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Millfield Celebrating 75 Years....
In the 75 years since Jack ‘Boss’ Meyer brought five Indian princes to England to educate them, heralding the inception of Millfield School, Millfield has become renowned for its pioneering education . To celebrate its 75th Anniversary, the Senior School has hosted two events, a Cocktail and Canapé Reception at the School in June and a Gala Dinner at the Hilton, Park Lane, London in September 2010.
The Cocktail and Canapé Reception
Held on a clear summer’s evening, and very well attended by Old Millfieldians and parents, the reception enjoyed musical and dance entertainment by pupils. The evening concluded with John Davies and Craig Considine speaking respectively about the OM Society and Millfield today, and formally cutting the celebration cake.
The Gala Dinner
Held on 21st September 2010, this quite remarkable reunion occasion saw the largest gathering ever of Old Millfieldians, former and current parents and friends of Millfield joining together to celebrate the phenomenal success of the School over the past seven and a half decades.
With a guest list of over 700, the evening, compered by Andrew Castle(1976-79; Day), showcased a wealth of Millfield talents, with entertainment provided by The Moulettes, Millfield School Choir, pianist Xiaoou Wang (2007-10; Portway), The Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir, singer Sara Kempe (2003-07; Kernick) and stand-up comedy by current Head Boy, Jamie MacDonald. Dancing into the night then ensued, courtesy of the very energetic Gilev dance band.
The highlight of the evening, was the main auction, which was commandingly steered by charismatic auctioneer Guy Bennett (1987-89; St Annes), who flew in especially from New York to be with us for the evening. Lots under hot contention included: BBC Masterchef 2008 winner James Nathan (1986-91; Keens Elm) offering his culinary services as a private chef for 12 people, won by Mr Kelly Summer; ‘Beautiful Barbados’ – seven nights at the stunning Treasure Beach Hotel kindly organised by Andrew Taee (1971-76; Day), and won by Laurence Davis (1974-77; Hollies) and Magical Kenya, won by Joy Tucker, a 10 day safari adventure with luxury villa, donated by Yolanda McIntyre (1970-75; Southfield) and Finch Hatton Lodge.
The main auction alone raised over £40,000. On sale throughout the evening were iPhone 4’s generously donated by Tom Alexander (1971-75; Day) at Orange. The purchase of a phone guaranteed the buyer entry into a rather dramatic draw to win a fabulous nine night holiday to Bali at the Luna 2 Private Hotel gifted by Melanie Hall (1979-82; Warner). Congratulations to current parent Jo Finzi!
In addition, a further Silent Auction raised over £20,000. Lots included many exclusive opportunities including tickets to Strictly Come Dancing and a chance to meet judge Bruno Toniolo; a walk on part in Chris Wheeldon’s (1970-75; St Annes) new film; the opportunity to watch a London Wasps training session, followed by lunch for four with Lawrence Dallaglio; and a local ‘Somerset Stay-over’ package including a round of golf with current Millfield Headmaster, Craig Considine!
The Gala Dinner was an extremely important occasion for the Millfield Foundation, which exists solely to provide funds for scholarships and bursaries. Duncan Goodhew (1970-75; Walton) MBE, Chairman of Foundation, was delighted with the evening. He said, “We believe the Foundation will give OMs and parents a great way to express and emotionally engage with the School, helping to ensure its future and the opportunities it offers talented and gifted young people. The extraordinary diversity of Millfield pupils – the ‘Millfield Mix’ as it is known – continues to be one of the school’s defining characteristics, and one which the provision of scholarships and bursaries perpetuates. We are proud to still maintain the ethos of our founder, Jack ‘Boss’ Meyer: to nurture talent by providing the very best facilities, teaching, coaching and opportunities in which young people can exercise and explore their abilities; and to give awards to those in financial need”.
In a remarkable ground-breaking initiative, the Millfield Foundation On-line Internships Auction was enthusiastically launched on the evening by current parent Lord Sebastian Coe. The aim of the auction is to provide current students, recent leavers and children of OMs some spectacular work experience opportunities with truly inspiring companies whilst also giving bidders the chance to support the Foundation. The auction will run until March 2011, and all proceeds raised will go directly to funding scholarships and bursaries.
The evening raised valuable funds for the Foundation signalling an excellent start to the reinvigorated campaign.
This event could not have taken place but for the amazing generosity and dedication of many Old Millfieldians gifting time and prizes to this very worthwhile cause. Very special thanks must go to Laurence Davis, Chairman, Duncan Goodhew, Vice Chairman, and indeed to the entire event organising committee who gave up so much of their time to plan this extraordinary evening. Thanks are also due to Millfield-based Louise Lang (1995-97; Day) and Lucy Deakin, to Will Clark (1999-2004; Day), who was the official photographer, and to current Millfield parents and staff for their help on the evening. In its campaign to increase substantially the number of scholarships and bursaries to the School, all proceeds raised will go directly to the Foundation.
Photos from the evening can be viewed by clicking on the following link:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/millfieldschool/sets
Report by Kate Rance, Millfield Foundation