On Saturday 20th April, the Senior School Parents’ Association (SSPA) hosted the first ever Spring Fair at Francis Holland, Sloane Square.

The Fair, which spread from the Senior Hall, through the playground, into the Gym, CCE, Junior Hall and the Roof Garden completely took over the school site and brought together pupils, parents, teachers, and members of the local community for an afternoon of fun-filled activities and fundraising initiatives.

A vintage clothes sale, second-hand book stand, photobooth, obstacle course, hair and make-up stations and ice-cream stand were all run by our incredible parent and pupil volunteers. Independent, local businesses were selling everything from candles to jewellery, from cakes to flowers and the event’s catering was expertly provided by Accent. The popular raffle saw winners walk away with fantastic prizes that included tickets to the Royal Preview of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a case of Nyetimber sparkling wine!

Pride of place, in the middle of the playground, were our pupil entrepreneurs promoting their small businesses and selling items they had made themselves! Pupils in Years 7-9 were given the opportunity to pitch, Dragon’s Den style, to sell their wares at the Fair. The winners included customised, recycled notepads, handmade resin keychains in a range of colours, handmade charity bracelets, shimmering fragrance sprays and clay trays for jewellery, loose change and keys.

The whole event was raising money for the Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea and we were delighted that their CEO was able to join us for the afternoon. KLS was set up as a legacy from an FHS alumna and has been a charity at the heart of the community of Battersea since 1924 – this year KLS is celebrating its centenary year!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday and supported this amazing event. Thanks must go to the brilliant SSPA; particularly Jo Hamlyn who dedicated so much time, care and attention to the organisation. The vibrant spirit of the event encapsulated the strong sense of community that defines our school.