Latest News and Announcements from the Campaign
Campaign for Stowe Annual Report
The Campaign Report (incorporated into the Governors' Report) provides news on recent developments at Stowe, the projects that have been funded and a list of all those who have so generously helped to realise these ambitions.
You can view or download a digital copy of the 2010-11 report by clicking here, but should you wish to have a printed copy then please do contact Colin Dudgeon, Director of the Campaign for Stowe, by email on cdudgeon@stowe.co.uk or by telephone on 01280 818249.
The New Music School
The Art School
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In September 2010 the completely refurbished Art School was opened by Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG (Grenville 45). We are particularly indebted to Lord Sainsbury and The Linbury Trust whose great generosity made the project possible. With studio space, specialist rooms and equipment and a gallery and exhibition area, the new building has transformed the facilities and opportunities available to Stoic artists.
Roxburgh Society Lunch - Tuesday 19 June 2012
We much look forward to welcoming members of The Roxburgh Society (for those who have left, or intend to leave, a bequest to Stowe in their will) and their guests to the Society's Annual Lunch on 19 June.
The Stowe Harvard Dinner - Friday 20 May 2011
Hosted by the Headmaster and Board of American Friends of Stowe, the annual Stowe-Harvard Dinner celebrates the enduring relationship between Stowe and Harvard - and in particular the Stowe-Harvard Fellowship programme, through which a graduate of Harvard comes to Stowe every year as teacher, coach and counsellor to Stoics.
The Fellowship celebrated its 20th anniversary over 19-20 May this year and we were extremely lucky to be visited by some of our American Friends of Stowe (AFS), along with friends and family of Stowe Harvard Fellow, Darius Weil, for a two day visit culminating in a 20th Anniversary Dinner in the State Rooms.
On the Thursday afternoon the group enjoyed a visit to Blenheim Palace with a private tour and traditional English afternoon tea.
Friday was all about Stowe. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed meeting with third form members of the Twenty Group (the School’s junior gifted and talented group) in the Library for group discussions, it went so well that time ran out leading everyone to go on to spend lunch together enjoying the views on the South Portico and continue their conversations. After lunch, Anna McEvoy, our resident expert, guided the group around the House and Gardens where they bumped into the Water Polo teams being photographed in the river of Worthies – it was quite a sight!
Friday evening was the main event and we were hugely honoured to have eight Stowe Harvard Fellows in attendance, including the first, Dr Jim Burns. The Chamber Choir sang Grace and surprised our guests with a rendition of the US National Anthem before the evening was officially introduced by the Headmaster and Mr Brian Hecht (Chair of AFS and a former Stowe Harvard Fellow). Mr Darius Weil took to the microphone at the end of the supper to give a few words on his time at Stowe. Having to follow very successful past Stowe Harvard Fellow speeches, Mr Weil had a lot to live up to but took the task in hand expertly as he gave an amusing but at the same time thought provoking talk on what he had experienced and learnt whilst at Stowe.
We would like to thank all our attendees over the two days for making this anniversary so successful. Special thanks must be given to our American Friends of Stowe, who provide a nexus for those living in the United States to re-connect with Stowe, for co-hosting this year’s Stowe-Harvard Dinner and for providing financial support for the Stowe-Harvard Fellowship.
Stowe House - the next phase of the restoration
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We are pleased to report that the next phase of the major restoration of Stowe House is under way. It is a two year project, being carried out in two sub-phases. Sub-phase 1, completed in July 2010, involved the restoration of the roofs, elevations, facades, balustrades and garden on the Eastern Pavilion and State Library side of the House. As part of this phase, the Library and Ante Library, immediately to the east of the central pavilion, have undergone a magnificent restoration. A pitched roof (replaced some years ago with a flat felt roof) has been restored and below it work has been completed on the valuable and ornate plaster ceiling - pictured above. This has been re-gilded to match its remarkable condition in the later 18th century.
We are extremely grateful to all those who have generously contributed to the project. It is a wonderfully exciting development that is being generously funded by an anonymous donor through the World Monuments Fund, and by the Robert W Wilson World Monuments Challenge Fund and a great many other individual benefactors.
American Friends of Stowe
AFS was founded in 2002 in order to provide a nexus for those living in the United States to re-connect with Stowe and to provide financial support for the Campaign for Stowe. AFS has more than 300 members comprised of Old Stoics, families, former staff, and friends. American Friends is an active organisation hosting social events and raising funds to support for the Campaign. AFS is an incorporated nonprofit organisation with 501(c)(3) status. Financial contributions from the US are tax-deductible. In addition to traditional donations, gifts of appreciated shares, legacy grants, and bequests are also accepted and encouraged.