The annual 1584 Society luncheon may have been cancelled this year, but the members found a way to come together through a virtual cocktail hour, hosted by our new 1584 Society President, Peter Lawson. An OO (‘60), former parent and trustee, Peter took over stewardship of Oakham’s giving society just before the pandemic struck, so this was his first event as the society president.
The 1584 Society is Oakham School Foundation’s giving society, so named after the school’s founding year, and the annual luncheon is usually an opportunity to thank its members for their continued support of Oakham School. The event being held virtually led to the unexpected benefit of members further afield being able to join, including from the USA and Australia, and many were able to ‘meet’ the Headmaster and their fellow society members for the first time.
Peter spoke about his enduring passion and commitment to Oakham School, with which he has been involved for the past 70 years, beginning his journey at 10 years old in 1950, before leading everyone in a toast to Oakham School and passing over to The Headmaster, Henry Price.
Henry was able to give an update on the state of the school and the extraordinary measures of the past two terms, the school’s financial position, as well as giving an update on the tentative plans moving forward and how to safeguard the wellbeing of the students and staff. Henry also discussed shift in direction of the Foundation to fundraising primarily for bursaries and scholarships as it was essential that Oakham does its part to increase diversity and access to all.
Henry then opened the floor to questions from the various members, giving many a chance to chat with the Headmaster for the first time since he took the helm.
While we hope that next year’s luncheon will be able to take place in person next year, it was lovely to be able to share a drink and thank the members for their continued support of Oakham School and its philanthropic endeavours.
To find out more about the 1584 Society, please click here, or contact the Foundation at foundation@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
