Outdoor Pursuits Campaign
DONATE NOW!
If you would like to make a donation, either as a single gift or in instalments, please download a donation form OR click here to give online. If you would like to discuss a potential donation in more detail, please contact the Development Office on 01223 403 808, or by emailing: development@perse.co.uk
What’s this Campaign all about?.jpg "Artist's impression of new outdoor pursuits building")
- The Perse plans to completely modernise and double in size the existing hut to create a dedicated Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
- Two new wings will be added to create a kitchen, male and female washroom facilities, a leaders’ office, as well as a dedicated storage and drying area for tents and equipment.
- The existing hut will be completely gutted and transformed into a hardwearing, multi-purpose space, which can be used open-plan or subdivided for different activities.
- New insulation, windows, doors, flooring, ceilings and decking will be added, whilst keeping the rustic feel of the original.
Why does The Perse need this new building?
- The phenomenal success of the school’s scout troop – now PES – has led to numbers growing beyond the capacity of the current building. Over 280 pupils at The Prep and Upper now take part, and there is demand for over 300 places next year.
- The hut was originally designed to last for a decade, but has been in use for over half a century! It lacks basic services, is dark, poorly insulated, and cramped because of the need to perform activities and store equipment in the same space.
- The new building will provide space for more pupils to take part in PES; facilities which support their wide-ranging activities; and storage to protect and safeguard the group’s equipment.
Why use the existing hut rather than starting from scratch?
- It provides the same end result at a lower cost (building surveyors have confirmed the existing structure is sound).
- Adding to the original hut is less likely to receive major planning objections or restrictions.
- The construction process is quicker, reducing building time and causing less disruption to PES.
- Using less new materials is more environmentally friendly, in keeping with the scout / PES ethos.
How much will the whole project cost?
- Due to the building’s substantial footprint of 484m2 (a third larger than the school hall) and the need to put in mains facilities, the project is estimated to cost just over £500,000.
- The school has thoroughly explored the different options for construction and is satisfied that the design represents value for money whilst creating a building that will last for years ahead.
- All building work will be put out to tender to ensure competitive rates.
How much money do you need from fundraising?
We are looking to raise £225,000 from parents, alumni and other friends of the school.
Couldn’t The Perse cover the whole cost?
Due to the school’s many spending commitments on other projects and our desire to keep fee increases to a minimum, it is unlikely that we could complete these improvements before 2013-14 without donor support.
How much are you asking donors to contribute?
- We appreciate that everyone has differing financial means and commitments. Our hope is that as many members of the scout and PES community as possible will feel able to give at a level that is comfortable to them.
- Even relatively modest donations combine to have a big impact.
- As a registered Charity, we can also claim Gift Aid on donations made by UK taxpayers, adding 25p for every £1 donated at no extra cost to the donor.
Can I make a donation in instalments?
Yes. You can spread your gift over a whole year and donate monthly. The table below shows some example amounts:
| Monthly Donation | Total after a year with Gift Aid |
|---|---|
| £10 | £150 |
| £25 | £375 |
| £50 | £750 |
| £75 | £1,125 |
| £100 | £1,500 |
I’m a higher rate UK taxpayer – will I qualify for tax relief if I make a donation?
Yes. If you’re a higher rate UK taxpayer, you can claim tax relief on your charitable donations via your annual Self Assessment return. On a donation of £1,000, this would lead to a reduction in your tax burden of £250 (assuming a basic rate of tax of 20% and a higher rate of 40%). The table below shows some example amounts:
| Donation | Value with Gift Aid | Actual cost to higher rate taxpayer |
|---|---|---|
| £500 | £625 | £375 |
| £1,000 | £1,250 | £750 |
| £2,500 | £3,125 | £1,875 |
| £5,000 | £6,250 | £3,750 |
| £10,000 | £12,500 | £7,500 |
How will donors be recognised?
- All donors will be invited to the official opening of the new building.
- Donors giving £250 or more will have their names embossed on a plaque in the new building.
How do I make a donation?
If you would like to make a donation, either as a single gift or in instalments, please download a donation form. If you would like to discuss a potential donation in more detail, please contact the Development Office on 01223 403 808, or by emailing: development@perse.co.uk
Proposed Layout
View the architect's plans here (PDF Format).
.jpg "Floor Plan of new Outdoor Pursuits Centre")