Our History

Our History & Impact

Supporting Hurworth Primary School since 2018

Friends of Hurworth Primary School has been supporting pupils, families and the wider school community since 2018. We became a registered charity in June 2019 and continue to raise funds that provide equipment, educational experiences and memorable events for the children of Hurworth Primary School.
Our Charity
Founded: 27 June 2019
Constitution adopted: 26 March 2019
Registered charity supporting Hurworth Primary School
Serving Hurworth, Darlington and the surrounding community
Run entirely by volunteers

Our Journey

2018 – Where it all began

18 May 2018

Before becoming a registered charity, our volunteers organised a Bouncy Castle Day, giving children a fantastic day of fun and demonstrating the enthusiasm that would eventually become Friends of Hurworth Primary School.

2019 – Becoming a Registered Charity

Friends of Hurworth Primary School officially became a registered charity on 27 June 2019.

Throughout the year our volunteers supported:

School Sports Day
School Disco

6 December 2019 – Christmas Fayre

Our very first Christmas Fayre was held at Hurworth Primary School.

The event included:

Independent local businesses
Children's Christmas games
Refreshments
Community fundraising

It proved to be a tremendous success and became one of our flagship annual events.

2020

Like many charities, our activities were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although fundraising opportunities were limited, we remained committed to supporting the school and preparing for future events.

2022 – Returning to Community Events

School Uniform Shop

We launched our monthly School Uniform Shop, held on the first Monday of every month.

Parents can browse donated school uniform and take home anything they need. Donations are welcome but never required.

The initiative has helped many local families while promoting sustainability.

17 June 2022 – Sports Day

Volunteers provided refreshments throughout the day, helping parents stay refreshed while raising valuable funds.

18 November 2022 – Christmas Fayre

Our Christmas Fayre returned bigger than ever, bringing together pupils, parents and the local community.

2023 – Expanding Our Educational Support

2023 was one of our busiest and most successful years.

31 January – World Book Day

Friends of Hurworth Primary School funded an incredible inflatable planetarium experience, giving every pupil an exciting journey through space.

14 February – Make Yourself Happy Day

Children were encouraged to celebrate positive wellbeing by choosing activities that made them happy while helping raise funds.

17 March – Red Nose Day

Children came to school wearing something red while supporting Comic Relief and enjoying a fun fundraising day.

18 March – Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Held at Hurworth Village Hall, parents donated homemade cakes which were sold alongside refreshments, creating a wonderful community event.

22 March – Parents' Evening

Our volunteers provided refreshments for parents and school staff throughout the evening.

24 March – Problem Solving Day

Funds raised by FOHP enabled specialist educators to visit the school and deliver an interactive Tangram problem-solving workshop.

30 March – Easter Extravaganza

An after-school celebration including:

Easter Egg Hunt
Face Painting
Chocolate Tombola
Refreshments
Family activities

31 March – Easter Competitions

Children enjoyed:

Easter colouring competition
Guess the number of eggs
Guess the bunny's name

6 May – Fit for a King Day

Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III, this event raised £244 for future school projects.

4 October – Book Swap

Children and parents could donate books, browse for new ones and support the charity through voluntary donations.

26 October – Halloween Party

One of our most popular annual events, complete with music, dancing and fancy dress.

22 November – Christmas Disco

A fantastic festive event with music, entertainment and a visit from Santa.

2 December – Gathering on the Green

Despite freezing temperatures and snow, our first community Christmas event attracted an incredible turnout and raised £697 for the school.

12 December – Make the Christmas Rules Day

Children chose from a list of festive activities to personalise their school day.

2024 – Investing Directly in Pupils

14 February – Make Yourself Happy Day

Raised an incredible £315.

7 March – World Book Day

FOHP funded the Aquatic Fanatic Experience, allowing pupils to meet and learn about a fascinating range of animals.

Every pupil also received a new book purchased by Friends of Hurworth Primary School.

8 March – Mother's Day Cake Sale

Parents generously donated homemade cakes, all of which quickly sold out.

27 March – Easter Fayre

Featuring:

Face Painting
Chocolate Tombola
Lucky Dip
Guess the Teddy
Family refreshments
Children's games

27 April – Comedy Night

Held at Hurworth Village Hall, this adults-only fundraising evening proved to be a fantastic success.

17 May – Bouncy Castle Day

Thanks to FOHP fundraising, the school was able to hire bouncy castles for pupils to enjoy.

14 June – Treat Someone Special Day

Children created personalised Father's Day chocolate gifts while helping raise funds.

24 October – Halloween Party

Featuring DJ Dave, fancy dress and plenty of dancing.

8 November – Scooters for School

FOHP funded a fantastic new fleet of scooters together with helmets, knee pads and elbow pads, giving pupils more opportunities for active play.

30 November – Hurworth Christmas Gathering on the Green

Working alongside Hurworth Village Hall, we helped organise:

Lantern Parade
Brass Band
Christmas Carols
Refreshments
Christmas Tree Light Switch-On

A wonderful community celebration.

3 December – Christmas Fayre

Another hugely successful event featuring:

Santa's Grotto
Children's enterprise stalls
Teddy Tombola
Hamper Raffle
Festive refreshments
Irish Cream Hot Chocolates
Christmas games

2025 – Creating Lasting Resources

27 February – HWPS Book Nook

One of our proudest achievements.

Friends of Hurworth Primary School fully funded the creation of the school's new Book Nook, providing pupils with a wonderful reading space for years to come.

We also created Hut HQ, our dedicated fundraising and School Uniform Shop headquarters situated outside the school reception.

5 December – Christmas Fayre

Sponsored by Rockliffe Hall Pharmacy, our annual Christmas Fayre continued to grow with:

Santa's Grotto
Christmas stalls
Tombola
Festive refreshments
Community fundraising

Looking Ahead

Friends of Hurworth Primary School continues to support pupils through fundraising events, educational activities and community projects. Every pound raised helps create opportunities and experiences that benefit current and future generations of children at Hurworth Primary School.