There has always been a strong tradition of fund-raising in the Lower School but this year, the boys have surpassed their earlier efforts and they have every reason to be very pleased with themselves indeed. Innovative ideas, enduring enterprise, a competitive spirit and a genuine concern for others have fuelled the boys' charitable endeavours and resulted in a record sum of money, over £8300, raised for a number of good causes.
Mrs Angel with her Form, 7R, started the ball rolling in the Michaelmas term with that staple of all fund-raising events, the cake sale. This event was quickly followed with a range of competitions and sweets sales, which served to test the skills of the boys as well as slake their appetites. These enthusiastic efforts remained unwavering throughout the term culminating in the Fun Zone at the Friends' Festive Fair to which 52 boys contributed and the rather idiosyncratic sponsored superhero day organised by 8R.
With twelve charity events in the Lent term, the boys fervour showed no signs of abating. Admittedly most of the events were cakes sales but this trend may have been largely due to the weather and possibly owing to the boys' insatiable appetites.
Despite a very short and busy summer term, the boys continued to make time to raise money for charity. Max Cheatle demonstrated true endurance of spirit by cycling the Tour of Flanders for Help 4 Heroes. Equally, the patience of the staff in the Commissariat was tested to the limits when the boys eagerly donated over £338 pounds to charity in one and two pennies! The year concluded with over 50 boys helping to sell the very generous donations of cakes and sweets made by their parents in the Lower School Cafe and Old English Tuck Shop, thereby raising a considerable sum for Kids Company.
As ever, I am hugely impressed by the efforts of the boys and humbled by their dedication and thoughtfulness. I would like to thank them all for their indefatigable industry this year and I am looking forward to working with them in the future.
Mrs Crossley
Lower School Charity Rep