Chairman’s Report

With our second year behind us, the Foundation can reflect on the success achieved in bringing the Bilton Grange School community together to raise funds to fulfil the Foundation’s wide objectives.  These funds are used to develop new amenities for the children to enjoy, as well as to increase the number of bursaries, enabling children whose parents cannot afford the fees, to benefit from a Bilton Grange education.

We are delighted that, in recognition of the Foundation’s aims and objectives, many OBs have pledged small regular donations by way of Standing Order.  These gifts add up to create a meaningful income stream for the Foundation, and offer our donors an affordable method of giving.  We have also seen a number of OBs inform us they have left us a gift by way of a legacy when they pass away, which is of course a very tax efficient method of giving.  For further details on this, and indeed other schemes, please do contact the Development Office directly.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking a number of people. Once again, thank you to our current parents through FAB, for their support and enthusiasm.  Tamara Hardman and her team are right with us in all our efforts.  FAB, together with parent and Foundation Board Member John Tarrant, organised a sports dinner during the year at the School with guest of honour international rugby commentator, Ian Robertson.  The evening was superbly organised, great fun, and raised £17,000 – a truly magnificent effort!  

Thank you to the Old Biltonian Society and to President Bill Krarup and his Board and to the Bilton Grange Governing Board for their collective support and encouragement. Thank you to all the members of the Foundation Board, namely Ian Stott, Faith Matthews, Tamara Hardman, Graham Dunn, Jeremy Westhead, David Ryan, John Tarrant and Headmaster Peter Kirk, all of whom give up a sizeable amount of their time and expertise for the Foundation.  Thank you especially to Gayle Russell, as Development Officer, whose skills and charm help ensure that the Foundation continues to move forward.

We continue to ‘friend raise’ across a range of contacts for whom Bilton Grange will always have special significance.  Those who have experienced a Bilton Grange education either as a pupil or parent will understand the value and significance of those formative years shaped here at the School.  We have met many, young and old, through the setting up of the Foundation who have returned to visit the School, have decided to support the Foundation and now wear our special tie or brooch with a sense of belonging and pride.

Bilton Grange goes from strength to strength.  The future and the success of our School will depend not only on the high quality and dedication of the staff, but also on the excellence of the facilities at their disposal. It is that which we, the Foundation, seek to enhance and develop.

And finally to all those who have given, all those who are giving, all those who intend to give; a big thank you.  With all your support, the continuing future success of Bilton Grange is assured. 

Brian E Tustain