Friends of Regent House
Trustee Annual Report Sept ’18 – Aug ‘19
This Trustees’ Report relates to the reporting year 1[st] September ‘18 to 31[st] August ’19 and is in respect of the charity “Friends of Regent House” (NIC 104811) registered at Circular Road, Newtownards, BT23 4QA.
Friends of Regent House exists with 2 main purposes:
1. To improve relationships between home & school
The benefit which flows from this purpose includes funding for additional resources for the school and links built with the local community. This is demonstrated through having an active PTA that works in partnership with the school and engages parental support.
2. To advance the education of pupils in the school
The benefit which flows from this purpose includes increased educational progress and attainment of pupils in the school and links built with the local community. This is demonstrated through pupils having access to resources, events, activities and links with the local community which are not available through direct school funding.
This is set out in more detail in the Friends of Regent House Constitution document agreed and adopted on 8[th] December 2015.
At the AGM held on 30[th] January 2019, the following Trustees were elected:
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Michael Carville
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Julieann Brownlee
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Julieanne Smyth
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Stephen Fuller
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Judith Cochrane
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Susan Vidamour
FORH supported the school throughout 2018 & 2019 by providing refreshments & support at various events including school plays & sports mornings, the annual Year 8 Disco – which again was another huge success with the highest numbers of kids attending. We have also supported the Open Evenings and the Year 8 Intake evenings whereby the children receive a branded Regent Pencil case (provided by Colin Adams Motor Parts)
Following a wish list presented to the Team last year it was decided after a presentation by Kathy Taylor VP, on the Unifrog Careers package, to move forward with this and that we would support the first year as this particular investment would benefit the whole school.
Unfortunately, our annual Christmas Ball did not happen as originally scheduled and we had to bring this event forward to the Spring to be held on 6[th] April 2019.
Our AGM was held 24[th] January 2019. Trustees were voted in, also voted in as Chair, Julieann Brownlee, Susan Vidamour, Secretary and Judith Cochrane, Treasurer.
Another eventful period followed our AGM:
February & March 2019 – our Team donated many hours prepping for the Spring Ball. The Ball took place in April ‘19 at the Stormont Hotel and was well supported by attendees & providers of ballot prizes.
May of 2019 seen the introduction of our hygiene baskets. Following discussions with the FORH team & senior girls, it was decided 6-8 baskets would be placed around the school which were easily accessible for any girls in need. Following a shout on social media we were overwhelmed by the donations and gathered enough supplies to fill the baskets for a full school year. The students are using the products regularly and this has proven to be very successful. PTA (UK) are using our model to encourage other schools to do the same with our Chair, Julieann Brownlee invited to write a blog in support of this project and also receiving positive feedback.
Also in May, FORH helped out at the Spring Concert – with another effective use of our social media avenues, a shout out placed on our FB page requesting donations of tray bakes etc. This resulted in generous donations provided by our school community. Social Media has enabled us to keep connected with parents, carers and the local Regent community as a whole.
Also, in May a decision was made by our Team to organise an ice-cream van for the Senior School finishing their exams. The students were extremely grateful and photos were placed on our social media avenues and again great responses were received.
Our 3[rd] annual Uniform Shop opened in June 2019 to a queue of parents. The FORH team were again well supported with donations and those members involved with washing & ironing made a success of the 2019 effort. Surplus items of clothing were gratefully received by the African Schools Project.
For a second year running we held an end of Year BBQ. Thankfully the weather held out and all the children had a fantastic last day and a well deserved Summer break ensued.
All these events provided vital funds for our School and helped to build relationships with the wider Regent Community. Our Social Media continues to be a hugely successful avenue for communication between many parents, ex-pupils and supporters again building upon the Regent House community.
Fundraising for the period included:
| Fundraising for the period included: | |
|---|---|
| Event | Profit |
| Year 8 Disco | 262.47 |
| Prep Tea/Coffee | 85.26 |
| Rugby Tea/Coffee | -139.36 |
| Spring Concert Tea/Coffee | 367.84 |
| Uniform Shop | 1790.34 |
| FORH Gala Ball | -35.00 |
| Donations | 1095.00 |
| BBQ Jun‘19 | 48.00 |
At the end of the reporting year August ’19, the charity held £2690.00 in Current A/c No.1, and £330.10 in Current A/c No.2
These monies will be carried into the next academic year and allocated to items that will continue to advance the education of our young people.
Agreement of Trustees:
Julieann Brownlee, email 17.06.20 Stephen Fuller, email 12.06.20 Michael Carville, email 12.06.20 Susan Vidamour, author