Taylorian 2020

54 C harity Drive has had a busy and successful year. As a student-run committee of boys from Year 11 to Year 13, we’ve run a range of events to increase awareness and support for many different charities. We supported the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre (a local charity that provides support and information for those affected by cancer), Centrepoint (a charity which provides homeless young people with accommodation, health support and life skills to get them back into education, training and employment) and Age UK Hertfordshire (a local charity that promotes the well-being of all older people and helps make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience). Altogether, we’ve managed to raise over £8000 for these amazing charities and built up strong relationships with them all. Our main event of the year was a sleepout in late February. Over 50 boys and staff spent a night sleeping rough in the inner quad. The evening began with groups setting up camp using cardboard, plastic bags, and newspapers. The Charity Drive team ran a few late-night activities to keep the spirits high as the early morning hours neared. The wind howled and the rain poured throughout the night, but most braved the weather and fully embraced the experience. In the end it was a truly eye-opening event and one where all involved can be proud of what was achieved for the benefit of Centrepoint. At other points in the year, the team has organised many events, including the sale of refreshments at numerous sporting events such as the 1 st XV’s Friday Night Lights victory and House Cross Country. We also organised a cake sale and a Mufti Day. These events have proved to be highly profitable, testament to the school community’s love of a sugary snack. One of the most popular events of the year was the inaugural staff vs. students football match. The game was eagerly watched by a crowd of boys who were quick to get on the back of the teachers’ team and a small group of staff who did their best to give support to their colleagues. The match ended in a highly entertaining 1-1 draw with the students’ side left ruing their missed chances. Going into the lockdown period, the team has aimed to continue to create events to raise money for Age UK Hertfordshire at a timewhen our support is so greatly needed. In the first few weeks of the summer term, we have run a FIFA tournament on two consoles, a Kahoot quiz, and started a ‘3 from 3 Challenge’, for which we have nominated the Heads of House. Hopefully, through the generous support of the Taylors’ community, we can continue to provide for those who need our help the most during this difficult time. S&A Charity Drive Societies & Activities From all of us in the Charity Drive team, we want to thank the students and staff who have supported us over the course of the year, in particular Mrs Omert, who has given so much of her time and energy to help organise these events. Many thanks to everyone in the school for making this such a successful year; we couldn’t ask for a better community to work in. Toby Michaels (L6)