Dame Agnes Mellers Charity

What’s the history of the Charity

The charity started life as a Lads’ Club. The Dame Agnes Mellers Lads’ Club was a physical building. It was set up on land adjoining the Nottingham Children’s Home, which was on a site of a former workhouse in Hyson Green.  The appeal for funds to construct it began in 1913 to mark the 400^th anniversary of Nottingham High School, whose pupils wanted to support young people less fortunate than themselves.

Before it opened the building was requisitioned by the War Department to provide billets for soldiers during the First World War. But on 7^th November 1917 it was formerly opened as the Lads’ Club.

It was fully subscribed from day one with around 180 boys getting skills training such as shoe-making and basic engineering. A Boys Brigade branch was housed there and there were regular sport and exercise sessions. It was also one of the few places that had baths. And families sent their children round once a week to get washed.

However it was always a hand to mouth operation but underwent a serious decline in the 1950’s when the back-to-back housing in Hyson Green was cleared. The Trustees negotiated a sale of the club to the local council and the funds were re-invested and are now given out as grants.

We became a registered charity in the 1977. The former High School Head Teacher, Dennis Witcombe, described the charity as ‘one of the very best things about the High School’.

Dame Agnes founded the ‘Free School’ in 1513 with a charter granted by King Henry VIII

It was held in St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market. Centuries later, in 1868, the school moved to it’s current location on Arboretum Street and changed it’s name to Nottingham High School.

Her husband, Richard, was one time Sherriff of Nottingham and Mayor of Nottingham.

We offer grants to support young people in Nottingham who are experiencing the effects of poverty.

Our primary objective is to enhance educational and recreational opportunities for individuals under the age of 18 living in the city. We particularly focus on applicants who have limited access to other funding sources. By providing these grants, we aim to empower young people, helping them to engage in activities that foster personal growth, skill development, and social inclusion, thereby improving their overall well-being and future prospects.

Where do we get our money from?

We receive investment income, donations from local businesses and former pupils of the High School, the occasional legacy and collections amongst current pupils of Nottingham High School.

With the exception of the costs of the mandatory audit, every penny raised goes to help the young people of Nottingham. We’re not a wealthy charity but we know we make a big difference in young lives.

The following stories describe how we have recently helped young people.

Year 4 London Trip

I wanted to thank you and the Dame Agnes Mellers charity for your donation. As a result of the £800 to Mellers Primary, year four children were able to visit the Cambridge theatre in London to watch Matilda, the musical. Without your support, this would have been financially out of reach of both the school budget and family’s income. These nine-year-olds had never experienced musical theatre before and were in awe of the venue, sets, lights and performances. It was an inspiration to the children to see other young people on stage. This was life-changing and we are incredibly grateful; thank you again.

“We were up all-night laughing! We saw Matilda at the theatre, which was so nice. We sat with our friends and danced in our seats.”   M. Jammeh

Mellers Kidz Club

I am extremely thankful to the Dame Agnes Mellers charity. They granted £1,500 to the Mellers Kidz Club, which I lead. This is equal to 187 funded sessions of after school child care. As a result of this donation 11 children were able to access a funded place. It allowed 5 parents to continue with training or new employment, knowing their child was safe and cared for in a familiar setting. Without this in place, the parents would have not been able to do this and as a school we cannot afford to offer free places.  The children have enjoyed the club, which again offers families peace of mind. 

Helping Kids Achieve

Dame Agnes Mellers have supported helping kids achieve for the past 3 years.

During this time, they have supported us to deliver after school basketball projects and Morning clubs in schools to help increase attendance. These sessions have enabled us to work with over 100 young people in the community.

Without the support of the charity to deliver our basketball sessions, young people would not have been introduced to the sport and given them the opportunity to do something they enjoy doing, keep fit, create new friendships and learn new skills. These sessions have also helped young people work as part of a team, and helped discover what their own strengths and weaknesses are, which enables them to work on this during out sessions and outside of them also. It’s also given the young people the opportunity to have positive role models that they can look up to.

These sessions are helping some of the most vulnerable children that attend this school, so without the funding from Dame Agnes Mellers this would not be possible.

Year 5 Trip to Magna

On Tuesday 11^th June, all of our year 5 pupils visited Magna Science and Adventure Centre near Rotherham.  All children were able to attend thanks to the kind and considerable donation from the Dame Agnes Mellors Charity.

Magna offers the children a chance to explore hands on science experiences based on the 4 elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water.  Each class spent time in each area having a go with the interactive activities on offer.  It was lovely to see the pupils excited by all of it.  In the afternoon, we took part in a Forces workshop which supported our class-based learning earlier in the year. This was full of drama with rockets powered by air, chemical reaction and fire.  Several children were involved as assistants for these demonstrations. They loved it!  Before heading home, there was also a chance for some outdoor play in the playground area outside of the centre.

Here are some photos from our day… I’m sure you’ll be able to see just how much fun they all had!

Thanks again for your support.  Without funding, we would not have been able to take the children on this wonderful, exciting and educational trip.

Residential to Walesby Forest

Every summer, with help from Dame Agnes, we are fortunate enough to take our year 6s on a memorable and magical residential to the fantastic Walesby activity centre. During this adventure, our children enjoy a range of exciting and challenging outdoor activities in the beautiful setting that is Walesby Forest. For the overwhelming majority of our children, it is the first time that they have ever explored a forest setting where they are able to build dens, play hide and seek, tell ghost stories and climb trees. These are the type of wonderful childhood activities that many of us take for granted. They are also challenged with an exciting a range of exciting activities, such as: climbing, team building, archery, assault course, a camp fire, laser tag, kayaking and the amazing 3G Swing!

Our school is located in an area of social and economic deprivation. However, our dedicated staff have always strived to ensure that all our children, regardless of their background, are able to access this wonderful opportunity. Without securing additional funding from yourselves, the school and our parents would simply find it impossible to provide this experience to all; this would result in many of our most vulnerable and economically deprived children missing out. Here at Berridge school, we greatly appreciate the help you have been able to provide us over the past number of years, and your continued support. Dame Agnes’s generous contribution has been a lifeline to help give this once in a lifetime adventure to some of Nottingham’s most disadvantaged children. I cannot overstate just how important Dame Agnes role has been in making this incredible and magical experience happen. Thank you once again.

We’re an independent charity with close links to the school. All of the trustees give their time freely to assess grant applications and administer the funds.

Chris Adams (Trustee and Chairman)

Chris is a qualified solicitor with over 35 years experience. He was born in Nottingham and also serves as a governor at the Hollygirt School.

Mark Shardlow (Trustee)

Mark is sports journalist working for BBC, Notts TV and others. He’s lived in Nottingham for most of his life and is also a trustee at Active Partnerships and RadFest youth music festival.

Chris Ford (Trustee)

Chris Ford has been a trustee for over 9 years, and  proud to play a role in supporting vulnerable children within schools in the city of Nottingham, my ethos is " No dreams are out of reach " and hopefully we as a charity help some way in achieving this, along  with the hard work of our chairman and its trustees.

Kamala Newton

I have worked at Nottingham High School for ten years, spending eight of those in the Development Office, where I focused on building alumni relations and organising both Old Nottinghamian (ON) and School events. I am now the Operations Manager, a role that spans many areas of school life. I have a deep affection for the School—I even got married here (to an ON!)—I’m proud to continue contributing to its wider community and supporting the DAM Charity.

Sam Ellis MCIOF (AdvDip) Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager

As a professional fundraiser, with extensive alumni relations experience, I am dedicated to strengthening the School’s mission and long-term vision.
I care deeply about our students and the community we are continually shaping together, grounded in shared values and aspiration.
I am proud to honour the legacy of those who built the foundations of the High School and I am committed to helping ensure an even stronger future for the generations who will follow.

Richard J Pannell (Trustee)

Richard was a pupil at NHS for ten years. After qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor, he joined a practice in Nottingham. Subsequently he served as a Governor of the School for seventeen years, and as a Magistrate in the County for thirty-three years.Richard joined the School Scout Group, which prompted a Lifelong involvement in the Scout Movement.