Fiona Foundation - The Fiona Foundation

It is that time again. The Christmas party beckons. We don’t propose to have an auction this year but there will be a raffle and the other usual fun stuff. Please join us if you can.

We have succesffully completed our first year with our scholarship in the chemical engineering faculty at Newcastle University. Paige Caldaralo wrote a lovely endorsement and thank you to us for helping her with that scholarship.

… Newcastle Scholarships

The Fiona Foundation logo will be proudly worn on the St Johns Parish under 10 football team shirts from September. We are really grateful to those who have helped to fund this without seeking any recognition for themselves and for helping us to keep up the profile of the Foundation.

Put the date in the diary folks; 30 November is the proposed date for our annual Christmas bash with the auction, raffle, kids disco and all the other usual trimmings.

This year’s exchange trip to Nigran in March was the best attended yet; the project goes from strength to strength. The Fiona Foundation is currently supporting the project by providing all the children involved with phrase books for current and future use and as a lasting momento of their involvment. Thank you for helping in raising the funds to allow us to do this.

We are not far away now from the summer party at Manley Mere on 6 July. Record numbers are booked in. It is turning into a proper festival; Mr. Husselbee no doubt the main fixture in the dance tent. There is much excitement amongst the younger folk for the traditional afternoon of muddy glory but this year’s kayak contest seems to be getting the entire toupee of competitive dads’ talking the talk from a long way off. If anyone wants more information about joining us, camping or the event generally then please contact us by e mail.

We are really grateful to Nick. Not only is he one of our trustees but he has also been our greatest fund raiser so far this year. He completed the London marathon in 3 hours 18 minutes and raised around £2,500 for the Foundation whilst doing so. Thanks Nick for all your help.

Another fantastic night for all ages took place at the Parish Centre. So many people gathered from all corners of the country to remember Fiona and celebrate at Christmas time. It is great to see how the event is becoming such a fixture in people’s calendars. The auction was supported as well as ever with prizes ranging from a meal at the Bowling Green pub to corporate box entertainment at Manchester City and tickets for 6 nations rugby internationals. As always thank you to all who who donated prizes, bid in the auction and who joined us for the night. See you for the next one!

The annual Fiona Foundation Christmas party will take place at the St. John’s Parish Centre on Saturday 15 December from 6pm. Following last year’s success we will again have entertainment for the children followed by food and then dancing and jolly stuff well into the night. There will be a raffle, an auction and an update of our year of fundraising and support. Please come along – it will be a ticket only event.

The Fiona Foundation supported the St John’s school and church on Sunday 15 July by providing gifts of lavender plants to each of the 53 graduating children. It was an emotional day for children and parents alike but above all it was a great celebration of the 8 happy years at the school for the children and the life long friendships that have flourished.