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,

• 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 65^th 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.