PTFA for St Christopher's CofE Primary School in Red Lodge near Mildenhall delighted after successful first year

Members of a parent teacher friends association (PTFA) for a Suffolk school are delighted following a successful first year with more than £12,000 raised.

Friends of St Christopher’s is a group of volunteers, parents, staff and associated people who work together to make St Christopher’s Church of England Primary School in Red Lodge, near Mildenhall, a better place and environment for pupils to learn.

The organisation has raised £12,021.60 since September 2023 after originally setting a goal of £10,000.

Lauren Parslow, secretary of Friend's of St Christopher’s PTFA, said: ‘Establishing a PTFA for St Christopher’s started as an idea amongst us mums casually but my goodness we set ourselves a challenge.

“Led by our wonderful chair Georgie King, we have absolutely smashed our target which will really make a difference to our children’s education as well as build a fantastic community for other parents to join.

“I am very proud to be a part of the PTFA and be a part of our children’s education, alongside other volunteers and our full time jobs.”

A summer fair in July helped to raise £1949.92 which went towards the school as members of the public enjoyed a number of activities including bubble zorbing and ‘Soak-The-Teacher’.

Over the last 10 months, the PTFA has contributed to many of St Christopher’s projects and funds were recently used to buy 20 new iPads with protective cases and a charging station, totalling over £7,000.

Earlier this year, donations were put towards new speakers and microphone equipment in the school for events and extra curricular activities including Glee Club.

Funds have also gone towards remodelling the playground’s Trim Trail, soft furnishing in classrooms, welcome packs for new pupils and more.

Georgie King, chair of Friend's of St Christopher’s PTFA, said: "Having started afresh in September, I've been blown away by the support from so many volunteers and our wonderful parents, carers and friends of our school.

“We've tried some new events including a colour run, regular film nights and card trading afternoons which have all gone down really well with the children.

“From the fund-raising so far we've been able to purchase some fantastic new pieces of equipment for the school, including 20 iPads and speakers for the main hall.

“These, alongside some smaller purchases, will enhance the experience for our children at school and we can't wait to see them being fully enjoyed next term.

“We've already set a full calendar of events for the next school year and hope that many will continue to support us."