THE JULIAN BEWICK MEMORIAL FUND
NURTURING POTENTIAL, SHAPING FUTURES
“It
must be a very rare thing for one person to leave such a strong mark on so many young lives.”
- Chris A, OM - 1999
THE JULIAN BEWICK MEMORIAL FUND
NURTURING POTENTIAL, SHAPING FUTURES
“I am so pleased that we are able to move forwards together with Bluefriars to create the Julian Bewick Memorial Fund and, in so doing secure the future of Monkton Rowing and provide all students access to a high class fitness facility. Mr B had a huge impact on my life and is one of the reasons I am now back at Monkton; his rules still inspire the way I teach Maths today. The creation of this fund is a fitting way to commemorate all that he has done for so many Old Monktonians and allows future generations to benefit from his legacy. I hope you will feel able to give generously to support this, whatever that looks like for you.”
- James Goodman, Interim Principal, OM - 1994
Julian Bewick: A Legacy of Inspiration
Julian was an extraordinary individual who transcended the roles of Maths Teacher, Housemaster, and Rowing Coach. What truly distinguished him was his profound dedication to acknowledging and cultivating the unique potential within each student. He possessed a remarkable talent for instilling confidence and fostering selfbelief, even in pupils who doubted their own abilities. A compelling illustration of Julian’s impact is the narrative of Steve Williams, which was recounted by Steve at Julian’s recent rowing memorial. As a young rower, Julian encouraged Steve to prioritize his overall fitness and to aspire to represent his country. The time Steve dedicated to gym training proved invaluable when he later tried out for the GB rowing team, ultimately representing Great Britain and winning two Olympic Gold medals.
Beyond his contributions to rowing, and sport in general, Julian was notably forward-thinking in advocating for emerging fields, particularly computer science. Many of his former students went on to make substantial contributions to the technology sector, shaping innovations that continue to influence our lives today.
Our Vision: The Julian Bewick Memorial Fund
The Julian Bewick Memorial Fund aims to embody Julian’s spirit: to provide the resources and environment where every pupil can discover their talents, embrace new challenges, and reach their full potential, just as Julian inspired in so many.
This proposal outlines a fundraising initiative designed to honour Julian’s impact on our school community and to continue his vision of nurturing individual potential. Julian was remarkable for his unparalleled ability to believe in students, guiding them to achieve ambitions they never thought possible.
This fund will be dedicated to supporting rowing at Monkton, including updating our fleet of boats, improving facilities at Dundas, the acquisition of a state-of-the-art rowing tank and providing access to strength and conditioning for all students. Additionally, the fund will provide bursarial support for talented pupils demonstrating excellence in Maths, Computer Science, or Rowing. Through these targeted investments, we seek to provide exceptional opportunities, foster innovation, and ensure Julian’s legacy of encouragement and forward-thinking support continues to shape the lives of future generations.
Rowing at Monkton
Under Head Coach, Nick Baker, Monkton Rowing is embarking on an exciting new chapter. We believe Rowing should be an inclusive and inspiring experience, offering every pupil the chance to gain its physical, psychological, and social benefits. The school has demonstrated significant commitment and ambition by recently investing in two Aliante Filippi 4x’s for our top boys’ and girls’ sculling crews to compete in major events. Rowing holds a special place at Monkton, having produced 11 of the school’s 12 Olympians. Beyond results, Rowing fosters character, spirit, camaraderie, and respect among all boat club members.
As part of Monkton’s ambitious drive to elevate our Rowing program, we are now looking to establish a state-of-the-art land-based rowing tank. This cuttingedge facility will revolutionise how our students learn and develop in the sport, providing a safe environment for novices to master fundamentals and enabling advanced rowers to refine their technique with unparalleled precision. Crucially, it will ensure uninterrupted training, regardless of weather conditions or river accessibility, including the more frequent flooding of recent years and will provide vital rehabilitation support for our competitive athletes. We also want to allow other Rowing clubs in the area to have access to this amazing facility.
Maths & Computer Science at Monkton
Julian Bewick’s passion for teaching “sums” (as he called it) supported generations of Monktonians, many of whom comment on his rules including “Draw a diagram” and “Go to extremes” which supported both their mathematical understanding but also wider life too. His interest in computer science led him to be remarkably ahead of his time in championing this emerging field, first taking pupils to Bath University to use their computer and then organising for Monkton to purchase a computer (a metre cubed in size) for students to use in the 1970s. Through this and other activities, such as building a calculator from scratch, he inspired many former pupils to make significant contributions to the technology sector, shaping innovations that continue to impact our daily lives today.
Building on Julian’s foundational legacy, Monkton continues to empower and equip the next generation of problem-solvers and creators. The United Kingdom Maths Challenge continues to be a key pathway for our most capable mathematicians to develop their problem solving skills and, by engaging in the follow-on rounds, compete against the best mathematicians in the country. Computer Science has become an established subject at Monkton both for GCSE and A-Level with many students continuing to go on to study Maths and Computer Science at top universities. Whatever their future path, Monktonians gain the flexibility and ingenuity to thrive as tomorrow’s innovators and inventors.
OUR VISION
INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE
The Julian Bewick Memorial Fund will be invested in areas that align with Julian’s passions and will have a lasting, transformative impact on our students’ educational journey and future prospects. The projects identified for support, depending on the total amount raised, include:
Developing Rowing at Monkton: Facilities, Fleet and Performance
A Key Aspiration: The Julian Bewick Performance Centre, a cutting edge land-based rowing tank combined with a state-of-the-art gym and fitness suite, allowing us to build on Julian Bewick’s scientific approach to sport and his commitment to excellence and individual fitness. This facility will revolutionise student learning and development, providing a safe environment for novices and enabling advanced rowers to refine technique regardless of weather or river conditions, including periods of rehabilitation for competitive students. The Dreher modular system offers an economical, high-quality, and long-lasting solution, retrofitting into an existing school building.
Broader Rowing Enhancements: Beyond the tank, the fund will also support the updating and expansion of our fleet of Rowing boats and the refurbishment of the Dundas site. These enhancements are crucial for accommodating more rowers, ensuring access to the best equipment for training and competition, minimising travel costs, and maximising time on the water for all levels. This comprehensive investment will elevate our Boat Club, attracting and developing top talent, enhancing the overall rowing experience, and fostering discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
“Julian used to sit on the side of the launch and talk about ‘beautiful rowing’. There is no chance I would have got to the Olympics if it wasn’t for Julian.”
- Steve Williams OM 1994
Julian Bewick Bursary for Excellence in Maths or Computer Science
The Julian Bewick Educational Trust and Monkton Bluefriars have committed to providing two rowing bursaries each year for the next 5 years. To reflect Julian’s impact beyond sport and Rowing we would like to match this with a bursary fund to support talented pupils in Maths and/or Computer Science who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend Monkton. By being means-tested, it ensures the support goes to those who need it most. This initiative will give many students access to a rounded Monkton education, enrich our school community and allow them to nurture and develop their passions all while upholding Julian’s commitment to providing these opportunities for those who can’t afford it.
“Mr B was a calm and reassuring anchor for me during my time at Monkton Senior School both through rowing and as my Maths Tutor. By the riverside he inspired me to take my rowing seriously whilst guiding me through my time as Girls Captain. Much to my (and my parents’) relief, Mr B took me under his wing while I prepared for my Maths GCSE - a subject I had never enjoyed (or really understood!). He patiently took the time to take me through the work, giving me the foundation and confidence to eventually get an A grade for which I will always be grateful.”
WHY INVEST? CONTINUING JULIAN’S LEGACY
This fund began with a generous legacy gift from Julian — a final act of support from someone who spent his life encouraging potential and inspiring ambition. In his honour, we are now building on that foundation, inviting the wider Monkton community to help us raise over £500,000 to create state-of-the-art Rowing facilities and fund bursaries which will benefit generations to come.
Honouring a Legacy
Your contribution will directly honour Julian’s profound impact on countless lives and ensure his forward-thinking vision continues to thrive.
Transformative Impact
These projects are not merely upgrades; they are strategic investments that will fundamentally enhance the educational experience and future opportunities for our students.
Nurturing Talent
By providing bursaries, you enable us to identify and develop exceptional talent, empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and athletes.
Bluefriars Match Funding
Bluefriars Trustees are fully supportive of the creation of this Julian Bewick Memorial Fund and have agreed to match fund any donations for rowing up to a maximum of £250,000. This means that a donation of £1000 with Gift Aid and Bluefriars match funding will now generate £2500. Monkton is extremely grateful and excited for this support for Monkton Rowing as it makes our vision of a performance centre, with your support, possible.
Achieving Our Fundraising Target: How You Can Help
We aim to make contributing accessible at every level, allowing our entire community to participate in continuing Julian’s legacy.
Our target we are aiming for the development of Rowing is £500,000. There is no set target for pupil support but we would like to offer at least two ‘Julian Bewick’ bursaries of between 30% - 50%.
Any gift over £10,000 allows the giver the opportunity to be involved in the naming of a boat.
Please consider helping us finish the race by giving in any of the following ways or, indeed, with any gift of any amount:
With Gift Aid and Bluefriars match funding each gift will become
WAYS TO GIVE
Thank you for considering making a gift to the Julian Bewick Memorial Fund. There are a number of ways you can make a donation:
Regular Giving
Regular donations to the fund make a remarkable difference as they enable us to plan financially; many people giving small amounts really does add up to make a real impact.
If you are in a position to donate regularly, please fill out the relevant section on our donation form to set up a direct debit to the school. Please use the QR code below to access the form.
Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider adding Gift Aid to your donation, as this will enable us to claim back the tax on your donation - that’s 25p extra for every £1 you give, on a £100 donation that would be an additional £25!
Making a Donation from the USA
You can make a tax-efficient gift from the USA via the British Schools and Universities Foundation (BSUF). You can do so online at bsuf.org. Please ensure you state your chosen organisation as Monkton Combe School.
Single Donation
Making a single gift couldn’t be easier. You can give online via Stewardship or set up a BACS transfer. Simply use the QR Code below for more details.
To find out more about how you can support us and view giving options. Please follow the link below or scan the QR code:
https://www.monktoncombeschool.com/monktoncommunity/supporting-monkton
You are supporting Monkton Combe School, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales (3228456) and a registered charity in England and Wales (1057185). Monkton is registered with Fundraising Regulator.
