The RGS Development Office Annual Report 2014
Contents 3 A Welcome from the Headmaster 4 Five Minutes with... Headmaster John Pitt 6 On Behalf of the Board of Governors 7 News from the School 10 The First World War - RGS Remembers 12 Review of 2014 Alumni Events 15 RGS Alumni Events planned for 2015 16 News of Former Pupils 21 Visitors to the School 23 Alumni Deaths, Finding Former Pupils and Data Protection 24 News from the Development Office 25 The Billingham Observatory 26 Donations to the School 27 ARW’s Legacy Gifts to RGS 28
Leaving a Legacy to the School
29 Fundraising during 2015 30 Tax Efficient Giving to the School 31 Donor Form
It is a great pleasure to be writing this introduction to the RGS Worcester Development Office’s Annual Report 2014. After my first term at the A Welcome from School, my family and I are really enjoying being part of the resilience and character that are so important for our pupils RGS community. as they look beyond school The Michaelmas Term has towards successful careers been full of events and and lives after school. activities that have highlighted the tremendous range of The Development Office is opportunities available to at an early stage of its own pupils who are following your development and I look forward path through RGS. A selection to working alongside Scott of these memorable occasions MacDonald and Catherine Still is included in the Report to give as they continue to enhance the links between alumni you a flavour of school life. and RGS. The coming year RGS pupils achieved some promises to be a busy time excellent examination results with alumni events such as the last summer with record results marking of the Centenary of at A* and A grade at A Level. the opening of Perrins Hall. We Alongside the academic and will also be launching our first enrichment programmes is a campaign to extend Bursary tremendous breadth of co- provision at RGS. Increasing curricular activities available for the ways in which we can create all pupils. I am sure that alumni opportunities to support pupils will remember well their own applying to RGS from different experiences, whether it was on backgrounds is extremely the sports field, in the concert important; we want an RGS hall, on the stage or on trips education to be inclusive and and expeditions as part of the accessible. CCF or Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It is these opportunities I have met a number of former that forge the leadership skills, pupils already and I am grateful
the Headmaster to all those alumni who have expressed their desire to reconnect with the School and to offer whatever support they can. Please do let us know if you can provide further opportunities for the pupils here, so that we can extend what we can offer and build an even more exciting future for the children of Worcestershire and surrounding areas.
John Pitt Headmaster
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Five Minutes with... Headmaster John Pitt
How have you found the first term as Headmaster? It really has been extremely enjoyable. As ever, there is so much to learn but I have found the pupils, staff and parents extremely welcoming and helpful. It has been a busy half term with lots of speeches and assemblies (42 at the last count!) but it has been fantastic already to celebrate a number of successes and begin to understand the breadth of opportunities here at RGS. RGS has been around for nearly 800 years. What are you keen to preserve and what would you like to change? I am conscious of the School’s tremendous history and feel very humble to be the 42nd Head of the School. I think the basic aim and ethos must remain the same: RGS must reflect the Worcester community and encourage children to aim high, develop their interests, and also be polite, courteous and friendly. Moving forward we must continue to develop the number
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What aspects of school life today do you wish you had access to when you were a pupil? I was fortunate to attend a school like RGS, which looked to develop all our interests so I worked hard academically and also played a lot of sport, did CCF, music and a number of other clubs and societies. However, the technology available today both in the classroom and outside is extremely useful for learning, for research and for organisation and we had very little of that.
of opportunities for the pupils and ensure that they are well prepared for an ever-changing world. This means continually improving our academic provision whilst also developing the use of technology in school to reflect the world outside.
How would you advise a pupil here to make the most of RGS Worcester today? I am glad you asked me that because I think it is very important that pupils, when they first arrive at RGS, throw themselves into new things. I would also like to develop There is so much on offer here our links with the City of and, unless you try, you probably Worcester and surrounding won’t find out what you enjoy. area and increase our community participation. I have known a pupil pick up a fencing foil in Year Seven What do you think makes a and leave in the Upper Sixth as a National Champion also great teacher? To be a good teacher, you have with a place at a prestigious to be strong in your subject, university to read Medicine. and engage fully with the I once taught someone who pupils. I think a great teacher picked up a discus at the age will do even more than this. of 15 and went on to compete They will really grab the pupils’ in the London 2012 Olympics; attention and inspire them to he was also offered a place at Oxford University to read love their subject. Law. The other piece of advice They will be committed outside I would give is to work hard the classroom as a Form Tutor, and never look back. Keep in the House system, and in looking forward and relish the the co-curricular side of the challenges ahead. School. In short, they will lead by example. Above all else, they must want to see the very best from the pupils in their care.
iPad or pen and paper – which would you choose if you could only have one? Good question. I think the
iPad would have to be chosen because it opens up a far wider world through the Internet and through the opportunity to communicate. However, I would emphasise that there is a place for both and I still work with pen and paper when I am ordering my thoughts and prioritising tasks. For our pupils it is crucial that they use both and part of the thinking behind the Digital Learning Programme (DLP) is to integrate the two so that there is the right balance between more traditional teaching and more modern methods. Part of RGS Worcester’s motto is ‘Look to the Future’. What is your vision for RGS Worcester’s future? Put simply I would like RGS to be the school of choice in the Midlands because of the fantastic education we offer our pupils. We need to build upon the high levels of pastoral care and the wonderful welcoming atmosphere of the school by continuing to develop our academic profile whilst offering a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. There must be opportunities for all, whilst we also test and challenge the pupils to bring out the very best in them. We have a bright future ahead but we will need to continue to work hard and review all aspects of the School as we move forward. I encourage all members of the community to participate in this review whether they are pupils, staff, parents or visitors. Only by constantly striving for excellence will we be able to demonstrate that we really do offer the very best for our pupils.
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On Behalf of the Board of Governors In the twelve months since I contributed a message to the inaugural Development Office Annual Report much has happened at your School and it really does feel as if the year has passed more quickly than normal. We knew that Andy Rattue would be leaving RGS in July, after nine successful years at the helm. At the time of the previous Development Office Annual Report we were in the process of appointing his successor and because it is no small matter to select a new leader for the School we were pleased to have such a strong field of applicants. Our Chairman meeting HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at St James’s Palace on the occasion of RGS pupils receiving their Gold Award I speak for the entire Board when I say that we were caused considerable distress I am indebted to every member delighted to be able to appoint to the pupils, their parents of the alumni community who a Headmaster of John Pitt’s and the staff at St Mary’s. All has chosen to support the calibre. John conveyed his of us at RGS empathised on School both financially and in vision for RGS and has already a professional and personal person. I appreciate that every made a very positive impact level. At short notice a huge individual has been thanked across the School in his team effort swung into action already by the Headmaster first term. We should not be to host open days and to meet and the Development Office surprised by this, given that prospective pupils across all team but I would like to add to he has spent a considerable three RGS Schools. This was this the gratitude of the Board amount of his career to-date at superbly executed by all of the of Governors. Your collective Whitgift School, which is where staff and pupils involved, with support for the School is Tom Savage was before he the result that 82 girls joined inspiring. To those who prefer joined RGS as Headmaster in RGS in September 2014, along to remain anonymous, thank 1978. Tom made a considerable with 5 teachers. At the request you once again. impact on the School during his of the pupils and the parents tenure, including guiding RGS we no longer refer to them as ‘The St Mary’s girls’ because back to being independent. they already feel so integrated In June, it became public into the RGS community. knowledge that St Mary’s Rosemary Ham School for Girls in Battenhall The Development Office has Chairman of Governors (also widely known as ‘The continued to catch up with a Convent School’) would close number of former pupils from at the end of the academic RGS and AO across a range year. This understandably of events and gatherings.
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News From The School The staff and pupils at RGS are incredibly proud to be part of such an ancient and venerable institution. We take great pleasure in sharing news of the School with the alumni community. In this report we hope to convey a flavour of some of the recent exciting developments. Of course, the best
way to experience the School is to visit your old haunts. We invite former pupils, ex-staff and past parents to come back for a tour or to our reunions. Please contact the Development Office to make the necessary arrangements (our details are listed below).
The School e-newsletter If you are interested in hearing news from the School on a more regular basis then you are warmly encouraged to sign up for the electronic newsletter, the RGS Times. It is issued every Friday during term time and is free to receive. As
well as news about the School and the current pupils there are usually a couple of articles featuring alumni and their achievements. You can subscribe via the News tab on the homepage of the School website: www.rgsw.org.uk - by selecting RGS Times from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can email the Development Office with a request to be added to the list.
Contacting The School The Development Office is dedicated to handling enquiries from the alumni community and can be contacted by phone, email or letter. The details are below: Telephone: 01905 613391 Email: developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk By post: The Development Office, RGS Worcester, Upper Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HP
Our most recent Arkwright Scholars
Six of the eight RGS pupils who have received offers from Oxbridge in 2015
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Power At Our Fingertips How iPads are enhancing learning This term has seen the launch of the Digital Learning Programme (DLP) with Year Seven and the Lower Sixth using their own devices in class. In a recent survey 94% of pupils in Year Seven said that iPads make learning more active and enjoyable, and 90% say it helps them to be more organised with their school and homework.
wait to see how we use them next!” The Lower Sixth have been using iPads to great effect too. Laura Curtis, Lower Sixth, reflects: “Students are able to obtain immediate feedback, therefore producing better work more efficiently, and we don’t have the same number of books and folders to heave around from lesson to lesson. Online, interactive textbooks and even work “sheets” can all be contained on the iPad. Most inspiring of all is the wealth of knowledge available, literally, at our fingertips. In English, for example, the ability to research immediately the history of the foreign countries, which Clare Pollard describes in her poetry, provides us with a much better insight into her poems. In this way, the iPads are allowing my fellow students and I to be at the centre of our own learning, deepening understanding and engagement.” Mr Berry, Director of IT concludes: “The introduction of iPads into the classroom at RGS has enabled us to enhance teaching and learning in every classroom, in all three of our schools. I have been consistently delighted by the response of our learners to the DLP, who are the driving force behind the success of this programme. Our DLP is only in its infancy, the possibilities are endless. These are indeed exciting times at RGS.”
Eleni Coutsiouri, Year Seven, reports on her experience: “So far using iPads in school has made our lessons much more exciting and everyone enjoys it a lot! All the teachers have been very helpful making sure we are all comfortable using iPads. Most importantly we use them for research. It is really handy that we have all of this power at our fingertips. We use a lot of useful apps such as student planner, which shows us our timetable for the day and our teachers upload our homework on there so we don’t forget about it! The teachers can then mark it using their iPad and send it back to us with corrections and feedback. I definitely think that using iPads is very beneficial and I can’t
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“Online interactive textbooks and even work “sheets” can all be contained on the iPad”
The showpiece production in December 2014 was Spamalot – the Monty Python stage show version of The Holy Grail. RGS is only the second school in the country to perform the show and this reflects the aspirations of the staff and pupils in the Drama Department. Newly arrived Head of Drama, Jilly Witcomb, has major plans for the way Drama is presented within the School. She has created a Theatre Company where pupils will be exposed to every facet of the industry in order to prepare them for
understanding of this creative and artistic medium that is so important to the UK economy. Jilly would welcome input from alumni who have forged careers in this sector. The careers in the business and pupils in the company will be who can offer guidance through responsible for producing future practical workshops. Please stage shows and will manage contact the Development the casting, the budgeting, Office if you can help. the marketing, front of house, the back stage support and every other aspect of running a theatre business. In addition, her colleague Dan Morgan has set up a Film Club for all year groups to help pupils develop their appreciation and
The Careers Department Visitors to RGS will notice the recent changes in the Careers Department that is headed up by Sofia Nicholls. She has brought a dynamic focus to this critical aspect of helping our pupils to prepare for their careers when they too become alumni of the School. Sofia is grateful to the work done by her predecessors and to
everyone who contributed to the 2014 Careers Fair, which was the most comprehensive event to-date.
to advertise can be channelled through the Development Office.
If you think you can help current pupils and other alumni through hosting networking and mentoring events then please do let us know. Job opportunities that you may wish
RGS Equestrian Team In 2014 the School entered several events where pupils have worn RGS colours for the first time. Boys and girls from both the Prep Schools and the Senior School have enjoyed the experience with
some commendable personal performances being recorded. Leanne Bennett is the Teacher in Charge and would welcome hearing from alumni who may wish to support this new venture.
Please contact the Development Office should you have any queries regarding Drama, Careers or Equestrian matters on 01905 613391 or 9 developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk
The First World War - RGS Remembers Over the course of 2014 - 2018 the School will be marking the sacrifices made during The First World War in a number of ways. It is our aim to help pupils to understand the magnitude of this conflict.
“In Dedication to a Future World� by Mark Rogers
Mark Rogers (1963-70) has updated the book he first published in 1999 in which he recorded details of each man listed on the war memorials in Perrins Hall. Courtesy of a generous grant from the AOOEs, the book was reprinted in time for 11 November 2014.
On Remembrance Day a copy was given to each pupil at the Senior School and to all staff. Mark also gave a talk to current Year Nine pupils who are studying the War. Pupils who join the School between now and 11 November 2018 will receive a copy. Mark has never sought nor received any recompense for his work. He has been motivated to honour all of those from his School who did their duty when called upon despite the appalling cost. We are all indebted to him for his selfless
hard work on behalf of the RGS community. The AOOEs have spare copies available for purchase via the Development Office.
An Addition to the War Memorial For reasons that remain unclear, RGS former pupil Lieutenant James Singleton Graves (190611) who was killed on 15 June 1918, was omitted from the memorial in Perrins Hall. The School has now rectified this omission to ensure Lt. Graves is commemorated with his fellow alumni.
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The Gheluvelt Centenary Commemoration Dinner A contingent from RGS representing all three Services drawn from alumni, past parents, staff and current pupils attended this prestigious event at The Guildhall in Worcester. The heroic action of the 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment, was commemorated and guests heard Professor Hew Strachan explain how 11 November has evolved in meaning over the past 96 years. The Dinner raised funds for the Mercian Regiment Museum in Worcester.
Former Pupils lay wreath at Menin Gate There is perhaps no more evocative place to be on the 11 November than the Menin Gate in Ypres. It is here that the Last Post ceremony has been carried out, almost without a break, since the guns fell silent in 1918. It was here on Armistice Day that a party of former pupils attended the ceremony, Lieutenant Commander Digby Wall (1965-70) RNR (retired), Chris Pate (1969-74), Andy Turner (1967-74) and Andy Lock (1967-72), and a wreath was laid in memory of the men from RGS who gave their lives. Just along the Menin Road lies the village of Gheluvelt. A wreath was laid at the
Memorial on behalf of RGS Worcester to commemorate the charge by 364 men, led by Major Hankey. They relieved the South Wales Borderers who were being overrun and in
doing so prevented the German Army from breaking through to the strategically vital Channel Ports. We will remember them. Chris Pate
Current pupils have a goal of raising ÂŁ9,463 during the course of the War Years to donate to Service charities. This is to represent the 9,463 Officers and Men of the Worcestershire Regiment who died in The First World War.
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Review of 2014 Alumni Events A snapshot of some of the alumni events that took place during the year: full reports of each event can be found in back issues of the RGS Times.
The PJOS Football Tournament - 29 March 2014 More than 100 of RGS’s finest former footballers assembled at Flagge Meadow in March for the 2nd annual alumni 6-a-side tournament. Despite the early start, even the University students were able to prise themselves from bed to pull on their boots in pursuit of the ultimate prize, the PJOS Leg End Trophy. Teams competed in pools before a knockout stage, with players’ leaving years ranging from 1988 to 2013. The winners were ‘08 to Be Back’ featuring Nabil Kazi, Jake Saunders,
Proud winners of the 2014 PJOS Leg End Trophy Elliot Bee, Chris Danks, Alex Johnson, Liam Booth and Ali Fowler. Reputations were then
enhanced and recollections exchanged in what was a long and extremely liquid afternoon.
Mike Ridout’s Retirement Celebration School Tour/Dinner - 17 May 2014 In May, summer arrived with weather that all athletes dream of! At RGS the grounds were at their best with the Quad looking its collegiate finest. All this had of course been meticulously planned for the celebration to mark Mike Ridout’s impending retirement after 36 years at RGS Worcester. In the morning there was a tour of the school followed by an RGS athletics meeting at Nunnery Wood. The finale was a dinner of past athletes. Guests entering Perrins Hall that evening were thrilled to see their old match reports reproduced on display boards. Good natured debate ensued over some record times and distances: Dan Cale (1982-89) maintains that the downward slope and strong tailwind
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Stefan Jones (1977-84), Howard Kimberley (1977-84), Duncan Jenkins (1976-83), Richard Kimberley (1976-83), Mike Ridout (1979-14), Simon Philips (1977-84), Matthew Wardner (1977-84)
made no difference to his (still standing) school record 100m time. Old friends enjoyed a wonderful dinner with some of the current RGS netball squad running the bar to raise funds for their next tour. It was warm weather so the tour fund has enjoyed a useful start!
Former Maths teacher and athletics coach Howard Groves (1982-11) spoke eloquently of Mike’s career at RGS Worcester and proposed a toast to Mike’s long and happy retirement. Mike then took to the floor and worked the hall. He shared anecdotes featuring former
pupils from across his long tenure. Confessions ensued: he admitted to what would now be child cruelty by picking Warren Tonkinson (1979-86) for the senior running team during his first year in the Senior School. Warren subsequently represented RGS for the next six years, a record unlikely ever to be equalled. Howard
Kimberley (1977-84), now a Governor of the School, sheepishly recounted the time he thought he had killed Mike. An accidentally released discus, in the days before safety nets, scored a direct hit on Mike at close range. Luckily the blow to the forehead was glancing and Mike has just about forgiven Howard. The
evening passed all too quickly but a large contingent made it to the Coach and Horses for celebrations that carried on well into the small hours. It was a thoroughly memorable day for a true gentleman and servant to the pupils of RGS for 36 years.
Lawton Sevens Touch Tournament - 20 June 2014 The great turnout of 20 teams for a Sevens Touch Rugby Tournament was the brainchild of a former pupil. The tournament, organised by Chip Lawton (2006-13), former 1st XV Captain and South Africa tourist in 2012, was a fundraiser for the Senior Rugby Tour to South Africa in 2015. Matches were hotly contested with no quarter given and some genuinely impressive rugby was on offer. It was fantastic to see fathers playing in the same teams as their sons and to watch old teammates peel
back the years by linking up again to form winning combinations. But in the end there could only be one winning team so the 2014 bragging rights along with the Lawton Touch The Winning Team Rugby Trophy belong to the team made up (2000-11), Ed and Bill Harling of the Greenway Clan: Charlie (2006-13, 1999-10) and Alex (1999-08), Laurie (1997-10), Crawshaw (2000-09). Harry (2001-13), George (199711) and with James Brooks
Hospitality at RGS v King’s Rugby Match - 22 October 2014 A number of former pupils Please keep me posted about and I can’t wait for round nine whose leaving years ranged the date of next year’s fixture of the Modus Challenge Cup”. from 1957 to 2006 enjoyed hospitality in the dedicated RGS alumni function suite and they definitely appreciated the shift put in by the RGS players. Pints and pies coupled with reminiscing about their own particular matches v King’s, while taking in the game from the balcony seemed to be a successful combination. Keith Welch (1952-57) summed up the feelings of those present: “Thank you for a great evening - pity about the result, but a Barrie Rees (1967-01) entertains Peter Hopkins (1962-68), marvellous game to watch. Richard Timmins (1960-68) and Simon Brierley (1962-69)
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Guildhall Dinner to celebrate The Battle of Gheluvelt - 31 October 2014 Amongst the guests at this illustrious gathering was a party of 20 from the RGS community that comprised current pupils, former pupils, past parents, current staff and a Governor. All wished to reinforce the historically strong links between the school and the Armed Services, and in particular the link with the Worcestershire Regiment. Amongst those representing RGS was Mike Stone (192939) who includes landing on Sword Beach on D-Day in his distinguished Service career. Guy Peters (2000-07) was commissioned earlier this
year and had just completed his Tank Commander training course earlier that day. For Seb Jones (2004-09) it was his first function as a newly promoted
Captain. Cadets Rhianna Roberts and Francis Hughes represented the School’s CCF. Below: Digby Wall (1965-70), Mark Rogers (1963-70) and Peter Major (1956-62)
A Reunion From The Archives The photograph below was taken on the occasion of the first RGS Combined Services Reunion Dinner held at the School on 11 May 1985. A
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similar event will be held in Autumn 2015. The School extends a warm invitation to any Service personnel (current or retired) who would like to
attend. Please register your interest with the Development Office to ensure that you receive details in good time.
RGS Alumni Events Planned for 2015 RGS Netball: Superball (Friday 20 March, 7:30pm) For the first time RGS will play King’s Worcester at The Worcester University Indoor Arena. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. This promises to be a high-octane clash so our 1st VII girls will appreciate the vocal support that The Green Army delivers each year at Sixways Stadium to help the rugby boys. RGS Former Footballers’ Tournament (Saturday 28 March, 9:30am) The 6-a-side tournament on Flagge Meadow playing for the PJOS Leg End Trophy. The RGS Triathlon (Sunday 29 March, Top Barn, 8.00am) Chip Lawton is resurrecting the RGS Triathlon for current pupils and alumni. Apparently open water swimming in March is ‘character building’ but only if you add in a run and bicycle ride… RGS Former Pupils’ London Drinks (Spring 2015) An informal gathering at a London venue for drinks, socialising and networking. RGS Former Pupils’ London Lunch (Spring/Summer 2015) RGS former pupils based in or around London to meet for a more formal social gathering at a prestigious Club venue. Joint Services Dinner at the School (Autumn 2015) We wish to welcome all former pupils of RGS and AO who have served in the Armed Forces back to the school to dine, to link up with old friends and to meet some of our current cadets. Perrins Hall Centenary (1915 – 2015) On 21 May 1915 Colonel William Stallard, Chairman of Governors, officially opened Perrins Hall – the rest, as they say, is history! Headmaster AGK Brown wrote in 1959 “It is Perrins Hall, that, more than anything else, makes the School.” The Development Office will be arranging a series of reunion events to mark this momentous milestone based around decades of attendance. We will start with a lunch for leavers from 1930s, 1940s and 1950s on Saturday 9 May 2015.
Details of all events are publicised on the School website and via the RGS Times. To ensure you are made aware of details as soon as they are available please register your interest with the Development Office: 01905 613391 or developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk
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News of Former Pupils Harry Roberts (2004-13), Chris Francis (2008-13) and Tom Bratton (2006-13)
The boys play together as “This Time Last their University courses we eagerly await their Week” offering an energetic mix of rock, indie, debut album and will keep you posted when it is alternative and punk. Now based in Liverpool for available to download.
Jenny Nesbitt (2003-14) Put one hand up if you have just won the 2014 Worcester 10k run and put the other hand up if you have just beaten Paula Radcliffe. Jenny came back to school in September to receive the praise of pupils and staff for her amazing achievement. Jenny paid tribute to the support she received at RGS and thanked Miss Cia Duckworth in particular for her guidance. Since then she has won a bronze medal for the England Juniors in the International Cross Country Event held in Burgos, Spain. A bright future beckons for this talented athlete.
Stefan Porter (1999-06) Stefan is seizing a market opportunity by using modern technology to meet the needs of our busy lifestyles while addressing a gap on the High Street. He is the Founder of “Meat Porter”, an online artisan butcher that sources and delivers high quality fresh meat to customers, nationwide. Stefan kindly donated the meat for the barbecue at the Lawton Sevens Touch Tournament in June and asked only for a cheeky plug in this report. We are delighted to return the favour to this intrepid RGS entrepreneur. He is at www.meatporter.com
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The Bellamy Brothers: Chris (1997-08) and Mike (1996-06)
Positive sibling rivalry led to a tortuous showdown in September when Chris and Mike
took on Ironman Wales and survived. Not only did they both finish the competition when many competitors failed to make it beyond the swim, but Chris even won his age division. The seed sown for endurance racing can be directly traced back to their participation in the RGS Triathlon 10 years ago. That event had a 300m swim, a 17km bike ride and a 5km run. In contrast, the Ironman Triathlon was a 3.8km open sea swim, a 180km mountainous bike ride and a 42.2km jog in the hills! The brothers were raising funds for Scope (www.scope.org.uk) which seeks to increase opportunities for people with disabilities.
Jonathan Lee (1960-67) Jonathan founded Jonathan Lee Recruitment in 1978 following his early career in engineering and advertising. With a head office in Stourbridge and other offices in the UK and Dubai, the company specialises in the engineering and manufacturing industries with a strong focus on automotive and aerospace. Jonathan would like to hear from RGS alumni looking to further their careers in industry, or industrialists looking to strengthen their own teams. Contact: jonathan@jonlee.co.uk
Abigail Lucas (2008-10) Former RGS Worcester pupil Abigail Lucas has made her professional debut, playing saxophone in the West End at the launch of the eagerly awaited musical Cool Rider, better known as Grease 2. At 14, Abi joined The Birmingham Conservatoire and she continued her musical journey at RGS, joining the school in the Sixth Form. “The Music Department at RGS played a huge part in where I am today, I will forever have extremely fond memories of Mr Hamilton and Mr Adlington. There were always so many opportunities for performing, as a soloist and in various groups and ensembles.�
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Rowers of 1964 Reunite the final. It is doubtful whether the School had ever enjoyed a better set of wins against top rowing schools in winning the final of a regatta.”
A global RGS reunion took place in Bedford on 10 May 2014 to mark the 50th anniversary of the RGS VIII securing an historic win. In his book “Royal Grammar School Worcester: 50 years of Rowing 1943-93”, R.J. Pedley records: “At Bedford Regatta the ‘Eight’ won the Symonds Challenge Cup, defeating Magdalen College School, Oxford, City of Cambridge R.C., Bedford School and Bedford Modern School in
Using the internet and a little help from the Development Office the crew managed to reconnect in the run up to the event to plan the reunion. The day of the regatta was full of memories, and a Skype connection even managed to link up two of the crew who were in Australia and Canada respectively. The photo shows the winning crew of Dick Rowberry (195765), David Nicholls (1957-65), Mike Finigan (1960-67), Stu Gibbs (1960-65) (stroke), Jim Pailing (1957-64), John Blackburn (1961-67), Nick Gilbert (1962-65) (bow) and Graham Pollok (1958-65). The cox is Peter Hurley and despite extensive efforts he was not traced, apparently the crew omitted to give him the traditional river bath that every winning cox expects and felt it was time to do so! If you know his whereabouts please contact the Development Office.
Philip Sawyer (1941-49) Philip featured in the Queen’s 2014 Birthday Honours List and received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of the extensive charitable works he has undertaken over many years. This includes RGS where he served as a Governor from 1972 until 2007, holding the post of Chairman of Governors for 21 years. Philip is pictured at his investiture with his wife, Sheila, and the Lord-Lieutentant for Worcestershire.
David Owen (1967-75) Back in The USSR The Development Office is always keen to hear from alumni and to share news of former pupils so it was fascinating to speak recently with our man in Moscow. David (DH) Owen (1967-75) is the CEO of Deloitte in Russia and he was kind enough to share his insights about Russia today against the backdrop of the crisis in Ukraine.
became a Partner in 1990 and then returned to the UK with his wife and four children in 1994. In 2011 after 11 years as the Managing Partner of Deloitte’s UK Consulting division he had the opportunity to take on the role of CEO for Deloitte’s CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) practice in Moscow as a four year secondment. Living by his motto ‘life is not a rehearsal’ he seized the opportunity, albeit with some initial wariness!
David’s personal background Following RGS, David read History at University before joining Industry. In 1987 he joined So are the popular stereotypical images of Deloitte in Durban as a Management Consultant, Russia a fair portrayal? David explains: “Russia
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is the biggest country in the world by land mass, has a population of nearly 160 million people and is home to huge deposits of natural resources. It has had a complicated and sometimes violent history but boasts world-leading culture in its ballet, music and art. It is also a force to be reckoned with across a number of sports. Moscow is a place where foreigners can live and work successfully, even with just a basic grasp of the language. It is a big modern city with a fabulous metro system, great bars and restaurants and a buzzy atmosphere although the traffic is horrendous. Educational standards are high, and there is a huge take up of technology across industry and commerce. Winters are long and hard, with temperatures dropping to -25C, however, spring and summer weather is glorious.
now businesses in Russia are having an adverse impact on the commercial climate, as is the dramatic fall in the oil price, which is such an important factor for the Russian economy and currency. People in the West will be amazed at the speed with which Russians have turned their attention to China as a replacement business partner for Russian exports in the face of what they perceive as hostility from Europe and the US. China responded to Russian overtures by agreeing a $400 billion gas deal with Gazprom in May 2014. I think that this is just the start of what will be a much bigger trading relationship, and an unintended consequence of the Western sanctions. Dealing with Russia has never been easy and probably never will be – but it will always be an important place to consider.”
Since the fall of the Soviet Union it has experienced an economic rollercoaster. Conversely a huge amount of highly visible wealth has been generated through natural resources and heavy industry, massive fortunes have been made (and lost) against a backdrop of political machination and intrigue.
What of David’s own long-term future after he retires from Deloitte in 2015? “I do want to get a good balance between pursuing some on-going business involvement with living a much more relaxed and recreational existence where I can pursue my passions for playing golf, shooting and watching cricket and rugby. I would like to build a small portfolio of nonexecutive directorships where I can add value to enterprises through my years of management consulting and business leadership experience. I would also like to help young people who are planning their future careers by building on the advice I was able to offer through the schools that our own kids went to in Bedford. Deloitte UK recruits more than a thousand graduates every year so I do have useful experience in this area.”
The Russian approach to business is different to what may be considered normal practice in the West. Opportunity comes and is taken very early by ambitious and hard working bright young individuals, and increasingly multi-national corporations are training up locals to take on roles traditionally filled by ex-pats. English remains the language of business in Deloitte, however, we have 55 partners of whom two thirds are now Russian nationals, as are 95% of our 1500 staff. When I hand over the reins it will be to a domiciled ex-pat who has lived there for And what of David’s feelings for his old twelve years and speaks fluent Russian.” school? “I value my time at RGS a great deal. I was How has it been for Western businesses of the generation where we had to pass the during the crisis in Crimea and Ukraine? dreaded 11+ exam to get a place, but once in “The past year has been incredibly challenging, the School I found myself amongst other boys largely as a result of the political upheaval from all backgrounds who shared a certain in Ukraine and the annexation by Russia of outlook on life and had tremendous abilities. It Crimea with its strategic naval base. Western was a great leveller for all of us! I enjoyed most sanctions imposed on specific individuals and of my subjects and the sport, particularly cricket
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and rugby. I captained the 2nd XV in 1974 when we even beat Christ College Brecon, away, in six inches of freezing cold liquid mud. It was a good period for cricketing celebrities, I was in the 4th form when Imran Khan was at RGS, and I managed one year in the 1st XI with a young Timothy Curtis in 1975. I also played on Sundays for the OEs with Phil Serrell – never a dull moment when he was around!
Reed and Barrie Rees. The CCF was useful in developing leadership skills and learning how to shoot straight. I have come across other Deloitte people who benefited in a similar manner to me from an RGS education – Dave Tansley and David Best both spring to mind.”
So will he make it to Sixways for the RGS v King’s match in 2015? “I have barely been back to Worcester since I have good memories of senior members of 1975 so it would be great to return. I look forward staff such as “Walt” Wheeler, AR Wheeler, to taking in the game and to meeting up with “Robbie” Robertson and, of course, Godfrey former pupils and teachers from my era as we Brown. I joined the school in 1967, which watch RGS reclaim the Modus Cup. I also plan was also the start of what became illustrious to revisit the School for my first look around in a teaching careers for young men (then!) like Bill very long time.” Not quite a former pupil but we thought you might like this news…
Like so many other punters across the country, The Grand National at Aintree was the annual flutter for a number of people in the RGS community. Anyone arriving at the School on the Monday after the 2014 race would have seen some very happy faces. This was because when Pineau de Re romped home, the cheering was led by the Newland family whose daughter Annie is in the Sixth Form. Her sisters Amelia (1995-
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11) and Felicity (2010-12) are both alumnae of the School. Former RGS Marketing Manager, Rod Trow, is also the Assistant Trainer for Mr Newland and was at the finish line to welcome in this champion horse. Rod has been involved in training race horses since his childhood so for him it truly was a dream come true. For the rest of us the odds of 25/1 were the stuff of smaller dreams coming true!
Visitors to the School The Development Office has welcomed back to the School more than 600 former pupils, past parents and ex-staff since September 2012. If you would like to visit the School please contact Scott or Catherine who will be happy to make the arrangements.
Mark (RGS 1987-92) and Julie (AO 1987-93) Sharpe Siblings Mark and Julie visited the School in August, each eager to see the parts of the School previously “off limits”, they particularly enjoyed the opportunity to have a photoshoot at the “hole in the wall”! Mark commented afterwards: “Despite the obvious changes that had come about since the merger of the two schools, I saw nothing but great memories mixed with fantastic progress”.
Rod (1984-91) and Ben (1989-97) Hunt Brothers Rod and Ben re-visited their old stomping ground in September and had many amusing stories to recount about their time at the School! Rod wrote, “We have always been very proud of having had the opportunity to go to the School and it was great to see how it has grown since we have left, and continues to thrive. Bumping in to Tim Curtis and PJ O’Sullivan was an added bonus!”
Tom Marshall (1995-02), Joe Marshall (1998-05), Daniel Hughes (1995-02) and Paul Scrivens (1996-02) Tom’s wife, Emma, contacted the Development Office because she hoped to organise a surprise visit to RGS for his 30th birthday with a few of his school friends. We were delighted to oblige and the gang’s shared memories were in full flow by the time Tom discovered the destination of his mystery visit back to Worcester. So what did Tom think about going back to school as a birthday treat?! In his own words: “I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.”
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Jon Arch (1960-66) Professor Arch was able to combine a visit to RGS in his personal and professional capacities when he led a team from The University of Buckingham to the School’s Careers Fair in March 2014. Jon was thrilled to meet current pupils in his old school and was pleased to see that the Nameboards recording Scholarship Awards are still on display in Eld Hall. We insisted he take a look at his entry for the Exhibition he received when going up to Jesus College, Oxford in 1967. Jon plans to return to RGS soon with some of his old classmates.
Jurek Martin OBE (1950-60) Jurek is based in the USA and happened to be on a visit to the UK during 2014 when on a whim he brought his wife to see his old school. We were delighted to show them both around. His entry on the Eld Hall Nameboards as a Meeke Scholar at Hertford College, Oxford impressed his wife but for Jurek the chance to talk cricket with Mike Wilkinson (Teacher in Charge) was the highlight. Readers of the Financial Times may be familiar with Jurek’s regular columns. Although now freelance he has worked for The FT since 1966 including as the Foreign Editor and was at times the Bureau Chief in Tokyo and Washington DC.
Brian Cope (1943-46) A chance meeting onboard a cruise ship off the coast of Chile between former RGS Master Neil Humphries (1975-00) and former pupil Brian Cope led to a second meeting. This time it was planned and took place at RGS where Brian was able to see the school where he boarded during the extremely austere years of The Second World War. He noted that RGS was in much better shape these days and that the pupils attending today looked very smart even at the end of the day. Brian added that they clearly have wonderful opportunities that were not available to his generation. He wished the current pupils every success.
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Alumni Deaths It is with sadness that we report the deaths of the following former pupils in 2014: (leaving year in brackets) John E Bennett (1941) Anthony Mobbs (1957) Raymond Steggles (1970)
Lionel ‘Larry’ Bullock (1953) Adrian Parry (1958) Thomas Woolford (2010)
Bernard Tate (1955) Roger Ward (1961)
We have also been made aware of the following deaths in 2013: Robert Tarran (1940) David Crook (1950)
Geoffrey Chandler (1941) John Davis (1961)
Timothy Shaw (1949)
Former member of staff Brian Leavey, Head of Economics (1967-69) The Development Office would be grateful to receive notifications for any other alumni deaths. Where possible, funeral details will be sent to former classmates via email to enable them to attend or to offer condolences to the family. Should family or classmates wish to submit an obituary the Development Office will have the capacity to include these (words and photos) on its website from later this year.
Finding Former Pupils And Updating Contact Details We are working hard to establish contact with all former pupils and ex-staff from both RGS and AO. If you know of anyone from either School who does not hear from the Development Office then we would like to write to them to confirm if they would value receiving updates from the School. We hope you can help us to find our “missing alumni” by sharing details with the Development Office. For a number of pupils who left RGS in the 1990s and 2000s the Development Office continues to correspond to their parents’ home address. We try to ensure that our database is always accurate so we would really appreciate receiving current address details. We would be delighted to continue writing to any past parents who wish to receive news from RGS.
Your Data, The Development Office and The AOOEs The School holds personal data relating to its former pupils. Information is only used for the purposes that are set out in the School’s Data Protection Policy. The Development Office operates within the School Policy and will never divulge your personal data without your express consent. When a member of The Alice Ottleians’ and Old Elizabethans’ (AOOEs) informs the Development Office of a change in contact details this information is shared with the AOOE Membership Secretaries. This is a reciprocal arrangement that aims to ensure members continue to receive news from the School and the Association. The AOOE Committee maintains a separate database for its members and operates to its specific Data Protection Policy. Information relating to the AOOEs can be found at: www.aooe.org.uk The School’s Data Protection Policy can be found on the RGS website: www.rgsw.org.uk Copies can also be requested by contacting the Development Office.
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News from The Development Office efficient system for handling enquiries. We aim to respond as soon as possible to everyone who makes contact with the Development Office and we appreciate your patience when, occasionally, it takes us slightly longer than we would wish. Catherine’s daughter is now in Year Nine and has continued to enjoy her time at the School and makes the most of the academic and cocurricular opportunities on offer.
The distribution of the first ever Development Office Annual Report generated a number of conversations with former pupils that have continued throughout 2014. The Report also triggered visits to the School, a class reunion, old friends reconnecting, alumni taking part in the RGS Careers Fair and news of former pupils whose leaving years range across the past seven decades.
On a personal level, I became an RGS parent when my sons joined RGS The Grange in Years Two and Three, respectively. The boys have settled into RGS wonderfully well. Sadly, our family dog, Charlie, had to be put down in June. It was a bittersweet moment when I met Alastair Field (1992-99), who is our local vet. Charlie’s successors, Mick and Murphy, have been mostly well behaved!
We were delighted that former pupils used the 2013 Annual Report as an opportunity to support the School through donations. We also launched our first Legacy Campaign and that has generated a number of pledges. We hope that others in the alumni community will choose to make a gift to the School through their Will. The installation of The Billingham Observatory was an unplanned venture but one that has been a highlight of 2014. The background is We feel that as parents of children at the School explained within this report. it helps us to appreciate what former pupils will have experienced when they attended RGS. It also gives us a feel for the rhythm of school life that we aim to convey to the alumni community. Thank you again to everyone who has supported the School, and we look forward to seeing as many alumni as possible at the events during 2015.
Catherine has done a superb job of managing our office move so that we have had a seamless Scott MacDonald transition. The dedicated office space in Development Manager Britannia House has enabled us to create a more
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The New Billingham Observatory In September 2013, the RGS Times reported the death of former pupil John Billingham (193947). John attended RGS alongside his brother Geoff (1939-50) during the era when their father Edgar (1926-62) was Head of English and Commanding Officer of the CCF for some time having fought in France during the First World War. John read medicine at Oxford University and then served in the RAF before forging a very successful career at NASA. John’s leadership roles culminated in his pioneering The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). In October 2013 The Development Office welcomed to the School John’s son, Graham, who travelled from California with his wife Jeanine to discover more about his family’s links with RGS. The forward-looking ambition the Governors have for the pupils in the field of Science made a lasting impression on Graham and Jeanine. For this reason the Billingham Family has made possible the installation of an observatory at RGS The Grange. The Billingham Family hopes to inspire current and future pupils to explore the wonders of the Universe. In August, four generations of the Billingham family visited the observatory and were delighted with this new teaching facility. Sarah John, Head of Physics said:
“
This is a great way to motivate and engage pupils of all ages. The stars have fascinated humans since the dawn of our existence and it’s a joy to be able to study them like this
”
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Donations To The School Support received from our alumni community During the past year the School has benefited greatly through the involvement of a number of individuals in the RGS and AO communities. The desire by so many former pupils to help the School has been inspiring. As a result we are delighted to report that: • Two Sixth Form pupils are able to attend the School because their fees are being part funded by anonymous benefactors within the alumni community • Alumni located in the UK and overseas have made gifts to the A R Wheeler Bursary Fund and the Alice Ottley Bursary Fund • A number of former pupils are supporting the A R Wheeler Bursary Fund using standing orders to make monthly payments • A musical instrument that was not previously available to pupils has been purchased by the Music Department through the generosity of a former pupil • The Billingham Observatory has been installed at RGS The Grange • A new School prize has been funded in memory of a former pupil that recognises achievement in Applied Physics • A former pupil donated a painting to the School that had belonged to his late father • Books have been gifted to the library including a copy of the Worcestershire section of the Domesday Book • Photographs have been donated to the Archives • The 2015 South Africa Rugby Tour received a box of prime barbeque meat! (along with generous donations to the travelling fund) • The AOOE Committee, on behalf of its members, has donated to projects including: supporting the Billingham Observatory, financing Mark Roger’s book and providing high quality picture frames to enable pupils’ artwork to be displayed professionally. The Committee has provided grant awards to individual pupils to help finance courses and trips that further their academic studies. It has also covered unexpected costs for The Debating Society and supported the School in attending the Gheluvelt Commemoration Dinner. • The School is now aware of a number of Legacy pledges made by alumni who have recognised RGS in their Will, which will generate gifts at a future date.
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ARW’s Legacy Gifts To RGS Tony Wheeler wished to give back to the school that had been his life and home for 37 years, so he bequeathed two significant legacies to RGS in his Will. The A R Wheeler Bursary Fund RGS is proud to have an endowment fund that is named in honour of the long serving RGS Master (1950–87) who left a substantial gift to the School. ARW, as he was affectionately known, expressed regret at the demise of the traditional grammar school model that offered the opportunity of a first rate education to children of all backgrounds. However, he embraced RGS’s move to independence in 1983. ARW recognised this change in status as being the best way of preserving the historic school to which he dedicated his career. The Governors aim to build up the capital within the fund. Each year the interest earned from the fund’s capital investments will be used to support bursaries. All bursaries are meanstested to ensure funds match genuine need. The first ARW recipient joined the Senior School in September 2013.
Mr Wheeler’s Maps ARW also gifted to RGS the contents of his collection of historical maps and prints that relate to Worcestershire. Head of Art, Richard Gilbert, was keen to make use of this rich archive resource with his Year Nine pupils during 2014. The class was set the task of exploring and interpreting how cartographers have used art to illustrate maps over the years, and to create their own map-inspired drawings. A competition ensued, (it’s not just the sports teams and debaters who enjoy rivalry at RGS!), with Elle Mortimer’s work taking the honours just ahead of a number of other innovative pieces.
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Leaving a Legacy to the School In 2014 a number of alumni informed us of their decision to include a gift to RGS Worcester in their Will.
Michael Clemson (1948–54) Michael has chosen to make a gift to RGS in his Will. Michael attended the School for six years and left in 1954. Following a successful career, he has retired as a director of several companies and lives in Kent. Michael was President of the Old Elizabethans’ in 2000. He regularly attends alumni events at the School, including the recent 1950s leavers’ reunion and the unveiling of the Blue Plaque to honour AGK Brown. For a number of years Michael co-ordinated the alumni dinners in London and with his assistance the Development Office will restart this gathering in 2015. Michael has many varied interests in life but he has always retained a strong loyalty to the School.
“
I attended RGS from 1948 to 1954 and for the rest of my life I have considered myself very fortunate. It afforded a first class education to me as it did for many others from primary schools in and around Worcester whose parents could not afford the fees for private education. My confidence and self esteem rose in leaps and bounds during my time at RGS. The School had so many activities for character building and a wide range of subjects to study. I owe so much to our School. I support the initiative to produce this Legacy Brochure and would urge you to leave a gift in your Will in order that the School will be the most widely accessible leading establishment of education throughout Worcestershire.
Ways of Giving in a Will
”
Making a legacy gift to RGS Worcester is one of the most personal decisions that you can make. It creates a permanent testimony to your affection for the School and that you endorse what it aims to achieve.
of greatest need. Alternatively, a restricted gift can be allocated to specific areas such as bursaries or capital projects. It is also possible to donate shares, property, archive material and items that could benefit the School’s departments and its pupils.
There are several different types of legacy gifts that can be made to RGS Worcester. We always advise that you consult your solicitor to ensure you make a gift that best fits with your wishes and is most compatible with your wider estate planning. As a registered charity (no.1120644) RGS Worcester will pay no tax on your legacy gift. Making a gift to a registered charity may also reduce the tax commitment on your estate.
If you plan to support a particular aspect of the School then Scott MacDonald, the Development Manager, would be happy to discuss your ideas to ensure your wishes are met. Any discussions would not be legally binding and would be held in strict confidence.
You may choose to leave an unrestricted gift that the Governors will use to support the School in the area
When making a gift in your Will please ask your solicitor to include the School’s charity number (no. 1120644) and the name The Royal Grammar School Worcester (there are other unrelated RGS schools in England).
Letting the school know If you feel able to let the School know of your intention to leave a legacy gift to RGS, please contact Scott because it will give us the opportunity to express our deep gratitude.
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Fundraising During 2015 The Bursary Campaign The Development Office will launch the School’s Bursary Campaign in 2015. The aim is to generate additional income that will be used for the sole purpose of extending the provision of bursaries. This will enable pupils to attend RGS when their family circumstances would otherwise deny them
the opportunity of an education enjoyed by all RGS former pupils. It is hoped that as many alumni as possible will feel able to contribute. If any recipients of the Annual Report do not wish to be contacted in relation to this matter then they should inform the Development Office.
Capital Projects Extending bursary provision remains the key priority for the School. However, the Headmaster and Governors have carried out preliminary research into potential capital projects across the RGS estate that would enhance the School for current and future pupils. Should anyone in the RGS community be
interested in helping to sponsor a specific project then the Development Office will be happy to set up an exploratory meeting with the Headmaster. Any discussions would not be legally binding and would be held in strict confidence.
Archives The School has an interesting collection of archive material that has been supplemented in recent years by donations. The Archives are located in a former classroom at the top of Britannia House. Former pupils and ex-staff have given memorabilia including photographs, books, clothing and sports equipment. We are working on a long-term strategy to display more of our archives around the School for the benefit of our pupils, parents, staff and visitors. If you would like to contribute any items please contact the Development Office.
For any queries relating to supporting the School, please contact The Development Manager, Scott MacDonald, on 01905 613391 or via developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk
Charitable Status The School is a private company limited by guarantee (no. 6251081) and is a registered charity (no.1120644) that exists for the express purpose of educating boys and girls in the Worcester area. The charity’s income is derived entirely from school fees, investment income, and from voluntary donations. Unlike the traditional grammar school model, RGS receives no funding from the State. Details of the charity, including Annual Accounts and Trustee Annual Reports, can be read on the Charity Commission website – www.charitycommission.org.uk The Governors recognise the need to continually improve RGS for current and future pupils, but must balance this with the key objective of ensuring the School remains widely accessible by keeping fees as low as possible. It is hoped that RGS alumni will feel able and willing to support their School, in the manner that schools of a similar stature enjoy.
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Tax Efficient Giving to the School Adding Gift Aid to your Donation HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) permits registered charities to increase the value of donations received by enabling the charity to reclaim the value of the basic rate of tax. To make this possible donors must complete a Gift Aid Declaration (see opposite page for details). As a registered charity RGS Worcester can claim Gift Aid on personal donations. Higher rate taxpayers can also claim extra relief on donations. As an example if a 20% basic rate taxpayer donated £100 to the school: Actual Gift made Tax already paid by donor @ 20% by donor £100
£25
Value of Gift Aid
Total value of the gift to the School
School claims back from HMRC
£25
£125
£25
Higher rate (40%) taxpayers can also claim extra relief on donations. Using the same example the relief claimed via the donor’s annual tax return would be £25 making the actual cost of the donation £75. Detailed information can be found at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid
Standing Order Donations Monthly giving is an effective way of spreading the cost of a donation. Small monthly amounts rapidly grow into a significant gift to the School. Regular payments also help the School to plan future bursary awards with confidence. The table below illustrates the impact regular giving with Gift Aid can make over three years (if you are a UK taxpayer). Monthly over 3 years
Donation to the School
Value to the School with Gift Aid included
Cost to 40% tax payer
£10
£360
£450
£270
£25
£900
£1,125
£675
£50
£1,800
£2,250
£1,350
£200
£7,200
£9,000
£5,400
How to make a Donation Please complete the donation form (including the Gift Aid Declaration if applicable) on the opposite page and return it to: The Development Office, RGS Worcester, Upper Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HP We recommend that you keep a copy for your records.
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Thank you! - every single donation makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. Our priority is to extend the provision of bursary support at the School so we will allocate all ‘unrestricted’ gifts from RGS alumni to The A R Wheeler Bursary Fund. However, we appreciate that you may prefer to help the School by supporting other initiatives that will benefit current and future pupils. If you would like to discuss a gift of any type that you are considering making to the School please contact the Development Manager who will be happy help you achieve your objective. Personal Details
NAME:________________________________________________________________(PLEASE PRINT) ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ POSTCODE:____________________________________ EMAIL__________________________________________TEL:_________________________________
Declaration I understand that as a donor I must pay or have paid an amount of income tax or capital gains tax equal to the tax claimed by RGS Worcester as a charity. I would like all gifts I make from the date of this declaration to be Gift Aid donations until I notify you otherwise. Please tick this box if you DO NOT wish for your name to be acknowledged in our Annual Giving Report
Date:
Signature:
Please complete to make a Single Gift and/or a Regular Gift: A Single Gift I enclose a cheque made payable to ‘RGS Worcester’ for:
£
Regular gifts made by Standing Order are extremely helpful because they enable the School to plan future income and expenditure. Using a Standing Order ensures that you remain in complete control of what you give to RGS. You can cancel or amend the Standing Order at any time should you wish to do so by informing your Bank. The Development Office can set up a Standing Order on your behalf if you return this form with the information below completed. Our postal address is overleaf. A Regular Gift I would like to make my gift by regular payments of: (PLEASE TICK ONE BOX) £10 PER MONTH
£25 PER MONTH
OTHER AMOUNT £
£50 PER MONTH MONTHLY/QUARTERLY/ANNUALLY (PLEASE DELETE AS REQUIRED)
BANKER’S STANDING ORDER FORM: To support ‘The Royal Grammar School Worcester’ (Lloyds TSB • Account No: 81976668 • Sort Code: 30-99-90) with a regular gift please complete this form BANK ACCOUNT NAME: BANK ACCOUNT NO: STARTING DATE:
(PLEASE PRINT)
BANK SORT CODE:
END DATE: (IF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE LEAVE BLANK)
TO THE MANAGER_____________________________________________________________(BANK) ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ POSTCODE:______________________________ SIGNED: DATE:
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Upper Tything Worcester WR1 1HP 01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 1120644