Calne Foundation Trust Newsletter 2014

The Calne Foundation Trust Summer 2014

Welcome to the second CFT Newsletter It has been another busy and successful year for The Calne Foundation Trust. Although only established in 2012 for the benefit of St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Preparatory School, the Foundation has made huge progress over the past year and has embarked on an energetic and purposeful programme of activities to raise the profile and generate funds for the benefit of the excellent causes for which it was established.

Under the leadership of the Headmistresses, Dr Kirk and Mrs Cordon, the schools have been working on their medium and long term strategic plans. You can read more about the ‘10 Year Vision’ for the schools in this newsletter.

Another key focus for The CFT this year has been The Armed Forces Fund, working in conjunction with Radley and Downe House. Various events and activities have taken place over

the past 12 months which have raised in excess of £20,000. I hope you enjoy reading about them.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us in supporting this fund by attending events and making donations.

As with all schools, the establishment of a Bursary Fund plays a vital role in assisting able pupils to enjoy the benefits of a Calne education. The CFT has embarked on developing a capital fund to help finance bursaries in the long term. The parents of the 2013 Leavers generously raised over £43,000 last year for the Bursary Programme, and the parents of the current UVI Form have enthusiastically embarked on forming a syndicate to fund a full or part-bursary. Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative so far; your gifts make a real difference and you can read in this newsletter how life-changing bursaries can be. The Bursary Fund, of which the Leavers’

Bursary Fund forms part, presently stands at £346,578.

Donations to all of The CFT Funds are always very welcome.

Donations can easily be made through a will as well as during one’s lifetime, and the use of Gift Aid helps us enormously, as well as offsetting some of the cost for higher rate tax payers.

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our donors and volunteers for their support over this past year.

Cari Depla Director of Development

The Marchioness of Lansdowne, Patron I am extremely honoured to be the first Patron of The Calne Foundation Trust.

The Lansdowne family has had a long association with both St Mary’s and St Margaret’s schools in many ways over the last century. From the first move to the current site, through my husband’s tenure as a Governor and, more recently, with pupils in both schools, there has been a strong connection.

It gives me great pleasure to retain that link with the past whilst working with the Foundation to ensure an even greater future for the schools.

The Calne Foundation Trust Charity No. 1147327 office@calnefoundation.org

The 10 Year Vision The ‘10 Year Vision’ for the schools has been announced in outline and the detail will be published in the Autumn Term. It includes improvements to the sports facilities for both schools over the next five years to give all pupils the best sporting opportunities. For St Mary’s, future plans thereafter include the development of the Art, Science and Library facilities, and the building of a multi-purpose hall for musical concerts, recitals and lectures. For St Margaret’s, the immediate focus will be on enhancing some of the essential ‘functional’ rooms and areas, with a medium term target of dedicated Science and DT spaces.

The CFT can help to accelerate the development programme by raising money to assist in the funding of specific projects.

A full size astroturf is being built this summer thanks to the generosity of a small group of current parents who have made significant donations to The CFT. The Sports Fund now stands at

over £550,000 thanks to these benefactors. The schools will also be investing in the sporting improvements this summer by building three additional netball courts and putting in floodlighting for both the astroturf and the new netball courts, and further sports improvements are planned thereafter to bring the facilities in line with other schools and to provide significant benefit to the pupils.

In the first half of the Autumn Term, the schools will be hosting a series of receptions at which they will be announcing more about the future components of the 10

Year Vision. There will also be a celebration of the completion of the astroturf which will be ready for use in October of this year.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to those who have so very generously enabled this project to happen sooner than had been originally planned. It will bring huge benefits to both St Mary’s and St Margaret’s pupils by providing an all-weather pitch for both schools primarily for hockey but also for lacrosse. It will also provide 9 -12 tennis courts for the pupils to use in the Summer Term.

Golf Day at Bowood We are planning a Golf Day at Bowood Golf and Country Club on Friday 3rd October to raise funds for the Sports Fund. Designed by Dave Thomas, architect of the Belfry, Bowood

has been voted amongst the top fifty golf destinations in Europe by Golf World Magazine and boasts one of the finest 18 hole courses in the South of England.

For more information, or to register interest in this event, please contact the Development Department on 01249 857345 or email office@calnefoundation.org

St Margaret’s Library St Margaret’s Library Fund was established in 2008 when the Parents’ Association worked alongside the Headmistress, Mrs Cordon, to start raising funds to purchase books for a new Library.

The Library was officially opened on 25th February by celebrated children’s author, Chris d’Lacey, best known for his series The Last Dragon Chronicles. The Library provides pupils with a wonderful research centre and the opportunity for individual reading and studying to take place within a quiet environment.

St Margaret’s has increased in size, particularly over the last four years, and the old Library was not sufficient to meet the needs of a growing school.

On the day of the opening, Mr d’Lacey held workshops with Year 5 and 6 pupils from St Margaret’s and Cherhill Primary School. He then joined specially invited guests, including school governors and fundraisers, to officially open the £250,000 library extension, which is now home to hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books.

a commemorative dragon plaque of ‘Gruffen’, one of the most popular dragons from his books.

We are very lucky to have a wonderful, multi-functional learning area and our thanks must go to all those who helped to make this possible.

As part of the Library project, the ICT Suite has been reconfigured and the Marketing and Administration Office has been moved to create vital storage space, as well as an additional tuition room.

The white walls of the Library have been transformed by Calne community artist, Josh Simpson, who has created murals containing favourite fictional characters such as Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. During the opening, Mr d’Lacey unveiled

The Adelman Scholars Between 2007 and 2013, a total of eight Sixth Form students from St Mary’s have benefited from the kind and generous bursary funded by the Adelman Foundation. Donated by the Illing family as a gift to the school in recognition of the positive and rewarding experiences had by their daughter Rebecca, whilst she herself was a Sixth Form pupil here, this award was created specifically to enable other young women, whose families might not normally be able to fund a private education, to benefit from the academic quality and raft of wonderful opportunities made available to their daughter.

In October this year, we are hosting a dinner in London for as many of the Adelman Scholars who can attend, to join us, along with Mr Illing as the guest of honour, in appreciation of this great legacy.

The Bursary Fund The Calne Foundation Trust is working hard to build up capital in the Bursary Fund to offer means tested assistance to talented pupils who, for financial reasons, would not otherwise be able to join either of the schools.

We would love to hear from supporters who might be interested in establishing a syndicate to raise funds collectively for a full or part-bursary. If you are interested in organising a bursary syndicate, please contact Cari Depla, Director of Development on 01249 857346.

‘I can genuinely say that my two years at Calne were the best of my life so far’ ‘I was given the incredible opportunity of attending St Mary’s Calne for the Sixth Form. I come from a large family with three younger siblings as well as foster siblings on occasions, and whilst my parents have always sought to provide me with everything I could ever need, the option of attending a school such as Calne was, despite both of my parents working full time, not possible with such a large family to care for. I must admit that upon applying for a scholarship to attend St Mary’s, I felt a little apprehensive, but as soon as I visited, it was clear to me that I wanted nothing more than to be a part of the whole experience, family and establishment that is Calne. I was correct in my assumption that it was nothing like anything I had done before, and I can genuinely say that even having completed university, my two years at Calne were the best of my life so far.

As well as making lifelong friends, I was given opportunities that would have otherwise been completely unavailable to me. I particularly immersed myself in the musical side of St Mary’s, playing with the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Sixth Form Choir and Concert Musicians, and received invaluable tuition and advice - something that small classes allow for (a stark contrast to the larger music classes at my previous schools). I also fondly remember having the opportunity

to sing for Sir Tim Rice at a function in London.

Aside from the educational and extra-curricular benefits that my bursary to Calne provided, I also grew in confidence and this was certainly invaluable when it came to applying for a place at university, as well as at interviews for internships and jobs. At St Mary’s we were encouraged to take a leadership role within school life, both through becoming prefects and through leading prospective parents on tours of the school. We were also prepared for university interviews in class and received tailored interview tips on DVD for future reference. This is further testament to how St Mary’s provided me with a skill set that would perhaps not have been accessible had I not received a bursary.

Since leaving Calne I have gone on to complete a degree at the University of Birmingham, whilst working for myself alongside my degree - something that I will pursue full-time after graduation.

I have set up an art business advertising my work and selling commissions (something that I would not have been confident enough to do were it not for the time and effort invested in me by teachers who would, on occasion, work with me until late evening to help where needed) and work as a nanny, youth worker

Katey in To Kill a Mockingbird 2010

and tutor throughout schools and homes within the Swindon area. I do, of course, still make time for my music, gigging and teaching in my spare time.

I cannot stress enough how invaluable the gift of completing my Sixth Form education at St Mary’s has been. I believe that because of my time at Calne, I have grown to be a confident, well-rounded young woman who strives to be the very best that I can be - wherever that may lead in future.’

Katey Cook 2009-2011

The Armed Forces Fund The Armed Forces Fund was set up in 2010 by Radley College in partnership with St Mary’s Calne and Downe House to provide funding for the education of sons and daughters of Forces Personnel killed or wounded while serving their country. To date, the Fund has raised over £1.369m, including cash donations, pledges and legacies between the three schools. The aim is to reach £5m by 2020.

The first recipient of the award – the daughter of a Ghurka – started at St Mary’s Calne in September 2013 and two other awards have been made to girls currently at St Margaret’s who will join St Mary’s when they are 11.

With 447 service personnel killed and an estimated 3,500 injured in Afghanistan alone, there is going to be a strong demand for AFF bursaries for many years to come. Various fundraising events have been held over the past year and our thanks go to everyone who has helped us in supporting this Fund by attending events and making donations.

Events this year which supported The Armed Forces Fund CANTABILE On Saturday 18th November, we were delighted to welcome the Warminster Military Wives Choir, who together with the Chamber Choirs of St Mary’s and St Margaret’s Schools, gave us the most sensational evening of choral enjoyment, in aid of The Armed Forces Fund.

Music during the concert ranged from songs by Cole Porter and U2 to a stunning rendition of Vilja from The Merry Widow by Bethan Dudley Fryar, accompanied by the St Mary’s Chamber Choir. The Cantabile Company’s Finale was a fabulous rendition of Sing by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber followed by a rousing Land of Hope and Glory, in which the audience was encouraged to participate!

We were delighted that General Sir Mike Jackson, formerly Chief of the General Staff and Head of the Army until 2006, supported us and gave a powerful address, helping us to fundraise to the tune of nearly £6,000. It was a truly exceptional and stirring evening and we cannot begin to thank all of those involved for their valuable contributions.

OPERA GALA NIGHT The evening of Wednesday 5th March in aid of The Armed Forces Fund was certainly a night to remember!

In the spectacular surroundings of the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, talented singers of St Mary’s shared the stage with international Operatic Stars of our time, and created an evening of dramatic, poignant and memorable operatic colour.

Setting the tone for the evening, guests were welcomed by six Guardsman in full uniform complete with bear skins – much to the delight of the girls (and supporters), many of whom managed to get their photos taken with them.

The evening was introduced by the extremely charismatic and charming Aled Jones, who had kindly given up his time to support not only this wonderful cause, but his good friends from the Royal Academy - Bethan Dudley (soprano), Hilary Summers (contralto) and Neal Davies (baritone). These Aled Jones & Bethan Dudley with the Coldstream Guards outstanding singers joined the St Mary’s Opera Ensemble and the Chamber Choir and amazed the audience with their incredible voices. We were treated to a highly entertaining programme of music from Wagner, Rossini and Bizet to Gilbert and Sullivan and Gershwin. Kamila Radzvilaite, St Mary’s Musician in Residence, also took to the stage and enthralled the audience with her fantastic piano playing. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and to the Music Department for their talent and enthusiasm which resulted in such a spectacular evening raising £11,500 for The Armed Forces Fund.

ONE DIRECTION Thanks to the kind generosity of a current parent who donated a pair of One Direction tickets, £580 was raised for The Armed Forces Fund by raffling the tickets to see the boy band perform at Wembley Stadium as part of their world tour. The lucky winner was an old Calne Girl who took her 8 year old daughter, and was no doubt voted mother of the year!

EVITA The retiring collection from the each of the three productions of Evita, staged during the Autumn Term, generated a fantastic total of £2,836 before gift aid. This amount was collected specifically for The Armed Forces Fund and we are truly grateful for the support shown by our audiences.

Forthcoming Events to support The Armed Forces Fund THE SILVER BALL Friday 28th November 2014 The Silver Ball is the most prestigious and important event in our fundraising calendar for The Armed Forces Fund. The first Silver Ball was held in 2011 and was a resounding success with 900 people attending and £440,000 raised for The Armed Forces Fund. The 2014 event will again take place at Supernova, Embankment Gardens, London and we do hope you will support this event.

The programme for the night will include a Champagne Reception, three course Dinner and an amazing Dance Band (www.ebband.net.) The tickets are £150 each and the aim is for all the costs of the evening to be met through donations and sponsorship so that your full ticket price can go straight to The Armed Forces Fund.

Tickets are available from www.silverball.org.uk

How can I support The Calne Foundation Trust?

At St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Preparatory School we are fortunate to have a community of parents, alumni and supporters who are passionate about the future and the continued evolution of the schools. Through fundraising we are able to offer the outstanding education received at both schools to a wider group of children.

In addition, we are able to realise additional projects, sooner than would otherwise be possible, that have the broadest impact on current, as well as future, pupils.

All funds raised are ring fenced and kept separate from main school finance, and The CFT acts as a vehicle for collecting, holding/investing, and dispensing sums donated for the benefit of both schools.

As a donor you may be assured that your donation will be held in a fund of your choice.

The operational costs of The CFT, including the costs of the Development Department, are paid for by the schools as part of their running costs. This means that every penny raised will be applied for the purpose for which it was donated.

As The CFT has charitable status, it qualifies for Gift Aid and other tax benefits. Therefore, any donation you make to The Calne Foundation Trust will be deployed to be of maximum benefit to the schools and to you, as a donor.

If you are a UK tax-payer, The Calne Foundation Trust can reclaim £2.50 for every £10 that you give, through the Gift Aid scheme. In addition, if you are a higher-rate tax payer, you can reclaim £2.50 on every £10 you donate, simply by entering the details on your tax return.

For more information, please visit www.calnefoundation.org

Single Gift (Higher rate tax payer at 40%) Gift Net Cost to Gross Value Donor to The CFT £250 £187 £312 £1,000 £10,000

£750 £7,500

£1,250 £12,500

Setting up a recurring gift is one of the most effective ways of supporting St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s.

It not only helps the Trust to plan a successful future, but it makes it easier for you to manage your giving and ensures your gift will make a real difference.

A gift of...

£5 a month = £60 a year

£20 a month = £240 a year

£250 a month = £3000 a year

and if you Gift Aid your donation, it will be worth even more.

You can set up a direct debit to the fund of your choice, which can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually.

To find out how to set up a direct debit, please contact the Development Department on 01249 857345 or office@calnefoundation.org

The Trustees Mr John Moore (Chairman)

Current Parent of St Mary’s Calne & St Margaret’s

Mrs Vicky Wilson

Governor i/c Development, Calne Girl, Former Parent

Mrs Frippy Fyfe

Chair of CGA, Calne Girl & Former Parent

Mrs Cate Bell

CGA Committee i/c communications, Calne Girl

Mr Edward Nicholson

Current Parent of St Mary’s Calne & St Margaret’s

Mr Jonathan Smith

Governor & Current Parent of St Mary’s Calne

Our Funds Capital Projects Fund

Fundraising for significant capital projects has been and continues to be vital to ensure ongoing investment in the facilities of St Mary’s and St Margaret’s for present and future generations. As leading independent schools, we cannot afford to stand still and we need to ensure we continue to provide the best possible facilities and environment in which to educate our pupils. Previous Capital Projects include the St Margaret’s Library, The Helen Wright House and the Carolyn Shaw Swimming Pool.

The Sports Fund was established to support an important capital project for St Mary’s and St Margaret’s Preparatory School. Sport plays an important part in our school life and we strongly believe in the benefits of both individual and team sports. We need to ensure our sports facilities improve and enhance the physical education of all our pupils.

As our sports results improve and opportunities for the pupils continue to increase, so our ability to provide the very best by way of sporting provision needs to evolve.

Bursary Fund

As a donor, you may prefer to support directly the educational needs of young individuals. We are aiming to build a substantial Bursary Fund exactly for this purpose. Within the Bursary Fund, there is The Helen Wright Fund (2012) which was set up in recognition of Dr Helen Wright’s service to St Mary’s Calne as Headmistress (2003-2012). This fund was established by the kind donations of current and former parents. The fund is administered by the Trustees for girls at St Mary’s who show exceptional leadership potential.

Discretionary Fund

For those donors who simply wish to donate to The Calne Foundation Trust and leave the application of funds to the Trustees. All donations to The Calne Foundation Trust will be dedicated to the funds listed above, that is, to bursaries and/or capital/specific projects. They will not be deployed, under any circumstances, for straightforward refurbishment or maintenance.

The Calne Foundation Trust 63 Curzon St Calne SN11 0DF www.calnefoundation.org