The Development OfficeAnnual Report 2014

Contents3 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

12 Review of 2014 Alumnae Events

15 AO Alumnae Events planned for 2015

16 News of Former Pupils

18 Alumnae Deaths

19 Visitors to the School

22 The First World War - RGS Remembers

24 News from the Development Office

25 The Billingham Observatory

26 Donations to the School

27 Miss Ottley’s Gift to the School

28 Leaving a Legacy to the School

29 Fundraising during 2015

30 Tax Efficient Giving to the School

31 Donor Form

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It is a great pleasure to be writing this introduction to the Development Office’s 2014 Annual Report to the alumnae of the Alice Ottley School. After my first term at the School, my family and I are really enjoying being part of the community.

The Michaelmas Term has been full of events and activities that have highlighted the tremendous range of opportunities available to pupils who are following your path through the School. A selection of these memorable occasions is included in the Report to give you a flavour of school life.

Our pupils achieved some excellent examination results last summer with record results at A* and A grade at A Level. Alongside the academic and enrichment programmes is a tremendous breadth of co-curricular activities available for all pupils. I am sure that alumnae will remember well their own experiences, whether it was on the sports field, in the concert hall, on the stage or on trips and expeditions as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It is these opportunities

that forge the leadership skills, resilience and character that are so important for our pupils as they look beyond school towards successful careers and lives after school.

The Development Office is at an early stage of its own development and I look forward to working alongside Scott MacDonald and Catherine Still as they continue to enhance the links between alumni and the School. The coming year promises to be a busy time with alumni events such as the marking of the Centenary of the opening of Perrins Hall. We will also be launching our first campaign to extend Bursary provision at the School. Increasing the ways in which we can create opportunities to support pupils applying to the School from different backgrounds is extremely important; we want an RGS education to be inclusive and accessible.

I have met a number of former AO pupils already and I am

grateful to all those alumnae 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 PittHeadmaster

A Welcome from the 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 term with lots of speeches and assemblies (46 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.

The School 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

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.

I would also like to develop our links with the City of Worcester and surrounding area and increase our community participation.

What do you think makes a great teacher?To be a good teacher, you have to be strong in your subject, and engage fully with the pupils. I think a great teacher will do even more than this. They will really grab the pupils’ attention and inspire them to love their subject.

They will be committed outside the classroom as a Form Tutor, in the House system, and in the co-curricular side of the 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.

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.

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. There is so much on offer here and, unless you try, you probably won’t find out what you enjoy.

I have known a pupil pick up a fencing foil in Year Seven and leave in the Upper Sixth as a National Champion also with a place at a prestigious university to read Medicine. I once taught someone who picked up a discus at the age of 15 and went on to compete in the London 2012 Olympics; he was also offered a place at Oxford University to read Law. The other piece of advice I would give is to work hard and never look back. Keep looking forward and relish the challenges ahead.

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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I am indebted to every member of the alumnae community who has chosen to support the School both financially and in person. I appreciate that every individual has been thanked already by the Headmaster and the Development Office team but I would like to add to this the gratitude of the Board of Governors. Your collective support for the School is inspiring. To those who prefer to remain anonymous, thank you once again.

Rosemary HamChairman of Governors

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caused considerable distress to the pupils, their parents and the staff at St Mary’s. All of us at RGS empathised on a professional and personal level. At short notice a huge team effort swung into action to host open days and to meet prospective pupils across all three RGS Schools. This was superbly executed by all of the staff and pupils involved, with the result that 82 girls joined RGS in September 2014, along with 5 teachers. At the request of the pupils and the parents we no longer refer to them as ‘The St Mary’s girls’ because they already feel so integrated into the RGS community.

The Development Office has continued to catch up with a number of former pupils from AO and RGS across a range of events and gatherings.

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.

I speak for the entire Board when I say that we were delighted to be able to appoint a Headmaster of John Pitt’s calibre. John conveyed his vision for RGS and has already made a very positive impact across the School in his first term. We should not be surprised by this, given that he has spent a significant amount of his career to-date at Whitgift School, which is where Tom Savage was before he joined RGS as Headmaster in 1978. Tom made a considerable impact on the School during his tenure, including guiding RGS back to being independent.

In June, it became public knowledge that St Mary’s School for Girls in Battenhall (also widely known as ‘The Convent School’) would close at the end of the academic year. This understandably

Our Chairman meeting HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at St James’s Palace on the occasion of RGS pupils receiving their Gold Award

On Behalf of the Board of Governors

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The staff and pupils at the School are incredibly proud of it’s combined AO and RGS heritage. 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 of AO and RGS 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

Contacting The School

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 alumnae 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.

The Development Office is dedicated to handling enquiries from the alumnae 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

Netball Captain Frankie Subert with the U19 Netball County Champions Shield

Six of our eight pupils who have received offers from Oxbridge in 2015

News From The School

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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.

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

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.”

Power At Our Fingertips

How iPads are enhancing learning

“Online interactive textbooks and even

work “sheets” can all be contained on the iPad”

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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

careers in this sector. The pupils in the company will be responsible for producing future stage shows and will manage the casting, the budgeting, 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

understanding of this creative and artistic medium that is so important to the UK economy.Jilly would welcome input from alumnae who have forged careers in the business and who can offer guidance through practical workshops. Please contact the Development Office if you can help.

Visitors to the School 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 alumnae 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.

If you think you can help current pupils and other alumnae through hosting networking and mentoring events then please do let us know. Job opportunities that

you may wish to advertise can be channelled through the Development Office.

The Careers Department

The School Equestrian Team

In 2014 the School entered several events where pupils have worn RGS colours for the first time. Girls and boys 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 alumnae 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

developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk

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Outrunning RadcliffeWorcester City 10K RunThousands of spectators turned out to see the Worcester City 10k Run on 21 September, which was run for the first time in the faithful city in 2014.

Three RGS Worcester pupils put in outstanding performances in the race on Sunday with Jenny Nesbitt winning the race overall and beating hundreds of runners including Paula Radcliffe, who came third in the race.

Jenny, who left the School this summer said: “RGS was the stepping stone from taking me from a nothing to a something! It provided me with my first opportunities at English Schools’ Athletic Association events and gave me the encouragement that I could go further. The support from RGS, especially Miss Duckworth, has been invaluable.”

Rees Bonham, Year Eight, won the Under 16 Boys’ title, and Holly Fox, Year Six at RGS The Grange, won the Under 11 Girls’ race.

John Pitt, Headmaster at RGS Worcester said: “We are immensely proud of our outstanding athletes, who have performed so well in a major public arena. We congratulate them and their school coaches and look forward to watching their performance at school and, I hope, on the national stage in the future.”

Imogen SinclairImogen Sinclair from Year Nine at RGS Worcester is an exceptional sports phenomena both in and outside of school. She popped in between practices to tell us all about her sporting success.

You have just been picked to play for the Welsh National Football Team – how do you feel about playing for a national team?I don’t normally feel very Welsh, as I am only half Welsh, but I feel very proud when I do play for the team. I would love to play in a World Cup, but I would have to choose who to support between England and Wales.

How did you get a place at Aston Villa? I first went to the trials day, which is held every year when I was nine; I trained with Fairfield Villa then near where I went to school in Alvechurch, but they didn’t even have a team at that time. I got in to the U10 squad and have managed to get a place every year since.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Aston Villa?I have been a season ticket holder since I was four years old, so it makes me really proud to wear the Claret and Blue strip. I enjoyed playing against Arsenal, Manchester United and Northern Ireland and meeting Darren Bent who was training at the same time that I was. The only bad thing is that training is normally at the same time as the first team matches, so I don’t get to see them play much anymore.

You play for the U14 A team at RGS – how do the

opposition react to seeing a young lady on the team? I love the chance to prove that I am a good footballer on the pitch. Some boys choose to play more on the wing (where Imogen plays) because they think it will be an easier battle.

You have just been picked for the England Rounders Squad – how did that happen? Miss Duckworth put me forward for the squad, but I never expected to be picked. I have to go to training every month in Corby, and the games are mostly next summer, so I will be able to fit it in with football and hockey.

Are there any other sports that you are involved in? I play tennis for Herefordshire and Worcestershire and was County Player of the Year last year. I won the U16 Singles and Doubles titles last season. I am also in the County Hockey squad, which trains all winter.

Mr Daniel Morgan, Imogen’s Tutor said: “Imogen is a very modest young lady, who remains one of the most pleasant, genuine pupils I have ever had the pleasure to meet; she is polite, courteous and always enters the room with a smile on her face. She has an excellent academic record and also serves on the class Charity Committee - what a pupil to have in my form for the beginning of my career at RGS Worcester.”

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Artfully DoneGCSE work in the frameThe team at Bevere Gallery, a regional centre for ceramics located in Worcester, believe that its remit to the Arts falls into many categories and one of these is to champion young talent.

Through their unique collaboration with RGS Worcester they award annual prizes to pupils at GCSE and A Level who show a maturity in their art practices, being able to use a variety of media and showing a singular voice. Each year, winners are awarded a unique piece of ceramic artwork to keep - commissioned by the gallery - along with a ceramic sculpture which is kept in School in Britannia House for all to admire.

They also employ Sixth Form students to work in their framing department as well as front of house in the gallery. Past pupils have been involved in exhibition curation, gallery

administration and framing practices. Rachel Ashton, who graduated from RGS in 2014, worked part time at Bevere Gallery for two years during which she specialised in the framing department. She learned all aspects of preparing the component parts then assembling the finished product along with customers’ artwork.

Thanks to a very generous grant from the AOOEs, last year’s GCSE work was framed to professional standards, by Rachel. The Art Department will use the frames to enable pupils’ work to become part of a travelling art exhibition, as well as a stunning spectacle for visitors to the School.

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A snapshot of some of the alumnae events that took place during the year: full reports of each event can be found in back issues of the RGS Times.

The Emily Jordan Old Girls’ Memorial Lacrosse Match - 29 March 2014

AO Alumnae London Drinks Reception - 22 May 2014

There was a fantastic turnout of Old Girls to both play in and to support this annual lacrosse match played on St Oswalds Field. The 2013 match fell victim to the ice and snow but this year the weather could not have been kinder. Cia Duckworth, Head of PE and Girls’ Games, organised another memorable match for all who participated.

The sun shone and spirits were high for this celebration event, with Alice Ottley players represented from 1987 right the way through to current RGS Worcester pupils. A team led by Harriet Roberts (1992-05) got the better of the Reds led by Toni Peters (2000-08), winning 7-1. A huge number of former pupils and staff came down to support the match, with any number of new babies joining the mix! After the match, players and guests repaired to the Pavilion on Flagge Meadow for a reviving

Review of 2014 Alumnae Events

Mayfair was the place to be in May, as over 50 former pupils of The Alice Ottley School gathered to celebrate their shared heritage. For those now living in the South East it proved the ideal way to reconnect more locally with AO alumnae.The Lansdowne Club was the venue and the drinks reception attracted former pupils whose leaving years spanned 1951 to 2010. The wide range in ages was no barrier as AO girls from different eras mixed with ease, finding common

feed with plenty of tasty nibbles and drinks. Guests donated £178.69 to The Emily Jordan Foundation on the day. The Foundation was set up to help others and as a lasting legacy to Emily, a former AO pupil (1997-04), who drowned whilst river boarding in New Zealand in 2008.

Over the years nearly £2,000 has been raised by those connected to the School. Pupils have regularly helped out and gained work experience with the Foundation. If anyone would like to donate further please visit www.theemilyjordanfoundation.org.uk

It is hoped that as many former pupils as possible will join us in 2016 for what is a very sociable gathering. Playing lacrosse is not a pre-requisite but enjoying a good catch up with old friends is unavoidable!

ground and realising connections through mutual friends and family. Guests’ descriptions of their time at the School naturally varied but several recurring themes emerged over the evening; from fond memories of unique AO snacks (jam, crackers and cheese together?) to the time spent wondering about the RGS boys “over the wall”. For Nina (Ley) Kanderian (1986-97) this curiosity was addressed when she married Zane Kanderian (RGS 1989-96). The Class of ’97 was well represented by Nina,

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AO ‘Class of 1982’ Reunion - 13 July 2014

Phillipa Belam (1973-82) and Sandra (Dunkley) Hudson (1973-80) organised a reunion for their year group at the School to mark many of them hitting a significant milestone (their words not ours!). With some help from the Development Office the dynamic duo rounded up more than 30 former pupils who enjoyed a leisurely tour

Gemma (Schirrmacher) Gooch (1987-97), Helen (Gething) Swift (1990-97), and Joanne (Jackson) Hennessy (1988-97).

Feedback from those who attended was very positive and supportive towards the School. Jill (Quaife) Rigamonti (1941-54) who attended with Hilary (Jones) Baker (1945-55) wrote: “I do want to tell you how much we both enjoyed it, much more so than we expected as we approached

it with some trepidation! But we were very glad we did come and although we were the only two of our actual class we were so pleased to see Gillian (Kitching) Delaforce (1947-55), Andrea (Vernon) Walker (1947-56) and Flicky (Drake) Low (1945-56), and of course Sandra Coombs (1942-51), all of whom we remembered very well. It was also very nice to talk to some younger members and exchange views with them about the amalgamation which was very interesting”.

of the AO buildings followed by a lunch in Main Hall that apparently bore little resemblance to the meals they all remembered. The day was rounded off with an impromptu rendition of Candida Rectaque, a class photo on the apse, and promises not to wait so long for the next gathering.

Together again on the apseThe naughty seat is revisited!

Rosie Wilkinson (1999-06), Robyn McGirl (2000-06), Sarah Thompson (1998-06), Rosie Martin (1996-06),

Rachel Harrison (1995-06)The gathering quickly got into full swing!

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A Traditional AO Afternoon Tea in memory of Sally Perks - 21 June 2014

It was both fascinating and poignant to welcome back more than 60 former pupils and staff to the School on 21 June.

Friends gathered to remember Sally Perks who taught at AO from 1973-05 and was one of the most respected and well-loved teachers of her era. Sadly she lost her battle with cancer in November 2013 aged only 62. The loss of such an inspirational person at such a relatively young age was what prompted Rosemary Ham and Carol Hunter to host this memorial. But how to celebrate Sally’s life and all she did for the School? The answer: Art and Afternoon Tea!

The Art Department was open for guests to see the artwork of current pupils, and a display of Sally’s own paintings. Many of the guests in attendance wore

the brooches that Sally created especially for them as personal keepsakes. Rosemary led the tributes and Elizabeth Oakley offered her perspective of time spent as Sally’s colleague at AO. Carol then recounted amusing tales of Sally’s

unique approach to school life including her being wheeled around the grounds for charity. Jo Marsh recalled how as a nervous new teacher joining the School in 1989 she enjoyed the great good fortune of having Sally as her mentor. Skills she learned from Sally are still benefiting pupils at the School today. Nina (Ley) Kanderian (1986-97) spoke as both a former pupil and neighbour of Sally. Unsurprisingly, Sally’s passing has also been keenly felt in their village.

All of the speakers emphasized that Sally was a true one-off, that she was a free spirit but that she was also a strict disciplinarian when necessary, that she inspired others around her and that she had that wonderful ability to draw out the best from

her pupils irrespective of their natural ability. Oh, and there was repeated mention of a crocodile that hung from her classroom ceiling! The feedback from those attending has been warm and effusive. Former AO teacher, Liz Parkinson, contacted the School following the event to comment: “How much I enjoyed meeting former colleagues, most of whom I hadn’t seen for 30 years. It was a delight to receive such a warm welcome.” Mary (Morton) Frazer (1982-89) wrote: “Thank you so much for the Memorial Tea. I was so glad to see the jewellery and paintings Mrs Perks had created. Despite the sad circumstances it was lovely to chat to a whole host of my former teachers and the occasion brought back happy memories of my school days.”

Following the event a book of memories was created in Sally’s memory. The Development Office has a limited number of spare copies and will be delighted to give them to former pupils who were unable to attend on the day.

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.uk15

Netball: Superball (Friday 20 March)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.

The Emily Jordan Old Girls’ Memorial Lacrosse MatchCia Duckworth, Head of PE and Girls’ Games will be organising this very sociable (but competitive) match every other year to enable as many girls as possible to join in the fun, whether playing or spectating. In order to help plan for the next gathering Cia would be extremely grateful if those who may wish to play can register their interest with the Development Office on receipt of this report. This will enable her to send out invitations in plenty of time for the 2016 match.

The RGS Triathlon (Sunday 10 May)Chip Lawton (2006-13) is resurrecting the RGS Triathlon for current pupils and alumni. Apparently open water swimming in May is ‘character building’ but only if you add in a run and a bicycle ride…! Details will be available shortly.

Joint Services Dinner at the School (Autumn 2015)We wish to welcome all former pupils of AO and RGS who have served in the Armed Forces back to the School to link up with old friends and to meet some of our current cadets.

The AOOE President’s Luncheon (Saturday 25 April)Jan (Flexman) Jarvis, President of the AOOE Association for 2014-15, and both a former pupil and teacher at the School, is hosting a lunch in Main Hall. She extends an invitation to the AO leavers of the 60s, and Springfield pupils of the 70s, who were the first girls she taught at the AO - ex RGS pupils are also warmly welcomed. This event is being run by the AOOEs so for full details please contact Jan via her email address jrvflx@btinternet.com (responses to be received by 10 March 2015).

AO Alumnae Events planned for 2015

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News of Former Pupils

Nicola Hawkins (1974-84)

Amanda (Coles) Ruiz (1980-88)

Hannah Millington (1984-95)

Nicola and her husband Andy started Pagoda Projects in 2006: a not-for profit company dedicated to teaching and expanding the Arts on the Southern Shore in Newfoundland, Canada where they live. Pagoda Projects’ activities include community and arts events, workshops and yoga classes in their renovated home. Nicola’s work was featured in a unique solo exhibition in Worcester Cathedral called ‘Tears for Gaia’.

Known as “The Ultimate Door Opener”, Amanda has her own PR and marketing business. She showed early promise at the age of 11 by setting off a craze of selling beads at AO, and has gone from strength to strength ever since! Her website is www.amandaruiz.co.uk and she may be called upon by the Development Office after giving her business this helpful plug! Amanda supported two AO events in 2014 - The Emily Jordan Memorial Lacrosse Match and the AO Alumnae drinks reception in London.

Hannah approached the School to ask for help in raising funds by donating clothes and equipment for her and partner Richard’s project “Here Today Khan Tomorrow”. This saw them undertake in June a 10,000 mile road trip from London to Ulan Bator in Mongolia in a white transit van! The charity “Go Help” which works in Central Asia to improve access to healthcare and education benefited from their very commendable efforts.

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Claudia Bradbury (1997-05)

Claudia is currently a Freelance Wardrobe Assistant, having worked in television as well as theatre. After AO she went straight to Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance to study Costume Production for three years. She was trained to draft patterns, make and fit costumes and help produce three shows a year. In 2014, she worked on a rich production of “A Tale of Two Cities” at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton - the costumes were stunning in their authenticity and vibrancy, and a testament to Claudia’s hard work and underlying eye for detail and creativity.

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 his owners, the Newland family, whose daughter Annie is in the Sixth Form. Her sisters

Amelia (1995-11) 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!

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It is with sadness that we report the deaths of the following former pupils in 2014: (maiden name in brackets) with school leaving year.

Former member of staff:

The Development Office would be grateful to receive notifications for any other alumnae 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.

We are working hard to establish contact with all former pupils and ex-staff from both AO and RGS. 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 alumnae” by sharing details with the Development Office.

For a number of pupils who left AO 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 the School.

Your Data, The Development Office and The AOOEs

Finding Former Pupils And Updating Contact Details

Sheila (Morris) Hill, 1942 June (McKinstry) Penry-Thomas 1946Jacqueline (Dymond) Marsh, 1950

Ina Hawley (1942-75), Springfield Mistress-in-Charge (1965-75)

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.

Alumnae Deaths

We have also been made aware of the following deaths in 2013:

Peggy (Caldicott) Garland, 1936 Audrey Staniforth, 1942

Susan Robinson, 1956 Sally (Randall) White, 1968

Hester (Jenkins) Turner, 1981

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Visitors to the SchoolThe Development Office has welcomed back to the School more than 600 former pupils from AO and RGS, past parents and ex-staff since September 2012. If you would like to visit the School please contact the Development Office team who will be happy to make the arrangements.

Rosita (Smith) Wilkins (1949-56)

In May, Rosita happened to be on a day trip to Worcester from her hometown of Swansea, and, caught up in a sudden moment of nostalgia, decided to call into her old school for the first time since leaving in 1956! She enjoyed looking around the familiar buildings (especially Main Hall), re-living childhood memories and also the opportunity to see the School as it is today. Rosita would be delighted to hear from any of her AO classmates and can be reached through the Development Office.

Julie (AO 1987-93) and Mark (RGS 1987-92) Sharpe

Hannah (Brown) Edwards (1986-00)

Siblings Julie and Mark 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”! They commented afterwards: “Despite the obvious changes that had come about since the merger of the two schools, we saw nothing but great memories mixed with fantastic progress”.

Hannah won the Business Award for Worcestershire Woman of the Year 2013, which recognised her excellence as the Commercial Director for wealth management specialists BRI Management and her charitable work, which includes her role as a Governor for St Richard’s Hospice. This would not have come as a surprise to Hannah’s AO peers as they voted Hannah “The first to make a million” in the school leavers’ book of 2000! Her links with the School became even stronger in 2006, when she married former RGS pupil Max Edwards (1990-97). In June, Hannah was guest of honour and handed out the awards at our Lower School Prize-giving in Main Hall. She is also President Elect of the AOOE Committee. Sharon Davies, Olympic Swimmer, presented Hannah with her 2013 Award.

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Ann (Barker) Edmunds (1944-51)

A Memorable Day

Ann’s daughter, Trudi, arranged a visit to the School as part of her mother’s 80th birthday celebrations. Ann was thrilled to rediscover her old school and was pleased to be able to take in the RGS war memorial in Perrins Hall that includes the names of her uncles, Cyril and Donald Hemus. Ann and Trudi rounded off the visit by joining the audience for the pupils’ version of ‘Spamalot’.

Ann enjoyed her memorable day so much that she kindly chose to record her experience so we could share it with other alumnae.

My younger daughter, Trudi, arranged for me to have an eightieth birthday treat, a visit to my old school, the Alice Ottley, where my mother and my aunt were also pupils. My mother belonged to the Old Girls Association so I did know about how the School had developed.

Scott MacDonald escorted us to the Perrins Hall at the Royal Grammar School now amalgamated with the Alice Ottley. I knew there was a commemorative board inside with the names of Donald and Cyril Hemus displayed. They were my mother’s brothers who had attended RGS Worcester and who lost their lives within one week of each other in France during The First World War. Scott produced a book about the men on War Memorials written by Mark Rogers, with the title ‘In Dedication to a Future World’. Inside were the details of the two brothers.

Passing through the ‘Hole in the Wall’ we entered the AO grounds. In my day we were not even allowed to speak to the Grammar School boys next door, and as boarders we had to walk in a ‘crocodile’ to the Cathedral every Sunday morning on opposite sides of the road so that there could not be any fraternizing!

I recall that one day we were walking round the right hand side of Britannia Square to get to Oaklands, the junior boarding house, when I trod on the heel of the girl in front. Miss Olding, the English teacher was escorting us and she quoted from the Lobster Quadrille: “There’s a porpoise close behind us who is treading on my tail”.

Porpoise became my nickname for the rest of my time at the Alice Ottley.

We were not permitted to walk round the left hand side of the square – the excuse being that the drains smelt! We believed that the real reason was that there was a house round there where members of staff lived. Three of us decided to disobey the rule and successfully negotiated the route on one dark evening. However, another girl ‘snitched’ on us and we were sent to Miss Roden, the Headmistress. We had to wait on the ‘naughty bench’ outside her door and, astonishingly, it is still there.

I was surprised at how much I remembered about the old school as it was 63 years since I had left. The table in the centre of the entrance hall was missing – that was where we had to sit in full view of everyone if we received a detention,

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and yes I did get one. I spent the time drawing my school case that was made of reinforced cardboard due to the lack of materials in the 1940’s (Art was my favourite subject). Imagine having to wear those all encompassing blue school overalls, a liberty bodice – a misnomer if ever there was one - and doing PE in navy blue knickers nowadays!

I spotted the stairs we were not allowed to climb as they led to the Staff room. Upstairs was the classroom where I spent some time outside the door having tried Miss Hodge’s patience too much for some reason I have conveniently forgotten.

Another flight of stairs led to the science laboratories that now house the archives, and on the wall was a photo of Miss Roden and the school in 1951. Trudi spotted me amongst the girls of my year.

Another surprise was that unbeknown to me Trudi had bought tickets for the matinee of ‘Spamalot the Musical’ that was being performed by the Upper School pupils on the afternoon of our visit. This was a splendid well-rehearsed production and I am sure that several of the cast could make a career in the musical theatre if they so wished.

Leaving Worcester we drove to Malvern to spend the night with my brother, John, and my sister-in-law. John had provided Mark Rogers with the details of the Hemus brothers during Mark’s research for the book. We spent some time perusing the Hemus and Barker family trees and reminiscing about the old days. Shortly after our arrival in Malvern, Scott rang up to tell us that by an amazing coincidence there was a review of ‘In Dedication to a Future World’ in that night’s Worcester News containing the story of Donald and Cyril complete with their photograph. How eerie was that!

It had certainly been a memorable day. I promise that I will not leave it so long before my next visit as otherwise it would be a haunting! Ann Edmunds nee Barker (1944–51) - daughter of Monica Barker nee Hemus (1915-17).

(Printed in Baskerville old Face – in honour of New Baskerville Boarding House)

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

An Addition to the War Memorial

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 and AO community.

The AOOEs have spare copies available for purchase via the Development Office.

For reasons that remain unclear, RGS former pupil Lieutenant James Singleton Graves (1906-11) 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

The Alice Ottley School and The First World War

A contingent from the School 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.

Liz Dovey, who taught History at AO (1976-11), is currently researching the roles performed by AO former pupils during The First World War. Liz plans to put together a booklet that captures individual experiences and the impact on the School itself. The AOOEs Committee has already indicated its intention to support this venture in line with the way it so generously backed Mark Roger’s publication. We will inform alumnae when Liz’s work is available.

Sadly, Liz has so far identified nine men who attended the Worcester High School for Girls Prep Department and

who went on to die during The First World War. Two of these men are known to have also attended RGS Worcester and are listed on the War Memorial in Perrins Hall. Their details are

included in Mark Roger’s book. They are Lt. D.S. Coombs and, by co-incidence, Lt. J.S. Graves.

Current pupils have a goal of raising £9,463 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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News from The Development Office

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, alumnae taking part in the RGS Careers Fair and news of former pupils whose leaving years range across the past seven decades.

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 alumnae 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 explained within this report.

Catherine has done a superb job of managing our office move so that we have had a seamless transition. The dedicated office space in Britannia House has enabled us to create a more

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 co-curricular opportunities on offer.

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 the School 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 feel that as parents of current pupils it helps us to appreciate what former pupils will have experienced when they attended the School. 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 AO alumnae as possible at the events during 2015.

Scott MacDonaldDevelopment Manager

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The New Billingham ObservatoryIn September 2013, the RGS Times reported the death of former pupil John Billingham (1939-47). 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 AO and RGS 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 Alice Ottley Bursary Fund and A R Wheeler Bursary.

• A number of former pupils are supporting the Alice Ottley 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 Development Office is now aware of a number of Legacy pledges made by alumnae who have recognised the School in their Will, which will generate gifts at a future date.

• The School received a generous legacy gift from a former AO pupil who sadly died in 2013. It has been allocated to the Alice Ottley Bursary Fund.

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The Alice Ottley School and RGS Worcester enjoyed numerous touch points and shared experiences as next-door neighbours between 1883 and 2007. Since the merger their strengths have been combined and both heritages are proudly celebrated in the School today.

The Alice Ottley Bursary Fund

Miss Ottley’s House

The School is proud to have an endowment fund that is named in honour of Miss Ottley and that is designed to ensure her legacy is shared with future generations.

Miss Ottley was a true pioneer in the provision of girls’ education. The renaming of The Worcester High School for Girls that she founded is just one example of the impact she made on the lives of girls in Worcester. From the School’s earliest days she actively sought donations to fund bursaries thereby enabling a number of local girls to receive an education that would have been otherwise unaffordable to their families.

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 means-tested to ensure funds match genuine need. The first Alice Ottley Bursary recipient joined the Senior School in September 2014.

In September 2014 the School’s House system was amended from six houses to four houses to better cater for the number of girls and boys participating in the Inter-House Competition. One of the original AO houses (Elgar) and two of the RGS houses (Wylde and Whiteladies) were resurrected. The fourth house was a new creation and it has been named Ottley House. The aim is to maintain amongst current and future pupils an appreciation of the heritage of Miss Ottley and the school that she founded in Britannia House.

The House system enables a wide range of competitive activities to take place with every girl and boy contributing to her or his House.

Miss Ottley’s Gift to the School

Ottley House: proud winners of the 2014 House Dance Competition.

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Leaving a Legacy to the SchoolIn 2014 a number of alumnae informed us of their decision to include a gift to the School in their Will.

Maxine (Nicholls) Shields (1953-60)

Ways of Giving in a Will

Maxine has chosen to make a gift to the School in her Will.

Maxine attended The Alice Ottley School as did eight other family members over three generations. It is fair to say she has a strong attachment to AO! During a turbulent time AO provided Maxine with a haven where she was able to flourish. Highlights of her rounded education included modern foreign languages that she continues to use when travelling, sport (swimming was her favourite), Guides and music.

Working as a Medical Secretary, Maxine still undertakes three different roles. She attributes her undiminished work ethic to her time at the School. Maxine has many varied interests and whatever unexpected twist life has taken, her time at AO remains a constant source of inspiration and pride.

From the moment I entered the AOS I loved the whole ethos of the School. I enjoyed sport and the curriculums

were tailored, where possible, to suit each pupil. I was always made to feel by those who guided me that my contribution was valued, and I cherish the friendships I made and still have to this day.

I am fortunate to have received my education at The Alice Ottley School and feel proud to be a part of its heritage. Happily, the merged school actively celebrates the AOS aspect of its heritage.

I hope, like me, you will feel able to leave a gift in your Will to ensure future generations of pupils can benefit in the way we all have at the School.

“

”Making a legacy gift to the School is one of the most personal decisions that you can make. It creates a permanent testimony to your affection for AO and that you endorse what the School aims to achieve.

There are several different types of legacy gifts that can be made to the School. 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.

You may choose to leave an unrestricted gift that the Governors will use to support the School in the area 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.

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.

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).

If you feel able to let the Development Office know of your intention to leave a legacy gift to the School, please contact Scott because it will give us the opportunity to express our deep gratitude.

Letting the school know

Fundraising During 2015

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The Bursary Campaign

Archives

Capital Projects

Charitable Status

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 the School when their family circumstances would otherwise deny them

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.

the opportunity of an education enjoyed by all AO former pupils. It is hoped that as many alumnae 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.

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 estate that would enhance the School for current and future pupils. Should anyone in the AO 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.

For any queries relating to supporting the School, please contact The Development Manager, Scott MacDonald, on 01905 613391 or via developmentoffice@rgsw.org.uk

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 AO alumnae will feel able and willing to support the 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 DonationHMRC (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 the School 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 by donor

Tax already paid @ 20% by donor Value of Gift Aid

Total value of the gift to the

School

School claims back from

HMRC

£100 £25 £25 £125 £25

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

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

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).

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.

How to make a Donation

Standing Order Donations

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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 AO alumnae to The Alice Ottley Bursary Fund. However, we appreciate that you may prefer to help the School by sup-porting 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

Declaration

Please complete to make a Single Gift and/or a Regular Gift:

BANK ACCOUNT NAME: (PLEASE PRINT)

BANK ACCOUNT NO: BANK SORT CODE:

A Regular Gift I would like to make my gift by regular payments of: (PLEASE TICK ONE BOX)

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

A Single GiftI enclose a cheque made payable to ‘RGS Worcester’ for:

Date: Signature:

NAME:________________________________________________________________(PLEASE PRINT)

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

POSTCODE:____________________________________

EMAIL__________________________________________TEL:_________________________________

TO THE MANAGER_____________________________________________________________(BANK)

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

POSTCODE:______________________________ SIGNED:

DATE:

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

Regular gifts made by Standing Order are extremely helpful because they enable the School to plan future bursary awards. Using a Standing Order ensures that you remain in complete control of what you give to the School. 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.

£

£10 PER MONTH

OTHER AMOUNT MONTHLY/QUARTERLY/ANNUALLY (PLEASE DELETE AS REQUIRED) £

£25 PER MONTH £50 PER MONTH

STARTING DATE: END DATE: (IF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE LEAVE BLANK)

Upper TythingWorcesterWR1 1HP01905 613391www.rgsw.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 1120644