Friends of Pinewood

The Friends of Pinewood are a group of parents and staff, who organise fundraising events for pupils, parents and the extended Pinewood community. As well as raising money for the school and local charities, the events we hold bring people together in a fun, relaxed and social environment.

A number of impressive and enterprising departmental wish-list requests were granted last year and seen to fruition, including the following:

A mountain bike track, a smoke machine for the Theatre, hockey goalie equipment, sponsorship of the FOP Poetry Challenge, the Pre-Prep shelter, Morph suits for the Year 6 play, golf equipment, Learning Support C pens for dyslexia, foldable trestle tables, a gazebo, a Pinewood stencil for the pitches and most importantly the Outdoor Classroom.

Last year saw the introduction of the house local charity selection system.  We feel it is important that the children are aware of giving to charity through the fun they have at FOP events, and that they know which worthy causes they are supporting.  Maintaining an emphasis on local charities, rather than national ones, means that funds raised will yield more for their particular needs. Heads of each house led the children in nominating and voting for a charity per house.  The children were initially encouraged to research and discuss worthy local causes, with their families and friends.  Each house then selected a charity for the year ahead.  Pre-Prep did likewise and the following FOP charities were selected for our support through the year ahead: Postbridge: Swindon Night Shelter; Motcombe: Oxford Animal Sanctuary; Melchet: Pennyhooks Farm Trust; Farnborough: ‘Threshold’ in Swindon; Pre-Prep: Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre. In addition to our charities, we supported a young student, Rachida, through World Vision, adopted four animals at Cotswold Wildlife Park, and we were able to provide Bishopstone School with a playground canopy.

As a committee, we have a lot of fun and are always looking for volunteers to help at events. If you think you would be interested in helping us, please speak to Sasha Kennedy or Nicola Bailey.

2020-21 Committee