When John Lyon (C 65-69) - Music Scholar and Bursary recipient - was at Bradfield in the 1960s, the young English teacher and Army House tutor, Richard Osborne, greatly increased his knowledge and appreciation of classical music. Although John’s career took him away from his love of music professionally, it is something that he has retained personally, and he attributes this to the inspiration that he received whilst at school. So, after having attended alumni events hosted by the Bradfield Society, John decided that he would like to give something back to the College.  Accordingly, he makes a regular contribution to the Bright Futures bursary programme and is leaving a legacy.  In addition, John wanted to assist current Bradfield pupils to benefit from experiences of live classical music which, thanks to Richards's generosity and kindness, he enjoyed. John therefore chose to set up the ‘Richard Osborne Music Trips Fund’ in honour of his former mentor to enable Bradfield's music scholars and others to attend live performances that their parents and the school might not otherwise afford.

In recognition of this generous gift, the College invited John and his partner Sharon to attend the Scholar’s Showcase Concert on Saturday 23 April in the ‘Jacqueline du Pré’ building of St Hilda’s College, Oxford. Richard Osborne and his wife Hailz, the first female member of teaching staff at Bradfield (SCR 85-98), were also invited to attend.

‘For many years I have wanted to share and pass on the gift of music, which I received at Bradfield through Richard's kindness and generosity.  I am very pleased to be able to help current Bradfield pupils to experience and, hopefully, enjoy some similarly great musical moments.’ John Lyon (C 65-69)