With a year and a half at the helm of the Friends
under my belt, I am delighted to report that not only are the Friends of
Tockington Manor’s fund raising skills going from strength to strength, but the
sense of camaraderie amongst both our occasional helpers and those who roll up
their sleeves on every occasion is motivating more and more and parents,
ex-parents and staff to join in with our fund raising activities. I find it very
rewarding to be told by committee members how much they enjoy being a member of
the “FOTM” clan, not least because, I know the more we enjoy our roles the more
successful our events are likely to be.
This Autumn term the Friends of Tockington Manor will be holding the following events,
October-Quiz Night
- Saturday 20 October Quiz Night in the school hall
- Friday 9 November Bonfire Night in the Colonnade and Top field
- Friday 23 November Christmas Fair in the school hall
Last year our fixtures included,
October-Quiz Night
This was an informal gathering in the school hall
over a fish and chip supper. Parents, their friends and staff competed in teams
for the much converted prize of bottle of champagne. An evening of brain taxing
in good company was enjoyed by all.
November-
Bonfire Night
This popular entry free event always attracts a
wonderful turn out. There is an enormous
bonfire in Top Field and a disco in the hall. The Friends fund raise by
providing a barbecue, a bar and a plethora of child friendly stalls in the
colonnade to ensure a great time is had by all those who attend.
November-
Christmas Fair
The free to enter Christmas Fair, where stall
holders paid for the privilege of selling their Christmas crafts and produce in
our festively decorated school hall, was a new venture for the Friends of
Tockington Manor. We sold teas, coffee and mince pies to the stall holders and
their customers and received nothing but compliments for the superb variety and
quality of the successful applicant’s wares. Our event provided a convenient
Christmas shopping opportunity for local people and parents alike and was
so successful that some stall holders re booked their stall for this year
immediately.
March- Wine tasting evening
Organised in conjunction with Majestic Wine, our
intimate Pavilion based gathering was a sell out. While two wine experts took
us through the wine tasting, knowledgeable attendees competed for a very
special bottle of wine while the Friends provided a superb cheese and salad
supper. In so doing another very
convivial evening was created.
July-
Summer Ball
Our annual summer ball is always the highlight of
the Tockington Manor School social calendar and this year was no exception. Our
year 8’s arrival in two fire engines, with sirens at full volume, kicked off an
exemplary evening. The marquee was decorated to reflect the sapphire theme which
commemorated the Schools 65th birthday and, after a four course meal,
our guests danced the night away to the highly acclaimed Rolling Stones tribute
band, The Rolling Clones.
Each and every one of our Friends events have not
only provided enjoyable, well attended social opportunities to get to know
fellow parents and staff but they have also produced handsome returns for the
benefit our children. The £15,331 raised from our endeavours this year will
once again purchase items to enhance our pupil’s education. We have already made gifts of £8349.60 for a
variety of purchases which include whiteboards, a projector and a PA system for
the swimming pool.
Every minute of the committee’s hard work reaps
rewards for our children and by working in tandem with Richard and Jane Tovey
to create an enjoyable and productive fund raising team, I am proud to say we
have excelled ourselves once again.
For this unfaltering dedication and tireless
commitment, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks.
