A fifty year old endowment has been wound up with the proceeds donated to a new High School study room.
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The fund was raised 60 years ago next week through public subscription in memory of Doctor Frederick Buddee, the very popular mayor of Glen Innes. He died in 1955.
The Buddee Memorial Fund was initially worth 1000 pounds or $30,000 in 2018 dollars. Trustees donated 100 pound scholarships to help gifted Glen Innes students who might have needed help pursuing their dreams.
The last recipient, Chris Glennan, is now a teacher at the High school. Another, dame Bridget Ogilvie, is a famous scientist in the UK.
Principal Adam Forrester said the final $11,000 is to be donated to help the High School establish a study room.
He said the school had long realised the library was not adequate for students during study breaks because it is also used for classes.
"I think it's an ideal way of winding up the fund," he said.
"What better way would you think to spend it on students that will go onto further education and higher education?
"I'm sure we'll find a place to put a small plaque inside saying thankyou."
Dr Buddee was a GP, held dozens of voluntary roles, was elected to Council and was ultimately mayor. An obstetrics and gynecology specialist he could easily have got work in the city but chose to move to Glen Innes in the 30s.
At a small ceremony yesterday his son Frederick junior said his dad basically worked himself into an early grave.
"He was a medico that was really dedicated to his patients; they loved him and he loved them," said trustee Patrick Timbs.
Ultimately, some 10 scholarships were granted over the 40 or so years of operation.