What is Friends of Lanterns?

Friends of Lanterns (FOL) is a registered charity that was established in 2005.  FOL is dedicated to raising additional funds for Lanterns Nursery School and promoting the great work that the nursery school does with families.  As such we have a group of Trustees who meet every quarter to examine the accounts and decide on spending and fund-raising priorities.

Over the period since March 2020, FOL has been limited by the rules of the Covid pandemic and has therefore been less able than usual to fund raise.

We have two sorts of funds in FOL.  Some we can spend on projects requested by the Nursery School. Others have to be spent on a specific project as outlined by the the person or organisation donating the funds.  An example, we have been given £333.00 by Waitrose to organise a Farm Day for local children.

Our financial year runs from September to August and so we have just submitted a return to the Charity Commission.

Over the past year we have paid for:

• Pond renovation - making the Garden Pond more accessible and less deep and planting water plants and wild flowers.

• Renovations to the Bumblebees garden, to include flooring and levelling as well as garden furniture and play items.

• Renewing wooden play equipment in the main garden.

• Purchase of a new washing machine .

• Outdoor classroom for Meadow area.

How does FOL raise money for Lanterns?

During the course of each year, FOL holds a number of events.  These include regular cake sales and raffles - with some amazing prizes! - as well as running regular Garden Time and Family Farm day sessions at the nursery school.  The Garden Time and Family Farm sessions are ticketed through Eventbrite and are widely advertised on the Lanterns website and Facebook page - keep a look out for our next event!

We could not function without our volunteers who give their time to organising events such as those described above.  All the ticket prices go to FOL.

Our grateful thanks go to Sarah Bailey and her team who walked the South Coast challenge for Lanterns and raised a whopping £5,490 for us.

How can you find out more about supporting FOL?

Many of the people in the group have been supporting the nursery school for a long time and are now ready to step back.  This means we need some fresh faces to join the team.  We are hoping to get a mixed group of some staff, parents and people from the community to help us. 

If you would be prepared to offer some time to Friends of Lanterns please get in touch.  We are looking for a mix of people with fundraising ideas as well as people who can offer practical support. 

If you would like to know more please contact Kathy East (Chair of Trustees) or Sue Herdman on FOL@gmail.com or via the Lanterns Reception team.

We are also on the Local Giving Page as Friends of Lanterns.