The Friends of Russet House School (FORHS) has been a registered charity since 2002. It was set up to raise money and to invite and receive contributions for the benefit of pupils attending Russet House School. Having Charity status allows us to receive money from companies for which they in return are able to benefit from tax advantages. All parents automatically become members and staff and friends are also encouraged to become involved on the committee which plans the programme for the year ahead.

Throughout the year, the Friends arrange events for the children and everyone involved with the school. These events are principally about raising money for school projects but also about having fun and contributing to the social life of the school.

The following are some of the things that the FORHS have provided for the school.

• The purchase, annual maintenance and running costs of a school minibus
• Enhancing the curriculum by providing horse riding and sailing lessons
• Running a play scheme for RHS children and their siblings during the summers of 2002 and 2003. Unfortunately this was unable to be repeated during 2004 and 2005 due to building works and would require substantial funds to run any further play schemes in the future.
  

In the last couple of years we have received a number of donations from various organisations including:-

• Broomwood Lodge
• Michael O’ Sullivan
• Abbey
• St. Andrew’s Parish
• David Lloyd’s Centre and Staff
• Masonic Lodge
• Enfield Football Alliance
• Inner Wheel
• FRIENDS
• Rotary Club of Edmonton
• Batchworth Park Golf Club
  

We very grateful to all who support us but especially Mandy Nevison from the Friends, the staff at the David Lloyd's Centre and members of the Rotary Club of Edmonton who have been regular supporters of the Friends for a number of years.

Friends, Staff and Parent/Carers have also raised money by organising and attending a fashion show and Christmas Fayres. For our next fund raising event we will be holding a fashion show in the Spring term. More details will follow early next year.

We have recently set up a fundraising webshop. When shopping online, you can now access over 100 leading retailers using our webshop. Every time you use our webshop to buy a gift and or services we will receive a donation, at no extra cost to you. Please try to use it whenever you can and spread the word to everyone you know. Find our webshop at http://www.buy.at/FriendsofRHS. Happy shopping and thank you for your support!

You can also now donate to the Friends by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/russethouse/donate. use this link either to make a one-off donation or to set up a regular monthly contribution to the Friends. Your support will be much appreciated and will help us to support the school's excellent work by funding extra-curricular activities such as horse riding, sailing and other outdoor pursuits.

We are always looking for willing and enthusiastic volunteers to join our committee. If you are interested, please contact the school office on 020 8350 0650.

Andrew Miller
Chair