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Leonard Stillwell Bequest
Page last updated on Monday, 17-Oct-2011
Introduction:
In 2009, the Society was informed that the late Flt. Lt. Leonard Stillwell had left monies to the Spitfire Society, but divided into two parts, with one part to the ‘Central’ Society and one part to the former ‘Eastern Region’ – a wonderful gesture as he had enjoyed many years helping their stand at the annual airshows at Duxford.
Two special committees – ‘Central’ under Chris Brice and ‘Eastern’ under Steve Williams – have been set up to consider applications to the Fund.
Each committee is entirely autonomous and may use the monies for any purpose that complies with the Will.
As the Society is a registered charity, they will be following the approved aims – loosely designated as ‘Education’ – in awarding grants and this is entirely in keeping with its spirit.
Both committees met senior officials of the Royal Aeronautical Society and learned of their experience in awarding grants through their substantial ‘Centennial Scholarship Fund’.
They emphasized the importance of a suitable brochure outlining the procedures for obtaining a grant, which is shown below:-
News (2010):
The ‘Eastern’ committee awarded a £10,000 grant to ‘Flying Scholarships for the Disabled’ (www.toreachforthesky.uk/index) which will pay for one student to have flying tuition, ground school and supporting exams.
The selection process takes place at flying schools both in the UK and South Africa, with the scholarship certificate being presented at a special ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford in July 2011. If the course is completed successfully, then the winner will receive their wings at a later ceremony.
The ‘Central’ committee decided to take over the annual award of the ‘Les Colquhoun Spitfire Society Prize’, named in honour of one of our late Chairmen and awarded to the ‘Best Year 1 Aeronautical Student’ attending the Farnborough College of Technology.
The 2010 Prize was awarded to a French student – Thierry Cavaghan – at the annual ceremony in December.
News (2011):
The ‘Central’ committee awarded a £2000 grant to the ‘RAF Harrowbeer 70th Anniversary Planning Group’ to support their educational aims related to promoting the name of the Spitfire at their 70th Anniversary Event celebrating the opening of the airfield, held 13/14 August 2011, including a static, Merlin powered replica Spitfire and the Airfix mini Roadshow at the event. (www.rafharrowbeer-dartmoor.org.uk).
The ‘Central’ and ‘Eastern’ Committees have jointly awarded a £6888 grant to ‘Maidenhead Heritage Centre’ (www.grandmaflewspitfires.org) for a Spitfire Simulator, commissioned and located within their new ‘Grandma Flew Spitfires’ facility.
Declared ‘operational’ in August by former ATA ferry pilot Molly Rose, the facility was officially opened by HRH Prince Michael of Kent KVCO, Patron of the Air Transport Auxiliary, in October 2011.
For Further Information:
If you are considering an application to the Leonard Stillwell Bequest Grant Fund, please complete the main Spitfire Society website page ‘Contact Us’ – providing brief details of your proposal within the ‘Message Box’.
Your enquiry will then be passed to the Grants Secretary for initial contact, following which the necessary forms and support documents can be either posted or sent for electronic download, whichever is more suitable, and to minimize administration costs.
We invite readers to visit www.spitfiresocietyeastern.org.uk to read Leonard Stillwell’s biography and his magnificent account of 92 Squadron’s long and distinguished history.
