Richard Nicholson Memorial Bursary

A LEGACY THAT LIVES FOREVER

Richard Nicholson Memorial Bursary

‘Reggie’ or ‘REN’ (Richard Edward Nicholson) sadly passed away in May 2019 (see 2019 Reeder for obituary), but even during his darkest times battling with Parkinson’s, the Reed’s Foundation was in his thoughts.

As his good friend and fellow teacher, Richard Garrett, said in his touching tribute to Reggie at the memorial service held in November 2019:

The Reed’s Foundation and community, but particularly the Reed’s students, were central to REN’s thinking. It was REN who gave his double bass away to a student; contributed regularly to the Christmas drinks for the Catering and Maintenance staff; and made a significant bequest to Reed’s School Foundation in his Will to support the very community and students that he loved.

We are eternally grateful to Richard’s brothers, Hugh and Frank Nicholson, and all the extended family, for ensuring the wishes in his Will were realised; their message aptly sums it all up:

“Richard had many interests: music, cricket, steam trains, current affairs and his garden, to name but a few, all of which he loved and studied in depth. But Reed’s School always came first with him. As a teacher, he found great satisfaction in passing on his knowledge and helping to influence young minds. It is for this that I’m sure he would like to be remembered.

As many will know, Richard was a very particular and somewhat private man. However, as the effects of his Parkinson’s worsened, he confided in his family regarding his Will and made us promise that we would ensure his gift to the Reed’s Foundation was seen through. It was only then we realised just how much the School had meant to him. With such a brilliant mind and so many talents, Richard could have chosen to work anywhere, but we believe that his commitment to Reed’s was because of the ethos of Foundation and the opportunities it opened up for so many deserving children.

As sad as it was to have to deal with a brother’s dying wishes, it gave us some comfort knowing that Richard’s legacy gift to the Foundation was what he wanted and that it will ensure his name is always associated with a place he loved, supporting future generations of Reedonians.”

Hugh & Frank Nicholson

Richard’s gift to the Foundation will be part of our Andrew Reed Growth Fund, an endowment from which only the interest is drawn to support the Foundation. It means that his legacy – both financially and educationally – will carry on in perpetuity and everything that REN was known for, will never be forgotten.

Building our Andrew Reed Growth Fund is vital to the long-term viability of the Foundation. If you would like to talk – in confidence – about making a legacy pledge, please contact Sharmaine. Everyone wants to make their mark on the

world and to have their life remembered; leaving a legacy to the Reed’s Foundation does exactly that by ensuring future generations of Foundation pupils can call themselves Old Reedonians too.

Hugh & Frank Nicholson, with Pete Burrow (Blathwayt 2003)

REN remembered…

Mr Nicholson’s Media Studies class is the reason I went into PR and now own a successful PR agency. I owe him a lot and, to be honest, I’m pretty gutted I never told him that.

Phil Savage (Blathwayt 2003)

Teachers do a job. But it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation and, in reality, it’s more than that. Thank you to Richard for helping make me the man I am today.

Ali Duncan (Capel 1997)

I remember Mr Nicholson as a man who shared all his knowledge right from the heart. He was so dedicated.

Ann Deckers (Bristowe 2004)

Richard learned of my interest in opera and knew that, as a Foundationer, there was no possible way I could afford to go. Soon after that he demonstrated amazing thoughtfulness and generosity by taking me to Covent Garden to watch Tosca and then some time after to see La Traviata. Both incredible experiences remain with me to this day as fond memories. Vale Richard and thanks.

Darren Paterson (Bristowe 1985)

Richard had a laugh that one would always know in the corridor, even without seeing him, and he will be missed!