Our Review publication is out now – detailing Foundation Appeal achievements during 2008/09 and highlights successes including House refurbishments at Mill Hill and the establishment of the Poon nature reserve at Belmont. It also contains messages from three Old Millhillians who have benefitted from bursary support and a statement from Dr Luckett about his vision for the future.
Our Spring 09 Newsletter is out now – detailing some of the benefits from the Appeal which can be seen across the Foundation, and reporting on recent events. From boarding house refurbishment, to the establishment of a nature reserve and the progress of our bursary students, the Appeal is producing positive results for all. The newsletter also introduces the recently created 1807 Society which has been created to recognise those who have committed to remember the Foundation in their will.
17 September saw the inaugural Fundraising Review Presentation at ICAP’s offices in Central London. The event was very well attended and included Old Millhillians, Old Belmontians, current and past parents, governors and staff from the Foundation Schools.
Dr Dominic Luckett, Headmaster of Mill Hill School, who was due to deliver a speech highlighting the fundraising achievements to date, was unable to attend owing to the early arrival of his new baby daughter. Professor Michael Procter, Chair of Governors, announced the good news, wished Dr Luckett and his wife, Cara, well and invited Jane Sanchez, Deputy Head at Mill Hill School, to make the presentation on Dr Luckett’s behalf.
Mrs Sanchez reported on the highlights and achievements of the past year and outlined the Five Year Development Plan before handing over to Nick Priestnall, Foundation Appeal Director. Nick announced the establishment of the Foundation Appeal, taking over the remit of the Bicentennial Appeal, the first phase of the long-term fundraising campaign.
Guests were informed of new initiatives such as the Bursary Endowment Fund and the launch of the second Annual Fund before enjoying the splendid hospitality.
Through the initiative and generosity of an encouraging number of former pupils, current and past parents and other members of the Foundation community we already have over £1 million pledged; an excellent start to the long-term fundraising campaign.
In addition to the £1 million, we have another £0.81 million in known legacy pledges. Following the launch of the Legacy Campaign in spring 2008, we are delighted to report that several former pupils and supporters of the Foundation have made provision in their wills. Legacies are hugely tax efficient and enable people to support the Foundation in a way which may not have been practical or possible during their lifetime. They can enhance the fabric and facilities of the Foundation as well as enabling talented young people to enjoy a Mill Hill education through bursaries or scholarships.
The first ABC Bursary pupils have taken up their places in Foundation Schools on 100% bursaries. ABC stands for A Better Chance, which is what a Mill Hill education will provide. These pupils are “the meritorious individuals who would otherwise be lost” to whose education the Mill Hill School founders committed themselves.
These awards, together with a number of part-fee bursaries, have been made possible by generous donations from former pupils, current and past parents to the Bicentennial Appeal, the first phase of the long-term fundraising campaign. In order to ensure that we are able to offer further such bursaries in the future, and to facilitate the future building programme, fundraising will continue from September 2008 as the Foundation Appeal with its aim of “Supporting educational excellence at Mill Hill, Belmont and Grimsdell”.