Recent Friends' Events

The Friends' aim is to raise funds for the school to purchase extra items which will be of benefit to the girls. We arrange a number of social events for parents during the year.

Saturday 24 November 2007 – Christmas Bazaar

The Friends of the Royal High Christmas Bazaar on Saturday was a tremendous success. There was a fantastic response from the junior and senior schools to the request for contributions of all varieties.  A special ‘thank you’ is owed to the many senior girls who helped out on the day with face-painting, tattoos, pony-rides, selling hand-made cards and Santa's elves. The Friends would also like to thank the staff and parents who helped on the day with running stalls and clearing away. The net proceeds from the day are likely to exceed £6,000, a superb result!  Please have a look at the photos of the event (Photos courtesy of Mrs Brennan and Mr Staines). 

Saturday 12 May 2007 – Moulin Rouge Ball

This year's ball had a distinctly Parisian theme, with some splendid props, as you will see from the photo. The food, wine and music were all excellent and we enjoyed a memorable evening.

The event was very well attended and raised the fantastic sum of £6500 for the Crane Academy, the school in Kenya which the Royal High is supporting in a long term partnership. You might like to read Mel Lawman's article, below on this very colourful event. We hope it will whet your appetite for our next event, details of which will be posted on the website soon.

The Moulin Rouge Ball - click image to see a large version

On the evening of May 12th, the sports Hall was seen in a new light... many lights to be precise. Pink and purple washes of colour added to the Parisian décor... and one spotlight illuminated the symbol of our theme...  There in full glory stood a 30 foot red rotating windmill. The Moulin Rouge had come to The Royal High School.

It took months of preparation by a voluntary team of parents and school staff to realise a most successful Ball. Bearing in mind budgets and the limitations of the venue, the ball committee brought together their efforts for a few delightful hours of tasty French food, quality wine, competitive bidding and inspiring live music.

Parisian melodies provided the backdrop for arrivals. There was time to enjoy canapés and appreciate the array of outfits. There were stunning show girl gowns, burlesque little numbers, cheeky feather head dresses and demure gentlemen in black tie... with top hats... and some in berets. Revellers had gone to town! Yes, it was still the Sports Hall but our senses could just about convince us that this was a glamorous party venue... Once the band struck up, the dance floor never cleared. The band “Vegas” sounded like the real thing... They were exceptional.

Back to the aim of creating a night of bohemian indulgence... The raffle and the auction of promises were going to be the raison d’etre. The Royal High school girls and The Crane Academy girls in Kenya would all benefit from the generosity of those attending, donating... and drinking.

So many had a good time in the name of fund-raising. Here’s to the next event! We’ve heard that Bollywood has come to Britain!!!

Mel Lawman

Photograph by Matt Lawman