MEMBERS of Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society presented a cheque for £1,500 to Stepping Stones School at Undershaw towards the restoration of the stained glass window that bears Conan Doyle’s family crests.

Last month saw the official opening of the author’s former home, as the new home for Hindhead’s Stepping Stones special school after a major programme of refurbishment. The window had been badly damaged by vandals when the house stood empty after 2004.

In line with the planning permission granted for the school in 2015, DFN Charitable Foundation pledged to restore the special features associated with the author.

Grayshott DFAS committee member June Mills said: “Members were delighted to present their first major charitable grant of 2016 to Stepping Stones School, at Undershaw. One of the most striking achievements of the recent refurbishment is the main hall’s stained glass window that bears Doyle’s family crests.

“As part of their ongoing relationship with this dynamic, specialist school, Grayshott Decorative and Fine Arts Society were pleased to assist with the cost of restoring this window to its former glory.

“It is all the more stunning because 1930s kitchen extensions, in the courtyard behind it, have been demolished and a glass skylight installed which throws light onto the restored stained glass.”

Society members then had a tour of the restored Undershaw including the study where Doyle wrote some of his most famous works, and the new buildings which was a chance to see the school in action and meet some of the pupils.

“This donation encapsulates the GDFAS aims of building a lasting enthusiasm among young people for the arts and an awareness of arts heritage and its conservation. These aims lie at the heart of its continuing links with the art department at Stepping Stones,” June added.

An initial cheque for £426 was also presented to head of art, Steve Grigsby, for a planned “Sculpture and Stencilling Project”.

GDFAS had already donated four standing easels and, earlier this year, presented the department with screen printing equipment.