A gift in your Will is the most significant gift you will ever make and should reflect the things that matter to you the most. That is why if you decide to make a gift in your Will, we will work with you to ensure your wishes are met.
Supporting Future Generations of Students in Need
Ken Cockrell’s Story
Ken Cockrell made the decision to give something back and today he is remembered, not just for the life he had, but the lives he is helping even after he’s gone.
Born as the Second World War was ending, Ken came with his family from Lowestoft to live on the Shelthorpe council estate. He was bright and ambitious, so in 1955 he joined his brother at Loughborough Grammar School. The education he received stayed with him for life, providing the strong foundation upon which he built a successful career in business.
Years later a newspaper article in the Telegraph caught Ken’s eye. The article described the benefits of bursary donations, which encouraged Ken to get back in touch with the school that helped shape the life he had made for himself. In his Will, Ken bequeathed a lasting endowment for the provision of academic bursaries, which gives bright and talented children the benefit of a Loughborough Schools Foundation education.
Ken wished to give a child from the Shelthorpe estate the same chance in life from which he benefitted. To this day, the Ken Cockrell Bursary is helping bright and ambitious children from Shelthorpe, whose family circumstances would normally place an independent education out of reach.
Building for a Better Future
Sheila Parkin’s Story
Some of Sheila Parkin’s (LHS 1953) happiest memories were from her time at Loughborough High School and she remained in touch with LHS and her old school friends throughout her life. Sheila’s final gift to Loughborough High School was to generously remember her school in her Will.
Sheila sadly passed away in 2017 as the vision for the new sports facility was being conceived. With the help of the Development Office, Sheila’s friends organised a fitting funeral featuring the School Hymn. The Parkin Sports Centre is a lasting memorial for Sheila and celebrates her life and the impact her philanthropy will have on today’s pupils.
Sport is an important part of a pupil’s education and, for girls in particular, it has a transformative power whatever level they play at. It builds confidence and self-esteem; develops teamwork and friendships; teaches girls how to win and lose graciously and the resilience and perseverance to pick themselves up after a fall. The Parkin Sports Centre has opened up new opportunities from dance to strength and conditioning, self-defence, badminton and basketball, enabling many more pupils to enjoy the same spirit of participation, variety, fitness and competitive success of those who passed before them.
Sheila’s legacy is also helping to provide bursary opportunities that are enabling bright girls from all backgrounds to make their mark in the world, reflecting her wishes and fond memories of her old school days.
William Charles’ Story
Dorothy Huston made a generous bequest in memory of her late father, William Frederick Charles, who was a pupil at Loughborough Grammar School, Governor and founder of the famous Zenobia perfume shop. You can read more about William Charles life here.
Dorothy’s bequest created a cutting-edge recording studio with a state-of-the-art mixing console, acoustics and equipment that allows the pupils creativity and talent to shine and push boundaries. The William Charles Recording Studio enables us to teach up to 14 Music Tech A-Level pupils and has created a vibrant community of passionate musicians across campus.
“We are thrilled to have this fantastic resource for musicians, music production, beat-making and DJing. We have a proud history of producing talented musicians including Sam Sweeney, Firas Waez, Easy Life, Basement Jaxx and Upside Down. This generous legacy in memory of Loughburian William Charles will inspire a new generation of pupils to realise the power and positivity of music.”
Nicky Bouckley, Director of Music
“School is the perfect place to explore creativity and our imaginations. My first experiments with music were at LGS on an unused piano at lunchtime – Imagine what can be achieved with great facilities, opportunities and encouragement. As we head towards a more computerised and robotised world, human expression and spiritual connection will become more and more important and valued in our society. Our creativity is our treasure to shape and create a wondrous future world. What a great opportunity for the pupils!”
Felix Buxton (LGS 1988), member of electronic music duo Basement Jaxx
“The studio is a hybrid of analogue and digital technology, giving students access to high-end audio equipment used by industry professionals meaning their creativity has no bounds. The facility is one of the finest recording studios for A-level music technology teaching and learning in the UK.”
Rob Connolley, Teacher of Music and Music Tech
Why not leave a similar legacy for future generations?
It can be simple as adding a codicil to your existing Will. Please get in touch with Sarah Musgrave to discuss your options in complete confidence.