Abingdon News No.50

22 April 2019 Abingdon Development Abingdon’s new legacy society aims to facilitate recognition of, and pay thanks to, future benefactors. Membership is for all those who let us know that they are intending to leave the School a legacy in their will. Legators and their partners will be invited to an annual lunch and receive priority invitations to various school events. Many, many Old Abingdonians, former members of staff, governors and parents have over the centuries remembered the School in their wills – from Abbot John de Blosneville in 1256 to Hugh Leach (OA 1953) who died in 2015. Future legacies will enable the school to offer bursary places to even more boys and contribute to the School’s facilities. We are delighted that Alan Williams (OA 1965) has agreed to become the inaugural Chairman of this new society. Alan benefited from a Direct Grant place at Abingdon School before becoming an immigration judge. He believes strongly that boys from all walks of life should have the possibility of an Abingdon education, just as he did. Should you like more information about leaving a legacy, please contact Alexa Broad. [email protected] or tel: 01235 849117 Saying ‘Thank You’ We are delighted to be able to host the Headmaster’s garden party for the second year running in the beautiful surroundings of Lacies Court garden. This is an opportunity to thank all those who lend their time and efforts to support aspects of school life including donors, legators and volunteers. The party will be followed by the end of year concert in the Amey Theatre which this year will showcase our Abingdon musicians from First Orchestra and Big Band before they head off on tour to Japan and Hong Kong. Headmaster’s garden party, Friday 28 June 2019 . On Friday 8 March, around 130 governors, benefactors, staff and students gathered for the annual Foundation Dinner. Guests heard from Headmasters of the Abingdon Foundation, Michael Windsor and Craig Williams, as well as from the Chairman of Governors, Mike Stevens. Our growing partnership programme was highlighted in particular, and sixth form students Lancelot Wilson, Iman Taghol and Alasdair Czaplewski spoke compellingly about their own involvement as partnership ambassadors. Each concluded that committing to partnership projects in conjunction with neighbouring schools had enabled them to build and develop confidence in life skills that are bound to serve them well in life beyond Abingdon. Special thanks to our prefects who supported the evening in welcoming our guests. Guests were invited to join the Headmaster in the Common Room for post-dinner drinks New Legacy Society for Abingdon School Legators will be presented with a set of Fionarea Cufflinks in recognition of their intent to contribute to Abingdon School. Foundation Dinner Alan Williams and his wife Brenda Hugh Leach, legator