As you will be aware, this year's Ball is now a mere two weeks away and looks set to be a truly spectacular event! One of the most popular parts of the evening is, of course, the Grand Auction. As in previous years this will comprise two parts - one silent and one live. We have been extremely fortunate once again in securing some fantastic lots of a very varied nature. Whether you hanker after a week in the sun or an evening of classic jazz, a signed Arsenal shirt or a day of pampering at a luxury Spa, I urge you to check out what's on offer! For those unable to attend the event (or for those who can't resist a preview), all the auction listings are available to view on the school's web-site and can be accessed at www.altonconvent.org.uk/silentauction08 for the silent auction or www.altonconvent.org.uk/liveauction08 for the live auction.

Saturday 17th May 2008, 9:30 pm - 10:00 pm

All Auction Prizes must be taken within one year of the date of this event, unless otherwise stated. Pictures for illustrative purposes only. Advance bids (with name, contact phone number, lot number, description and minimum and maximum bids) to , from whom full terms and conditions are available.

Saturday 17th May 2008, 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

All Auction Prizes must be taken within one year of the date of this event, unless otherwise stated. Pictures for illustrative purposes only. Advance bids (with name, contact phone number, lot number and description and maximum bid) to , from whom full terms and conditions are available.

You'll be pleased to know that the PTFA certainly haven't been letting the grass grow under its feet!

The recent Quiz night (superbly managed by Emma Mitchinson) was a resounding success, raising more than £1,000 while providing the participants with a convivial evening of cerebral gymnastics!

Following everyone's magnificent efforts last year, which resulted in the purchase of another much-needed minibus, our current aim is to Secure the funding to resurface the netball and tennis courts, Again this is a project which will benefit all pupils. To this end, next term will see three events - each very different but which we hope will provide lots of entertainment as well as helping to raise the necessary funds.

The timing was perfect! On the day the Alton Convent School PTFA held its AGM in conjunction with the Macmillan Coffee Morning, chairman Mrs Sheila Mansell was able to hand over to headmistress Mrs Sue Kirkham the keys of a new school minibus, which was delivered that morning.

The 17-seater state-of-the-art minibus was the PTFA's gift to the school after a year's concerted fund raising, which included a Christmas bazaar, quiz night, summer ball and summer fete and numerous other activities. Mrs Mansell paid tribute to the hard work of her committee members and said: 'I am delighted we were able to achieve our target and pay for the minibus. The support from parents and friends for our activities has been outstanding.'

Dear Parents,

I am delighted to invite you to the above event to mark the start of this year’s fund-raising activities. This is a great opportunity for new parents to get to know the PTFA team and its activities and at the same time for everyone to discover how successful last year’s efforts were.

This year Headmistress Mrs Sue Kirkham has decided that the AGM is held in conjunction with the Macmillan Coffee Morning. The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is one of the biggest fund-raising events in the UK and this year it is aiming to raise more than £7million for people affected by cancer. Every year 270,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. We want to play our part in supporting every one of those people and their friends and families.

Some 130 people danced the night away last Saturday at Alton Convent PTFA's spectacular Narnia Ball.

The Marian Hall had been transformed into a magical scene from C S Lewis's classic story and guests enjoyed trying their luck at a fun casino, being amazed by the audaciously clever card tricks of TV's Miss Magic and dancing to the excellent Blondie tribute band, "Out of the Bleach"

The highlight of the evening was, however, the charity auction where lots included a box at Ascot, two signed Chelsea shirts and an original painting by local artist Sue Gamble.

The PTFA would like to welcome parents, teachers and friends to a fun filled evening at our annual Quiz Night on Saturday 24^th March 2007 at 7.30 pm for 8 pm start in the Marian Hall.

• What was Elvis Presley's first US number one?
• Who said: ‘We're not a family; we're a firm'
• Who set a Champions' League record by keeping their eighth consecutive clean sheet in 2006.

Fancy having a go at answering questions like these?

Out with the old and in with the new. PTFA chairman Becky Williams and two of her key team members, secretary Emma and treasurer Kate, stood down earlier this term after an outstanding year of fundraising. We know we have got a hard act to follow but I am determined to live up to the standards of my predecessor.

I am delighted to be working with a superb new team, particularly the secretary Gaby and treasurer Wendy.

We had to hit the ground running to match the efforts of pervious years and this term we started with Sheila Lucas organising the Northbrook Gift Wrap sale for Christmas items. For the first time the PTFA is increasing its participation in the school's Christmas Bazaar and we hope this will boost funds all round.