Donor book production, EDT Workshop.
Recognising our Bursary donors
For over a century, the Sutherland Organ has stood proudly in the main hall as a lasting and fitting tribute to members of RGS who lost their lives in the two World Wars.
Now it is hoped a new addition to the building will serve as visual salute to our bursary donors, whose generosity has changed the lives of so many pupils past and present.
An elegant ‘donor bookcase’ has been constructed in the school’s reception on Eskdale Terrace to recognise and individuals, families, and organisations who have made significant financial contributions to the RGS Bursary fund.
Wooden ‘books’ engraved with donor names line the shelves, and as new names are added, the legacy of giving will continue to grow.
“When people see the names of those who have contributed to the education of pupils at the school, we hope it will instil a sense of pride,” says Rhona Harris of NOOK Design, the Newcastle-based company who has kindly designed, crafted, and donated the bookcase.
“They’ll see at a glance that they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
Dr Pete Warne, head of EDT, says the project has been rewarding for the department.
“It has been a real privilege to be asked to collaborate on the bookcase project,” says Dr Warne. “It was a pleasure to be involved throughout the design phases to help develop the final product.
“We are really pleased with the outcome and the engravings and books that we have manufactured look fantastic in their new home.
“We see this as the start of a journey and look forward to continued involvement with more books as new donors contribute.”
The shape of the bookcase, with its triangular pediment, echoes the architectural form of the Sutherland organ while the ‘books’ serve as a nod to learning and education.
This combination of classical elements and contemporary touches, like the hand-painted navy-blue finish, creates a timeless piece that connects with the legacy of the school in a modern reception space.
External donor wall at RGS.
External donor wall at RGS.
Donor recognition bookcase, RGS Reception.
Standing an impressive 3.3 meters tall, the bookcase is one of NOOK’s largest projects to date and has been a collaborative effort to ensure it reflects the school’s ethos and core values – a Love for Learning, Ambition to Succeed, Belief in Each Other and a Sense of Belonging
As more donations are made to the school bursary fund, the shelves will gradually fill with a library of ‘books’ individually made by Andy Barker of the school’s Engineering, Design and Technology (EDT) department
A school crest etched in solid oak, also crafted in-house at RGS, enhances the bookcase design, with the names of our generous donors elegantly carved onto the spines of the walnut, oak, or cherry ‘books’ of varying sizes.
"We are really pleased with the outcome and the engravings and books that we have manufactured look fantastic in their new home. We see this as the start of a journey and look forward to continued involvement with more books as new donors contribute.”
- Dr Pete Warne, RGS Head of EDT
Recognising our Fellows, Sutherland and Horsley Society members
Our new installation on the external wall of our school pays tribute to the many individuals, families, and organisations who have supported our bursary and partnership programmes through the RGS Fellows, Horsley, and Sutherland societies.
Each name has been carefully etched into stone, creating a lasting and public testament to their impact, visible not just to the RGS community, but to all who pass by Eskdale Terrace.
The craftsmanship behind the wall comes from Shiremoor based stonemasonry firm, Strettle Memorials, who kindly supplied and fixed the plaques at cost price. Following the Philanthropy Dinner, the company pledged a further 10 plaques free of charge.
Owner Gregg Strettle reflected on the significance of the project, both professionally and personally.
“We’re proud to be involved in such a prestigious project,” he said. “I come from a long line of stonemasons and letter cutters and I grew up watching my father chiselling into stone. Our business started in 1946, and over the years we’ve worked on thousands of commemorations - war memorials, mayoral plaques, we were even involved in the restoration of Grey’s Monument.
“Our name sits proudly on almost every piece of monumental work across the North East, so it felt right to play a small part in honouring the people who have given so generously to the school. RGS is such a well-known name in the North East - its heritage is immense. Many of the donors are still with us and can bring their families to see their names on the wall. That makes this project feel especially meaningful.”
Headmaster Geoffrey Stanford echoed that sentiment.
“This wall is a permanent thank you to those who share our belief in education as a force for social mobility,” he said. “Their generosity directly enables young people from all backgrounds to access an RGS education and benefit from our wider outreach work.”
Currently, RGS supports around 100 pupils on bursaries, approximately one in every 13 students. Through the RGS Partnerships programme, the school also works with over 100 local schools, reaching more than 10,000 pupils annually with academic, creative, and enrichment initiatives.
The Donor Wall stands as a quiet symbol of the community that surrounds and supports RGS Newcastle - a lasting reminder of the power of collective generosity.
- RGS Headmaster Geoffrey Stanford“This wall is a permanent thank you to those who share our belief in education as a force for social mobility. Their generosity directly enables young people from all backgrounds to access an RGS education and benefit from our wider outreach work.”