Chairperson: Nicola Buttigieg
My daughter joined Barrowby CE Primary School in 2019 and I thought that I would go along and see what FoBS (Friends of Barrowby School) was about with a view to supporting the Committee in whatever capacity I could, and using the opportunity to link up with other parents locally with me not growing up in Grantham. 

After supporting the fund raising for a couple of years with a fantastic group of parents I have now chosen to take on a more active role in the committee.  I know how much the fund raising benefits the school and its pupils and helped by the great teamwork from the other members I have had the confidence to step forward and take on the role of the chair.

FOBS is an immensely friendly, positive, completely inclusive group of parents who are energised to raise as much money as possible to support the school while having fun in the process.  We generally get together once a term to plan upcoming events and collaboratively share ideas, some of the key events we support are the bi-annual Christmas and Summer Fayres, Christmas nativities and sports days. We all enjoy a laugh along the way but most importantly it gives us the chance to have an input into what the monies we raise go towards in supporting the school improvement programs. 

More recently this has been focused on enhancing the school grounds and wildlife area and I know that there are more exciting projects planned for the future.  We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join us, getting involved helps you as a parent understand some of the challenges the school faces but also provides the opportunity to become part of the solution, while making firm friendships along the way.

There are lots of fundraising events throughout the year where you can get involved in partnership with the school, it doesn’t matter how much or little time you can spare or what skills you can bring, there is never any pressure. We are completely flexible and your support can be adjusted to fit in with your family commitments and time constraints. I can honestly say I have enjoyed my time with FOBS to date and look forward to helping out in the years to come.  

FoBS Vice Chairperson: Laura Freestone
I joined FOBs in 2021 when both of my children were attending Barrowby CE Primary School. I believe it is an ideal way to support the school in its fantastic fundraising events whilst also working alongside a great team to create fun experiences for the children to enjoy.

The aim of this group is to raise money to put towards exciting school projects which will enhance the children’s journey through Barrowby CE Primary School.

New faces are always welcome at meetings, come and volunteer, offer new ideas or just join us for a cup of tea and a chat. It would be lovely to see you.

Treasurer: Kate Banos
I have been a member of FoBS since 2017 and this will be my fourth year as Treasurer.  I have three children, two are at Barrowby and my youngest is due to start in September 2022.

In addition to fundraising for large school projects, such as the pond redevelopment, we also fund smaller events that take place throughout the year.  These events include the KS2 disco and Pantomime and it is events like these that help to make every child’s time at Barrowby that bit more special. 

I was a little apprehensive about attending my first FoBS meeting as I wasn’t sure what to expect or what would be expected of me.

However, everyone was really welcoming and I was soon made to feel at ease.  We all have other commitments outside of FoBS but we work together and offer whatever time, support or ideas we can to help make it a success.

It’s great being part of a team that all share the same goal - wanting to raise as much money as we can for the school! 

Minutes Secretary: Sarah Spencer
Hi, I'm Sarah, I’m married to Lee and we have a daughter called Florence and a little dog called Rocco.

I work from home as I’m a self employed cake maker baking lots of celebration cakes and other delicious treats.

I wanted to be involved with FOBS as Florence has just started in Reception so she's at the beginning of  her journey with Barrowby CE Primary School.

I would like to contribute to making the next 7 years full of fun and wonderful activities for her by helping to raise funds and volunteer some of my free time so being part of FOBS seemed like the best way for me to be able to do that.

Publicity Secretary: Sarah Eite
I have recently joined Friends of Barrowby School as our eldest child has started in reception, September 2021.  

Attending my first meeting, I was intrigued to understand what the Committee do and how they support the School. It soon became apparent that they are critical to fundraising and to ensuring events run smoothly which all appear to build a sense of community and belonging for both parents and pupils.  

I am keen to help and give back where I can to a school that our son has settled in to extremely well.

Social Secretary: Jodie Fraser
My eldest son Max started in reception in September 2021 and when I heard about FOB’s, I was keen to go along to a meeting to find out more about what the group involved. 

The group are friendly and enthusiastic and it is evident already that our shared goal is to organise some fantastic events and raise funds for the benefit of our children.

I was apprehensive about going to my first meeting, especially as I had my 11 month old with me, but the rest of the team were so welcoming and fantastic with my little one. I was out at ease straight away! 

I am looking forward to a fantastic year! 

FoBs Member: Claire Thomas

I joined FOBs, when my eldest son started at Barrowby Ce Primary School in September 2014. We had not long moved to Barrowby and it seemed a good way to meet people. (It was. Now there is always a friendly face at the school gates).  Also I am inherently nosey and wanted to know as much as possible of what was going on in the school! 

The first meeting was a bit daunting but the whole group were so welcoming and friendly that any anxiety I felt was soon forgotten. I have a younger son, who is not in school. I bring him (and a box of Lego) along to the meetings.  He is not overly quiet but no one minds. My husband works away a lot.  Especially in the first year, I was not able to help much, however this was never an issue.

I am not on the committee, I am a volunteer and help out when I can. The emphasis is very much on what time I can give, rather than there being any expectation or specific commitment.  None of it is overly difficult; its tasks such as serving tea and coffee at Harvest Festival, selling raffle tickets at the nativity, helping 'man' the book fair etc. The meetings are generally once every half term, unless there is something 'big' coming up that needs a bit more input.

At the meetings, I always feel I have the opportunity to speak and am listened to. It is a great opportunity to hear what the school are doing, how they are spending the money raised and to feed into the system. FOBs isn't just about fundraising, it is the interface between parents and teachers and it's about supporting that whole community.  I hope to be part of FOBs for as long as I have children in attendance at the school. I have met some truly wonderful people.

Not only are they a very friendly and funny bunch, they are all willing to go that little extra to help the school, my children's school, so all the pupils have new and exciting opportunities that, without FOBs would not be possible.