1646 – Issue 2

Workingwith our student body, the office offered help to local Old Blues that found themselves unable to leave their homes and joined forces with the Aldworth Partnership for the community fundraising effort RBC4NHS. The Aldworth Partnership is the umbrella term for outreach work undertaken at Reading Blue Coat and revives the charity, outreach and service that many of you undertook whilst here. Since 1660 this element has been embedded in the ethos of the School and with this renewed student led focus, it works on creating opportunities for transformational service. Other lockdown activities in the School community took part as they are highlighted throughout the magazine. With the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine it feels as if in 2021 we can take tentative steps to re- launch our plans paused in March 2020. We will no doubt have to make adjustments, but there may be some elements of lockdown events and communications that we will continue to utilise. Whilst ‘zooming’ is now common practice, perhaps we will incorporate it into events, enabling those who cannot be with us in person to still play an active part. Events will include year group reunions; career and mentoring opportunities; a lecture series and the launching of our fundraising campaign. In 2021 the School will celebrate 375 years since Richard Aldworth founded Reading Blue Coat School and this provides an opportune time to address his most enduring legacy – a tradition of giving to the School. Building on his vision, the Foundation Office is charged with expanding the School’s bursary provision and the development of facilities. It is hoped this renewed focus will bring together, celebrate and harness the support and partnership of all those who have benefited from Blue Coat and in turn, help make it possible for others to enjoy the same opportunities. Thank you to those that have already pledged their support. More details to follow! If you haven’t already, do sign up to RBC Connect our online community platform readingbluecoatconnect.org.uk – see more details in the box opposite – follow us on Facebook via @ReadingOldBlues and keep a check on the website for upcoming events and initiatives. Once given the go ahead there will be lots of dates for your diary and when we can, we look forward to meeting you again in person and welcoming you back to Holme Park. Victoria Fangen-Hall Foundation Director Staying Reading Blue Coat Connected Two years ago the Foundation Office set up Reading Blue Coat Connect. Today we have over 800 members, the majority of whom are Old Blues. Reading Blue Coat Connect is a networking platform for the wider Blue Coat Community and is a great way of staying in touch. Not only can you look up old class mates but you also receive regular newsletters from the School with news and information about upcoming events. That way, you never miss out! Another fantastic function of the platform is that you can ‘Give back’ through careers advice to students and other Old Blues just starting out on their career journey, or looking for a change. We have a wide array of careers represented from Banking to Medicine, Graphic Design to Law, Finance and Aviation, we’ve got something for everyone. You can opt in to help others or seek out advice and help for your own career. All of this free of charge as you are a valued member of the Blue Coat Community! You can sign up today in just a few minutes by visiting readingbluecoatconnect.org.uk . Please note that you may be receiving newsletters but are not yet a full member so make sure you sign up so you can start to re-connect and give back. 7