roof, French windows looking towards Culford Hall and comprehensive storage areas for art materials.
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The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.
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A Redeveloped Art Department
MICHELANGELO
Estimated project cost:
£400,000
These artist’s impressions show how the remodelled Art department might look. The aim is to improve the light and display space by creating an impressive new gallery at the entrance and remodelling the large ground floor studio, including a new roof and glass doors that open out towards Culford Hall. 10 CAMPAIGN FOR CULFORD
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Campaign for Culford A Restored Culford Hall While much of the Hall has been refurbished in the last five years, creating superb new performance spaces for both music and drama, a number of rooms still need similar care and attention. Some need to be upgraded to enable modern-day use by teachers and pupils; others need to be lovingly restored to their former glory to realise their full potential for wider use. Culford Hall is a gem few other schools can match; as custodians, our ambition is to complete its restoration and preserve its special beauty for future generations. Our aim is to restore several rooms, including The Workman Library. It has been a library ever since Culford Hall was completed in 1591 and it may have been in this room that Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis (1738-1805), spread out his maps and made his plans to take the American colonies back from the rebels, before his defeat at Yorktown in 1791. From 1935 until 1974 this room was the Library for the School, as depicted in this cartoon.
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Once the Workman Library is restored, we will use it as a visitors’ meeting room and to display some of the wonderful artefacts we have in the School archives, currently housed in the cellars in the Hall. Other rooms for restoration include the teachers’ Common Room, the current panelled Library and those in the Hartley wing. We also wish to create a professional kitchen in Culford Hall. Currently, all catering requirements, from formal sitdown luncheons for up to 350 people through to buffets on Speech Day or House dinners, are provided from the kitchens in Ashby. It is therefore an immense challenge to cater for any event and a fully functioning kitchen would improve our offering to pupils, parents and visitors immensely. Estimated initial project costs:
£325,000
Cartoon of The Workman Library by Alan Crosland (OC 1945 – 1953) which first appeared in The Culfordian (Spring 1953).
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By the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they do not know and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it.
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SIR WILLIAM HALEY
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Why Donors Help Culford We could not have achieved much of Culford’s transformation in recent years without significant help. Former pupils and friends of the School have helped to revolutionise what we are able to offer today’s pupils. We cannot now imagine being without the William Miller Science Centre, the Indoor Tennis Centre or the Studio Theatre. In Culford Hall the generosity of an anonymous Family Trust has meant we have been able to systematically restore the roof and balustrade of this extraordinary historic building. These wonderful donations have helped to cement Culford’s future. They have helped us to attract new pupils, encourage pupils in their talents and inspire new passions in them. For this, we will remain forever grateful. Why do people choose to help us? Everyone has a different story to tell. Usually it comes back to a love of the place itself, an inspirational teacher fondly remembered, or what Culford helped you or your child to achieve; and underlying this, simply the feeling that you want to give something back.
“I believe I owe more to my time at Culford even than to my university years in preparing for later life. With my wife Judy’s training in the theatre, and our lifetime active enjoyment of both theatre and music, we were delighted to be able to help the School in the development of the Studio eatre and the Music School. We hope that many who have benefited om a Culford education will want to support the School in the important and exciting next phase of its development.” David (OC 1947 - 1951) and Judy Beech 14 CAMPAIGN FOR CULFORD
“While I always appreciated the education I received and very much enjoyed my time at Culford, it probably was not until later in my life that I recognised the large role that it had played in my success. I came om a modest family background; I knew when I started at Culford that I had to make my own way and I took full advantage of what Culford had to offer. Funding the William R. Miller Science Centre was my family’s contribution to continuing the outstanding education that we received and that pupils today are receiving at this school. It is my tribute to a great Headmaster, Dr John Skinner, and my personal recognition of all that Culford means to me. I hope that when you are in a position to do so, you too will support Culford, so that future generations may have the benefit of receiving the same first-rate education.” William R. Miller CBE (OC 1940 – 1946)
Performance in the Studio Theatre
Chemistry in action in the William Miller Science Centre
FROM OUR
Campaign Supporters Prof. Roy Swanston Chairman of Governors I still remember driving into Culford for the very first time and being struck by its beauty. Since that day I have grown even more impressed by what the School does and by what the pupils achieve; it is an extraordinary and special educational environment as well as a beautiful estate. Culford is now at a very exciting stage of development. Enhancing our pastoral, creative arts and teaching and learning facilities is key to ensuring that our pupils have the best opportunity to realise their potential. All the Governors are determined to achieve this ambition and every one of us has committed to the Campaign for Culford by making a gift within our means.
“Culford has played an important role in our lives and those of our two daughters. e wealth of opportunities which the School offers today is quite remarkable. e addition of a landmark Library is something that will undoubtedly transform the academic life of the School further still. We are delighted to support the Campaign for Culford.” Tony Crane (OC 1969 – 1978, Governor and Chair of the Foundation Committee) and Louise Crane (née Partridge EAS/OC 1971 – 1979), parents of Kathryn (OC 2004 – 2011) and Alice (OC 2004 – 2012).
We very much hope that you too will decide to support the Campaign. Your participation will make a real difference and every gift counts. BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS 15
Why We Need Your Help Our Goals The estimated cost of the projects encompassed by the Campaign for Culford amounts to £4.75 million; we have £3.1 million in place, contributing some two-thirds of the project cost, available from current and future revenue and donations.
• New Library at a cost of £2.2 million • Remodelling, refurbishment and landscaping to the adjacent Hastings and Skinner teaching facilities • Refurbished Ashby Dining Room • Remodelled Art Department
Our aim is to raise the balance of £1.65 million through a fundraising campaign. The success of our campaign is critical to ensure that we can complete all the facilities that we wish to provide for current and future generations.
• Refurbishment of key rooms in Culford Hall
FAQ Why does Culford need financial help with these projects?
Why do you need a new Library? Why can’t you live with the one you have?
Culford is not a wealthy school and, unlike a number of our competitors, does not have a large historical endowment. Although we are a strong, well-managed school our modest operating surpluses do not provide us with the level of capital or, indeed, bursary, funding required.
The current Library is not adequate. It is too small and poorly located, away from the academic hub of the School and the Houses. The new Library will meet the needs of growing pupil numbers, support new ways of learning and provide the latest technology for research and scholarship. It will be at the academic heart of the School, easily accessible with extended opening hours.
Prudent financial management means that we have succeeded in investing over £5 million in the many development projects that have taken place during the past 10 years. Over the next three to five years we seek to invest an additional £4.75 million to further develop our facilities; we need your support to help realise our ambitions for our pupils’ benefit.
Why does Culford need these new facilities? We are ambitious to offer the best possible education in the best possible environment. Parents choose to send their children to Culford because it offers the best education for them, in an environment that is challenging, enriching and fun. Schools which fail to look to the future risk living in the past; and the best schools do not stand still. Culford employs outstanding people to teach and develop young people. But teachers need the best resources, and pupils need outstanding facilities in which to learn, grow, develop existing talents and discover new ones. Our ambitions for our pupils have never been higher; we need the facilities to match them.
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There will be plenty of glass in the new Library, inviting pupils to see others working, debating, reading and researching; and encouraging them to be part of that activity. The building will allow pupils to develop their skills of independent learning. It will provide spaces for small groups to meet to exchange ideas, learning together; offer quiet places for individual reading and research in print or online; and have a flexible lecture space that can accommodate a whole year group.
Who will benefit from these developments? The projects outlined in this brochure will benefit every child at Culford. Access to the stunning new Library will be available to all and the refurbishments to the kitchen, dining room and Culford Hall are to the advantage of everyone, including the wider community. The Prep and Pre-Prep are also working on their own development plans and the Headmaster and Governors are equally committed to ensuring that these too will come to fruition in the fullness of time.
Our aim is to ensure that Culford continues to meet the needs of new generations of Culfordians, sending them out with a passion for learning, and sowing the seeds of their success. The developments we have planned will also ensure that Culford itself remains a success and a school of which our community and our alumni can be proud.
We hope that something within this Campaign strikes a chord with you and that you will want to help, for whatever reason. We also hope that you know you are always a welcome visitor here; this remains your school and we are always delighted to welcome you back to it. The Frequently Asked Questions section below seeks to answer some of the questions you may have. For more information, please contact the Headmaster or the Foundation Office team.
I am a Culford parent. I already pay significant school fees; why should I contribute? Asking parents for assistance is a sensitive matter. Please be assured that we do recognise that, as current parents, you are already making a substantial investment in Culford. However, like many other independent schools, we cannot achieve all our goals without financial help towards future developments. We know that our parents want the very best facilities for their children; your help will enable us to achieve those facilities much more quickly than we otherwise could. We only ask that everyone considers making a gift within their means.
I left Culford some years ago. Why should I help with this Campaign? Culford is a charity: and all education is a gift. Many of our alumni who return share with us their stories of Culford and many credit it for setting them on the path to the successes they have met later in their lives. Many talk of the teaching they received and the skills they learned here. Others speak of lifelong passions for art, literature, theatre, sports or music shaped by patient teachers. We very much hope that your experience at Culford and your pride in your school makes you wish to give generously to the new generation of Culfordians.
If you are prepared to help, there are many ways to give, from regular monthly donations through to major gifts with appropriate opportunities for recognition. More information can be found at the back of this brochure. If you wish to help but cannot do so now, you might consider leaving Culford a legacy in your Will. Every member of the Executive team has pledged to support the Campaign; we very much hope that you will wish to join us.
For more information or to discuss the contents of this brochure, please contact the Foundation Director on 01284 385306 or the Headmaster on 01284 385302.
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How You Can Help Our target is to raise £1.65 million over the next three years; our aim is to develop a network of support that will help Culford plan for the future. In order to achieve this we need your help. We are seeking financial support from the Culford community, past and present, as well as from external Trusts and other funding organisations. We do understand that not everyone will be in a position to help now. We do hope, however, that those who are willing and able will give within their means. The School will be very grateful to receive donations and pledges of any value; your gift, at any level, will make a difference to Culford and future generations of pupils. Tax Efficient Giving Culford School is a registered charity which offers donors a variety of financial advantages. • Under the HMRC Gift Aid rules, if you are a UK tax payer, Culford is able to claim back the basic rate of tax paid on all donations. If you sign a Gift Aid declaration we will receive an additional 25 pence for every £1 that you give to Culford. In addition, if you are a higher rate tax payer, you can claim the difference between the higher rate of tax (currently 40% or 45%) and the basic rate (currently 20%) on the total 'gross' value of your donation to Culford. • If you choose to donate shares or property you can save 40% capital gains tax and deduct the full value of the shares or property from your income for tax purposes. • If you choose to leave a legacy to Culford, any such bequest will be free from inheritance tax.
Making A Gift There are many ways in which potential donors may choose to support the Campaign for Culford, including several options which will ensure that your gift is recognised in a permanent form. These include naming opportunities within the Library, the 20:12 Club and the Donor Tree. Further details may be found in the enclosures at the back of this brochure. A regular donation, made by setting up a Standing Order or Direct Debit, may be more affordable than a one-off gift and adds up significantly over time. There is no minimum period for such gifts but the table below gives an indication of how the combination of regular monthly gifts, across a three year time period, together with Gift Aid, can add up to a significant sum and prove to be extremely tax efficient for a UK tax paying donor.
There are many different ways to contribute to the Campaign for Culford. For more information or an informal discussion, in confidence, please contact Mrs Jo Johnson-Munday, the Foundation Director, on 01284 385306 or email: jjm@culford.co.uk
Example Gift Table Monthly donation across 3 years
Total Received from Donor
Gift Aid Claimed by Culford
Total Value to Culford of Donation with Gift Aid
Tax Relief for higher rate tax payer at 40% or 45%
Net Cost of Gift to higher rate tax paying Donor at 40% or 45%
£250 £100 £50 £25 £10 £5
£9,000 £3,600 £1,800 £900 £360 £180
£2,250 £900 £450 £225 £90 £45
£11,250 £4,500 £2,250 £1,125 £450 £225
£2,250/£2,810 £900/£1,125 £450/£560 £225/£280 £90/£110 £45/£55
£6,750/£6,190 £2,700/£2,475 £1,350/£1,240 £675/£620 £270/£250 £135/£125
Please note that although we believe the information above to be correct at the time of printing, tax regulations do change frequently; Culford School and the Foundation Office can accept no responsibility if donors rely on the information contained within this brochure. Please consult an independent tax adviser, accountant or HMRC direct for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
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A good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else.
MAHTAB NARSIMHAN
Campaign for Culford BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Campaign for Culford BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
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Believe you can and you're halfway there.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP28 6TX Tel: 01284 385310 www.culford.co.uk Registered Charity No: 310486 Administered by Culford School Trustee Company Ltd No: 5609905
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