Friends' fundraising success and festive fun in 2023

Posted by System Administrator on 14 Dec 2023

Modified by System Administrator on 23 May 2024

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Members of Friends of Pocklington Prep School stood outside, in front of a Christmas decorated gazebo at the Christmas Fayre

The Friends of Pocklington Prep School (FOPPS) and Friends of Pocklington School (FOPS) have made fantastic strides in their fundraising efforts during 2023. Together, they have raised over £14,000 and brought a plentiful supply of Christmas spirit and fun to the Pocklington School community with their calendar of events.

Friends of Pocklington Prep School have had a busy year hosting discos and film nights for the children as well as fundraising activities such as the sale of books and ice lollies. In December, their Christmas Fayre was a wonderful festive occasion, with stalls that catered to all ages and treats, along with a visit from Santa Claus and his cheerful Elves.

FOPPS events have raised over £4,000 in 2023 which will not only benefit Prep School pupils but also support external charities such as Macmillan, Samaritans and Children in Need. The funds raised have provided valuable resources in School including playground equipment, mathematics training resources, library books, art department storage and a gardening polytunnel. Moving forward, FOPPS have plans to fundraise for a large sun sail for outside the new School library providing a cosy and protected outdoor space for pupils and staff to enjoy and relax. There will also be more fun, social events to come so keep an eye out in the School communications.

Pocklington School teacher wearing orange outfit, stood in the stocks at the PockFest event

Friends of Pocklington School’s new committee kicked off their activities in July with ‘PockFest’, a fundraising event for the whole School community. It was an enjoyable day filled with musical performances from pupils and staff, great food and drinks, funfair games and stalls, including throwing wet sponges at willing teaching staff. The day was a resounding success!

Members of the Friends wearing evening wear at the Pocklington School Ball, stood with instagram frame

The Pocklington School Ball held on 2nd December was a sell-out social event hosted by FOPPS and FOPS, with over 200 guests in attendance. The sparkling evening was held at the beautiful Barmby Field Barns. Following a delicious meal from Pastelle Kitchen and Events, the guests danced the night away with live music from South West Band.

In 2023, FOPS have raised an incredible £10,000 for the School and hope to replicate their success in 2024.

The School is immensely grateful to its Friends who have done a tremendous job of fundraising and organising social events. All through the year, they have also supported the School in its activities by organising pre-loved uniform sales and helping out at School events. Pocklington School values and appreciates the generosity of its community members, whether it is through attending events or providing gifts of time, services or skills. This valuable support has made a tangible difference not only to the pupils but also to external groups and charities.

Please get involved -  all members of the Pocklington School community are welcome to join FOPPS or FOPS, which meet up once a month during term time. For further information on joining FOPPS, please email Katie Dewhirst, and for FOPS, please email Gemma Briggs.