CHAIR OF GOVERNORS: RICHARD THOMAS

Chair of Governors

On each occasion I visit our school I leave down the front drive and pass the oak tree that was planted as a celebration of Guy Dodd’s life. Currently it is in bud, showing the new growth and is ready to blossom for another year. Our Foundation is following a similar path.

It gives me pleasure to write a few words in this annual report, as it provides me with the opportunity to share my admiration for the work that the Foundation does year on year. We are fortunate to have such a strong Foundation and the reason behind that is due to the dedication and commitment of our Chair Graham Hooper and all the Trustees who give their time so generously.

In the last year the Governing Body and Foundation have been looking to work ever closer together for the benefit of the school. In any charitable position it is important that best value for money is obtained for all contributions and the working relationship between us along with Senior Management Team of the school allows the achievement of optimum value. The extent of bursaries the school is able to provide is buoyant, but it is a desire of the Governing Body and an integral part of the recently issued Strategic Plan that there is a drive to increase level of bursarial support. It is through the generosity of alumni, parents, staff and friends and the hard work of the Foundation Trustees that we are in the position we are in terms of what can be offered. As John Wesley our Methodist founder stated: we should ‘earn what we can, save what we can, and then give what we can’. It is gratifying to see so many of our family upholding those ideals.

The benefits provided through bursarial support are immense, there are wonderful stories to be told. We are grateful and thankful as a governing body for the work that is done by the Foundation Trustees and also all donors and contributors. The ability to give an opportunity to others is a rewarding and generous act.

I look forward to seeing the Foundation grow in strength year on year.

RICHARD THOMAS CHAIR OF GOVERNORS AND OLD TRURONIAN PARENT