To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on the incredible work of volunteers across Meridian Trust. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with the committee behind the Friends of the Lantern School (FOTLS) about the group’s brilliant work in support of The Lantern Primary School in Ely.
How long has FOTLS been in operation?
The Lantern Community Primary School celebrates its 20th anniversary in September, and FOTLS was established shortly after the school opened. While we’ve been registered with the Charity Commission since 2019, our efforts have been ongoing for many years prior.
How does FOTLS support The Lantern Primary?
FOTLS is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the 450 children attending The Lantern Community Primary School and Goslings Pre-School. Our ten volunteer committee members, including four role holders (chair, recording secretary, press secretary, and treasurer), work tirelessly to raise funds through various events. Our slogan, “putting the FUN into fundraising,” drives us to host engaging activities like school discos, Christmas shops, fun runs, and summer fairs. We aim to keep events affordable to ensure inclusivity and community spirit. Every penny raised goes directly to the school, funding playground improvements, ICT equipment, arts programmes, and more.
Tell us about some of your activities…
For the second year running, FOTLS has issued £100 grants to each class, funding trips to the Stained Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s House, a nurture garden, and Yearbooks for Leavers.
Our Lantern Ninja Dash obstacle course and Friday ice cream sales are ongoing favourites. The magic show we hosted was a huge hit, and our regular school discos and Leavers’ Party continue to be highlights of the school year.
One of our major upcoming events is the Lantern Summer Fair on 15 June. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together for an afternoon of games and entertainment, featuring inflatables, a Soak the Teacher in the Stocks bonanza, performances by The Lane Academy and Ely Dojo, and much more. We’ve partnered with City Cycle Centre for our main raffle prize – a £300 voucher that one lucky winner can use for a big shopping spree.
Recognising the impact that FOTLS has, Parent Sarah Follett said: “We are so grateful that our children get to do amazing activities at school that take into account Ely’s history. The support FOTLS provides classes for their trips to places like the Stained Glass Museum is invaluable.”
What advice would you give to anyone considering setting up a PTA?
Just do it! Although it’s a lot of work, it’s incredibly rewarding. We recommend setting up a “Friends of” association rather than a PTA to involve anyone connected to the school. Building a strong, trusting relationship with the school is essential. Being involved in your child’s school experience is meaningful and enriching, especially as we help make up for experiences missed during the pandemic. Every little effort truly makes a difference.
Describe FOTLS’s relationship with the school?
Supporting the school is a privilege. We have a wonderful school community, and our events bring everyone together, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. Regular updates via our Facebook page, the school’s email system, posters, and the weekly e-bulletin, Lantern Link, keep everyone informed and involved.
We are lucky to have a dedicated and passionate team on FOTLS and a strong partnership with the school’s Senior Leadership Team. This relationship enables us to put on such successful events, and we are grateful for their support.
As we mark Volunteers’ Week, we want to extend our sincere thanks to this amazing group of volunteers. Their hard work and dedication truly makes a difference, bringing joy and opportunities to our pupils.
And here’s to ALL of the wonderful volunteers across our Trust, who give their time, passion and energy towards fundraising, enrichment and community spirit in our schools.
