Monthly Donor

Penny Clover was the first Old Edwardian to become a regular donor to The KEHS Trust. Here, she speaks about her motivations and the impact her gift will have.

"When I joined the school in 1965 as an 11-year-old, I think I was most impressed by the fact there was a swimming pool. I still enjoy swimming regularly to keep fit. My family had recently moved house and I know that King Edward’s was seen as a good school by everyone. Even our new neighbours were impressed. In fact one, Mr Howard, passed by the school on his way to work every day and offered me a lift, and so made the long journey from Solihull easier in the mornings. I only had to take the school bus to Acocks Green in the afternoons, wait in the library there for 20 minutes for the 4.30 bus home. There we usually managed to do one prep, whilst waiting in the warm. It was a long school day, preparation I suppose for later years of work commuting.

I left after “O” levels, when my family moved again, then I went to Liverpool University to study Geography & Botany. I always say I am interested in everything under the sun (but to a limited depth). I am a generalist rather than a specialist. And so my CV is varied – staying 4 or 5 years in a job until I had learnt or given enough, and then changing tracks. It was only when I joined OXFAM, my first charity job that I found my true métier – everything I had ever done was useful for corporate and major gift fundraising. Then I worked for many different charities, large and small over the years.

I would like to give a large amount to the Trust, the price of a place at school for another girl and feel I have given back something of the value of my direct grant place at King Edward’s. However, I am not in a position to do that all in one go.

As a fundraiser, I know the true value of a regular donation to any charity. Firstly – it is affordable to the donor."

When I look on my bank statement and see the debit every month I know I am helping.

"Of course I will be making it with Gift Aid, to add an extra 25 pence to every £1 I give, as one of my own personal missions is to ensure everyone contributes to their chosen cause in a tax-efficient way and gets a contribution from the tax man.

I know the costs of fundraising – and also the value of only asking once but getting a regular planned donation which allows the charity to make financial plans. Once set up, very few people cancel their contributions so they continue each month and year to add up (with the Gift Aid) to a considerable sum. I will make my Assisted Place happen, over time, between now and until I can do no more!

I appreciate the way that the school has been an influence on me in so many ways. The confidence of achieving what you set out to do. The many excellent teachers and the way we were encouraged to try something new. I have attended school reunions and been most impressed all over again with these qualities and want to ensure the good work continues for the next generation.

Why not do the same?"

Make a Regular Gift by Direct Debit

I appreciate the way that the school has been an influence on me in so many ways. The confidence of achieving what you set out to do. The many excellent teachers and the way we were encouraged to try something new. I have attended school re-unions and been most impressed all over again with these qualities and want to ensure the good work continues for the next generation.
Penny Clover, Class of 1972