The Old Culfordians Association, run voluntarily by ex pupils for the benefit of all Old Culfordians and EAS pupils, has for many years organised functions such as reunions for its members and sports fixtures with the school. Until recently the Association was financed through an annual subscription from the members, these monies being used for administration costs and to pay for, or subsidise the functions organised within its remit. Surplus funds have been used by the Association to sponsor prizes at Speech Day and make generous financial contributions to the school for building projects such as the refurbishment of the music school and theatre.

During 2000 the Culford School Foundation was formed with the aim to “fund raise and friend raise for Culford School and to maintain contact with all former pupils.” By taking on these functions the Foundation has taken the pressure off OCA volunteers to organise sporting fixtures and social functions. Indeed it is many years since we have had a Reunion Secretary, Sports Secretary or Membership Secretary and in recent years the OCA’s sole function has been to meet twice a year to decide which school projects it will support and how much it will contribute.

With so much overlap between the OCA and Foundation, it has been proposed to wind up the Association. It is intended that the assets should be donated by 31^st December 2010 with all OCA functions being passed to the Foundation. The OCA will be making a contribution to the “75 Years in the Park Appeal” as well as considering other projects and also hopes to fund future School Prizes, with any surplus funds being passed to the Foundation office. Old Culfordians will be encouraged to work with the Foundation and School on a voluntary basis or in an ambassadorial role e.g. attending funerals. It is hoped the Foundation office will be able to make provision for Old Culfordians’ to register their interest.

With this aim in mind, the OCA is calling an Extraordinary General Meeting at 12noon on 26^th June 2010 at Culford School with a motion that “The Old Culfordians Association be wound up and after making contributions to school projects pass on all surplus funds and responsibilities to the Culford Foundation.” It is hoped as many of you as possible will attend the meeting and support the motion.

We hope this notice of intention not only clarifies the Old Culfordians’ position with the Foundation, but also the reasons behind our decision to wind up the Association. 
                   

Email:  julia.shawe-taylor@culford.co.uk

For more information please contact Samantha Salisbury in the Foundation Office on 01284 385310.