We were very pleased to host three members of the Old Bournemouthians’ Association (OBA) this week. Alderman David Trenchard MBE, Mr Graham Jones and Mr Simon Hird have been a key part of the association for more years than they care to remember. In common with many such organisatons, the interest in attending events such as formal annual dinners, has declined. Consequently, the decision has been made to end the association’s activities. The OBA committee decided that their funds should be transferred to Bournemouth School Fund. In the photograph, Mr Hird, the OBA treasurer, is presenting a cheque for over £27,500 to our new headteacher, Mrs Ateaque. The School is also represented by Dr Lewis and Mrs Brown, the Director of Sixth Form.
It has been agreed that the donation will be used to enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare for their “next steps”. The fund will be called the “Next Steps Old Bournemouthians’ Fund”. Such “next steps” would include HE courses, apprenticeships and work, and the additional funding may be used for travel expenses, additional tuition, equipment, or books (essentially anything that may present as a barrier to a student from a disadvantaged background). Mrs Brown will administer the fund, with expenditure agreed with a member of the Board of Trustees. It has also been agreed that expenditure will not exceed £5,000 for any given academic year, and not exceed £1,000 for any individual.
Whilst the association has now effectively ceased, anyone wishing to contribute to this fund may do so at any time in the future. We will continue to extend an open invitation to any Old Bournemouthian to visit us and share their memories of attending the School.
