The Trustees of the Fowey Grammar School Foundation (FGSF) would like to thank all those who attended last week’s public meeting at Fowey River Academy to discuss the future of the Old Grammar School Garden. The event brought together a wide range of community voices — from long-standing residents and former students to current grant recipients and concerned citizens. It provided a valuable opportunity for open discussion and clarification.

The Fowey Grammar School Foundation (FGSF) is aware of increasing public interest and discussion surrounding the Old Grammar School Garden. As a registered charity serving the young people of Fowey and its surrounding areas, we feel it is necessary to clarify the facts, address growing speculation, and extend an invitation for constructive collaboration.

The Trustees of the Fowey Grammar School Foundation (FGSF) are committed to fulfilling the charity’s core purpose: supporting the education and development of young people in Fowey and the surrounding area. As a registered charity, we are legally obligated to manage our assets responsibly, ensuring they generate fair value to provide financial assistance to students through grants and educational support.

The Trustees of the Fowey Grammar School Foundation feel it is necessary to respond publicly to the Mayor of Fowey in relation to her column in the December Fowey News regarding the Old Grammar School Garden. Whilst we appreciate the affection of some for this space, there is more at stake than the current use provided by Fowey Town Council.

For the last seven years, FGSF has leased the above gardens at a peppercorn rent of £1 per year to Fowey Town Council. It has been decided by the trustees that this agreement does not meet our charitable obligations of maximising the charity’s assets.