Friends at Bilton (F.A.B.)
FAB is a committee made up of parents from all year groups across the school. We have a Chairperson and a Treasurer who are nominated annually. FAB was formed in 1999 and acts as a parental support and network for all parents of Bilton Grange.
What are our aims?
Our main aim is to organise fun social events appealing to parents and families at the school. Past events include the Annual Christmas Ball, the Christmas Fair, Burns Supper, Quiz nights, Organic Gardening Lectures and Summer events. We also :
- run regular coffee mornings in the Pugin Library helping to bring parents together on a very informal basis;
- play a role in promoting school events to encourage parents' involvement and participation, for example, help in supporting the termly Book Fairs and Open Days;
- aim to provide a support network to new children and their families when they arrive at Bilton Grange;
- run a second hand uniform shop which is open during term time on a Tuesday afternoon.
How do we achieve our aims?
The FAB committee generally meets once a month during term time to discuss new ideas, upcoming events, gain feedback on previous events and to also welcome new members.
For the many events we organise, such as the Christmas Fair, a sub committee of members are tasked with running the specific event.
What happens to any money that is raised?
Through the events we organise during the course of the year and specific fundraising ventures, we are often able to generate money for specific projects or equipment which benefit all the children at Bilton Grange. In recent years FAB have raised money towards both the Prep and Pre-Prep playgrounds, the upgrade of the DT suite and the Bilton Grange Organic Garden. All funds raised are directed to the Bilton Grange Foundation, the School's fundraising Committee.
We recognise how privileged our children are to go to such a wonderful school so we also focus on putting something back into the community. Over the past two years we have donated funds to the Rugby Young Carers Trust, a local charity which works with children and young adults who take responsibility for a family member.
How long do the meetings take and is there a lot of work involved?
FAB meetings take place monthly either at the start or end of the school day. Events tend to be organised by sub-committees so you can get involved on an event basis as well as helping with regular FAB commitments such as coffee mornings and the second hand uniform shop. Any help is greatly appreciated – we are always looking for new committee members across all years of the school.
So how do I join?
Any parent is very welcome to join the FAB Committee. All meeting dates and times are detailed on the website so please do come along to the next meeting or contact friendsatbilton@me.com .