Friends of Ashley (FOA)

The Friends of Ashley (FOA) is the Parent Teacher Association at Ashley C of E Primary School, composed of parents, teachers and staff on a voluntary basis.  The aim of the FOA is to enrich the school community through fundraising events held throughout the school year.

Every parent, teacher and staff member is automatically a Friend of Ashley purely by being part of the school and everyone is welcome to get involved as much or as little as they want.

The FOA is led by a small, annually elected team made up of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Comms.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Co-Chair: Helen Platt

Co-Chair: Cristy Amponsah

Co-Secretary: Katy Furber

Co-Secretary: Louise Wilson

Co-Treasurer: Clare Birks

Co-Treasurer: Lizzie Grillo

Co-Comms Nick Caplan

Co-Comms: Sarah Parker

AIMS OF THE FOA

• Working with the school to establish priorities for fundraising and decide how funds will be spent, we aim to:
• Enhance the community of the school by holding fun and inclusive social events for parents and children.
• Raise funds to support the school and provide extra resources, facilities and equipment to complement and enhance the enjoyment and learning experiences of our children.
• The Friends of Ashley also sell and accept donations of preloved (second-hand) uniform. If you have any uniform items you would like to donate, please place them in the FOA bin (outside the school main reception steps) when you can.  The Preloved team empty it as often as possible, and sales are run regularly through the year.

  The FOA meet regularly at the school, with ad-hoc meetings in between to discuss the organisation of events and other aspects of school life. Meeting dates and minutes of previous meetings can be found on the school website and meetings will also be advertised in advance via the school newsletter and Facebook/Instagram (Ashley School – Parent Community/ @TheFriendsofAshley).

  It is always lovely to see new faces at the meetings and the FOA welcomes you to share your ideas for fundraising activities. The meetings are very informal, and you can attend as frequently or infrequently as you like and do as much or as little as suits you.

  If you ever want to get in touch with one of the Committee with any ideas or offers of support, please just drop us a line on thefriendsofashley@gmail.com, via the FOA contact form or just catch one of us in the playground. One of us is usually around.

  Helen and Cristy

  Co-Chairs, The Friends of Ashley

MEET THE COMMITTEE

Always happy to have a chat at the school gate – please keep an eye out for us!

Co Chair: Helen Platt

Co Chair: Cristy Amponsah

“Helen and Cristy are the Committee Chairs, bringing us all together, leading meetings with the school, local sponsors and the events teams. Helen’s children joined Ashley in 2018 and 2021. Cristy’s children joined Ashley in 2019 and 2022.”

Co-Secretary: Katy Furber

Co-Secretary: Louise Wilson

Katy and Louise are Co-Secretaries, keeping the committee in order, including managing event admin and licences and taking meeting minutes, amongst other things. Katy’s children joined Ashley in 2019 and 2023,  and Louise’s daughter joined in 2023.

Co-Treasurer: Clare Birks

Co-Treasurer: Lizzie Grillo 

Clare and Lizzie are joint Treasurers, taking charge of the accounts, managing the school’s spend requests, and handling all the money at the live events. Clare’s children joined Ashley in 2020 and 2023, and Lizzie’s in 2020 and 2022.

Co-Comms Nick Caplan 

Co-Comms: Sarah Parker

“Sarah and Nick run the comms and social media for the committee, create regular newsletters, and materials for meetings, as well as supporting the events teams with their comms. Sarah’s children joined Ashley in 2020 and 2022, whilst Nick’s joined in 2023.”

 

FOA Meetings

foa agm minutes september 2024.pdf

 

Forthcoming Events

Wednesday 9th October, 8pm: Christmas Bazaar Planning @ The Village 🎄

Join us at The Walton Village to discuss all things Christmas Bazaar. Let’s make it magical!

Saturday 12th October, 2pm - 4pm: Welcome Tea (led by: Y1 Parents) 

This is hosted by Y1 parents and is a chance to welcome all the new Ashley parents and children. Whilst lots of the new parents will be in Reception, there will be new parents and children from other years. All are welcome! 

Sunday 3rd November: Fireworks night (led by Helen Platt) 🎆

Our annual fireworks display is always a hit! Tickets will be going on sale in the next couple of weeks. There will be fairground rides, food trucks and a bar! There will also be an earlier, quieter display as well as a slightly later, louder display.

Friday 8th November and Friday 6th December (at pick up): Pre-Loved Uniform Sale @ School 🎒

Come and grab a bargain! School jumpers for only £1, PE tops for just 50p! 

Saturday 30th November: Christmas Bazaar (led by Sarah Cracknell and Cristy Amponsah) 🧑‍🎄

Another annual highlight in the school calendar - this is a magical event that unites the school community and guarantees to give everyone a great time. Think sparkles, Santa and festive cheer!

Past Events & Activities