The Development Committee (often known as “ The DC “ ) are a group of Parents, Teachers and Staff whose aim is to organise both social and fundraising events for the Children and any grown ups associated with the St Mary’s. We try to organise events for everyone to have an enjoyable time whilst raising funds for the school to buy extra items from the Children’s School Council and Staff “Wish Lists”. Items can be small, such as games for After School Club or large, such as new Hockey Goals costing over £2,500.
We have an ongoing fundraising aim to provide Interactive White Boards for any of the teaching areas that can benefit from them. These cost approximately £3000 each. Last year we purchased 3 in addition to a variety of other items.

Our events vary according to the time of year for the Children such as the pre- Christmas Discos and Christmas Fayre. At Easter we organise two events, a craft competition and an Easter Egg Challenge around the school grounds. Every child receives an Easter egg or alternative for any child with allergies. The Development Committee are the people who arrange “Own Clothes Day” for the Children in return for a donation of wine or chocolates to be used at a forthcoming event. During the Summer term we hold a Summer Fete in the School grounds for everyone associated with St Mary’s. We try to have new stalls which the children request. Last year saw the Headmaster and several teachers in the stocks ! At the end of the year our Year 6 leavers are presented with commemorative pens which are purchased by the Development Committee.

For Adults we have organised events both in and out of School. We have held fiercely contested Quiz evenings!! (next one will be in the New Year ), Race Nights and Cookery demonstrations. On alternate years we organise a Winter Burns’ Night Supper and a Summer Ball. We arrange, with artistic help from the children, for the production and sale of the School’s Yearly Calendar.

Our fundraising is very much dependant upon the support of Parents and Staff, to whom we owe a huge Thank You. We are open to suggestions or ideas for new fundraising activities or events.

Anyone one is welcome to join the Development Committee. We meet one evening every 4-6 weeks dependant upon event planning as advertised in the School’s term calendars.
If you are unable to attend meetings but are willing to offer your help for our bigger events such as the Christmas Fayre or Summer Fete we would be extremely grateful.

We have a notice board outside the stable block which has details of our events and we advertise in the Messenger periodically, so please look out for these.

If you would like to know more please give me a call on 01673 885044. I will also put you in touch with one of the Committee members in your child’s year group.

Thanks for taking the time to read our web page, we will be adding more items over the next few weeks.


Nic Cowley, Chair of the Development Committee ( Mummy of Alex  2N )