LATEST NEWS

Friends of Eckington School (FOES) was first set up in circa 1983 – apparently with some resistance from the then headmaster who thought that parents would take over the school! The first Chairman of FOES was Geoff Ranstead, who still lives in the village.

FOES is now a registered Charity (Reg No 1086382) and it's objective is:

“To advance the education of pupils in the school in particular by: developing effective relationships between the staff parents and others associated with the school; and by engaging in activities or providing facilities or equipment which support the school and advance the education of the pupils.”

FOES has an enviable record of fundraising – primarily through its annual Auction of Promises, but also through other events including car boot sales, bonfire pancakes and music festival.

The committe changes on a frequent basis as parents join and leave the school or after giving a few years service have earned a well deserved break in their final year or so at Eckington First School.

The current chair of FOES is Tim Adkins, who has been in the post since joining FOES in September 2008. Tim has 2 daughters in the school and joined FOES in his second year. Becoming chair after the first meeting wasn't the plan but Tim enjoys the role he plays and hopes to continue the fantastic work of previous chairs including the one he replaced - Steve Blackler.

The current Secretary is Sheri Edwards who has been in the post since Sept 2009. Sheri joined FOES the previous year when she emigrated from Canada with her family. sheri had literally just moved in when she came to her first FOES meeting.

Our current Treasurer is Alec Simpson and has held the post since Sept 2008. Alec was already on the FOES committe and has brought his accounting experience to manage our finances.

The other members of the committee are -

Jim Pitchforth - the man with the big landrover! Jim is our "fixer" and can be relied upon to provide transport, equipment and the occasional "fancy dress" performance.

Ali Sanderson - the timber expert. A useful man to have around when you are buying sheds and benches for the school. Ali is an all rounder and can often be found manning the bar at events.

Aidan Marsh - we have our very own Batman on the committee which makes for some unique auction promises as well as saving the school masses of money on Bat surveys.

Our latest recruits to the committee this year are

Jane Evans
Julie Cole
Philly White
Matt Tebbitt

This is Janes first year at the school and has a son in Reception class.

Julie is also new to the school having relocated to the village last year. Her daughters are in Y4. Julie has some experience of PTA's having been a member in her duaghters previous school.

Phily is also new to the school and has a son in Reception class.

Matt has 2 children with the eldest in Y4 and the youngest in Y1. Matt maybe new to the comitte but he has helped FOES at many events and even starred as Shaggy in our Auction of Promises video in 2008.