Friends of English Martyrs (FEM)

Great Recipe for you to try!

2008-09-19T12:13:00.001+01:00

Banana & Apple Loaf (makes a 15 slice loaf)
150g Light Muscovado sugar
85g butter
2 large free range eggs (see Helen Jones or Mrs Neill at school!)
4 medium ripe bananas - mashed
1 grated apple
250g Self Raising flour
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt

1. Preheat oven to 180c/350f/GM4. Grease & line a 900g/2lb loaf tin
2. Cream together the butter, sugar & eggs
3. Stir in the mashed bananas and apple and sieve in the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt
4. Once well mixed, tip into the tin and bake for 45 -45 minutes
5. Remove and cool on rack (in the tin) for 30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
6. Serve

Huge thanks go to Harvey's Mum, Sharon, for sharing this super recipe with us!

If you have anything you'd like to share just click here to get in touch!

Technorati Tags: banana,apple,loaf,recipe,baking with children,kids cookery

Welcome Back!

2008-09-05T16:42:00.001+01:00

"Hello" again to those of you who know us and "Welcome" to those of you who are new. This is the official website and blog of the Friends of English Martyrs who support English Martyrs Catholic Primary School here in Oakham.

We try to keep you informed with what's happening at school and give you information about more general things that we think may interest you and your family. Please come and visit us here regularly as we're always adding new information. We're also keen to have some new contributors this year so if you've got something you want to share with everyone here's your chance - just click here to send us an email and let us know who you are what you'd like to say.

Throughout this site you'll notice that we have handpicked some well known retailers to advertise their products. Every time you click on one of their adverts and shop online, you help Friends of English Martyrs to raise money for our school at no extra cost to you.

Last year shopping online through our site raised a wonderful £113.28. This year, we hope to bring you lots of super bargains and online shopping savings to help raise even more money for our school.

We're especially pleased to tell you that John Lewis will now be featured on this site ... look out for some super back to school goodies!

If you have any queries about this just get in touch by sending us an email.

SALE News - Discount Codes and more...

2008-07-17T11:22:00.001+01:00

You can't help to notice that there are lots of bargains to be had in the high street at the moment. Here at the FEM Blog the Sales are in full swing too!

Woolworths have a smashing offer - use the voucher code 'WWCLEAROUT' at their online checkout before the 22nd July and you'll get a further 10% off their already discounted clearance products!!!!

Another great offer is from our friends at Boden.

Save yourself up to 50% on their super Summer Sale. Sizzling savings are to be had right across their range including childrens wear, bags and accessories

Men's Linen Shirts have 75% off at Joules! Joules' fabulous summer sale includes 50% off selected items. Men's Linen Shirts are reduced from £35 to £8.75 and 'Offer of the Week' is for a Women's fitted Blazer, was £69.00 now just £34.50!

Don't forget to pick up some bargains over at Play.com - they have some super deals on books, gadgets, DVDs and music.

Shop at any of our featured online stores and help to raise money for our school at no extra cost to you.

Don't forget to sign up to our FREE email updates by entering your email address in the box near the top of the left hand column above the button 'Subscribe me!'

Technorati Tags: summer,bargains,joules,play.com,boden,woolworths,50% off,sale,deals,linen shirts,voucher code,savings,subscribe

Places to Go, Things to Do ...

2008-07-09T16:26:00.001+01:00

This is a nifty and free online tool that helps to plan ahead or rescue last minute plans and find you things to do in any area of the UK. Click the logo above and your browser will show you all the events going on in and around Rutland. Alternatively, click the 'Search' tab on the WhereCanWeGo.com site and enter the postcode or name of the location that you want to visit.

You can narrow your searches for specific requirements i.e. Museums, Family, Free/Entry fee. It's a great tool for planning ahead as it allows you to pick when you want to do something.

Organisers will also find it useful to publicise their event.

Have a look at the site and tell us what you think.

www.WhereCanWeGo.com

Technorati Tags: summer holiday,places to go,things to do,online tool,wherecanwego.com,Rutland,Event Organiser,Britain's Events Diary,Free searches,activities,family day out

Sports Day postponed

2008-07-09T14:04:00.001+01:00

Due to the dreadful weather forecast Sports Day has had to be postponed. Everyone hopes that next week will provide the glorious sunshine that we've all been waiting for!

Celebrate Sports Day with personalised photo-gifts for kids from Photobox

In the meantime, it does allow for some extra practice for those parents with a competitive or sneaky disposition. Here are a few tips to bear in mind .....

How to score in the parents' races!

• Remember it's the winning that matters, not the taking part. If your idea of exercise is a stroll from the car, any chance of doing a Chariots of Fire impersonation is all in your head and should be kept there.

• Tucking billowing skirts into pants is never a good look, even if Princess Diana did it. Stripping off your suit to reveal a "just in case" shorts and vest combination is a bit scary, for all the wrong reasons. But just happening to be wearing your most comfortable shoes is fine.

• Don't be tempted to try a runner's start. You'll just look desperate - especially when you finish sixth.

• If you're over 40, you're going to pull a muscle unless you warm up beforehand. Surreptitious stretching is key; just don't let anyone realise when you're bending for your mobile you're actually trying to touch your toes.

• If you do pull a muscle, remember you won't get sympathy from your spouse.

• Jokingly grabbing the person next to you and hanging on for dear life is called cheating.

• Don't do an alpha-male bellow as you reach the finishing line. Mild-mannered mastery is so much more attractive.

• Don't casually mention your sporting prowess at school. That was a long time ago.

Technorati Tags: sports day,school,summer,rainy days,rain,bad weather,postponed,parents race,looney tunes,photobox,photo gifts,personalised gifts,end of term

Rutland Freecycle

2008-06-27T12:16:00.001+01:00

Freecycle is all about encouraging people to give & receive stuff for free in their own towns. Freecycle encourages us to re-use everyday items which in turn helps to reduce waste going to landfill sites.

Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer
Membership is free
There are over 4,500 groups with over 5Million users worldwide.

The Rutland Freecycle group is open to all who want to recycle that special something rather than throw it away. Whether it's a chair, an ink cartridge, a fax machine, piano or an old door you can let others know what you've got on Rutland Freecycle. And don't forget, it's a great place to log on to if you're looking for something too!

Freecycle is a movement of people interested in keeping stuff out of landfills while building a sense of community. One simple, brilliant idea that's changing the world one gift at a time.

Technorati Tags: recycle,freecycle,landfill,environment,Rutland,Oakham,free stuff,free membership,community,gift,gifts,Rutland Freecycle,re-use,reuse,waste,giving,swap,reduce waste,helping the environment

Parish & School working together

2008-06-24T11:29:00.001+01:00

On Friday 27th June there will be a non-uniform day to support St. Joseph's Parish Summer Fayre.

In return for a donation of a bottle for the tombola stall, children can come to school dressed in their favourite sports kits!

Bottles of pop, sauces, wine, bath salts, fragrance, home made cordials ... what else can you think of that comes in a bottle?

The Parish Summer Fayre will be held on Sunday 6th July.

Technorati Tags: tombola,summer fair,fayre,non-uniform day,bottles,parish,st.joseph's catholic church,oakham primary school,sports kit

School Uniform ... Order NOW!

2008-06-24T11:08:00.001+01:00

We may be heading towards the School Summer holidays but now is precisely the right time to be thinking about ordering new school uniform.

Click here to view and print off a Uniform Order Form

When you've filled out the order form, pop it in a marked envelope with your payment and drop it into the School Office. Another job to cross off your 'To Do' list!

(If you have any problems viewing or printing off the order form, please let us know here at the FEM blog by sending us a quick email.)

Technorati Tags: schoolwear,uniform,back to school,order form,to do list,English Martyrs,Friends of English Martyrs,Catholic Education,Oakham primary school,summer holiday,vacation

Friends with Amanet

2008-05-31T20:22:00.001+01:00

Oakham based IT business, Amanet, has been a regular supporter of Friends of English Martyrs.

Based in Mill Street, Amanet can supply a huge range of IT requirements from computer hardware to software to multi-room music equipment!

Amanet have been involved in our latest fundraising effort and are pleased to support our blog.

For professional and comprehensive help with all your IT needs contact Amanet on 01572 770653

The Saint's a WINNER !!!!!!

2008-05-29T21:43:00.001+01:00

Facing a fearless opponent, Andy The Saint Sayers gave everything he had and came out victorious!!!!!

For more details log on to

http://andysayers.blogspot.com

It's not too late..

2008-05-29T11:19:00.001+01:00

For those of you who have been following the progress of George and William Sayers' brave dad, Andrew, and his fundraising efforts for English Martyrs Catholic Primary School here in Oakham, don't forget to log on to: http://andysayers.blogspot.com

A lot of hard work has been put into fundraising recently in anticipation of tonight's big event. A huge thank you to those of you who have already made pledges and donations from all over the world.

If you haven't sponsored Andy 'The Saint' Sayers yet, now's your chance!

A massive £2,705 has been raised so far.... can we make it to £3,000 before this evening??

You can click on the fundraising link on the right hand side of this posting and make a simple and secure donation whilst adding your message of support. If you'd rather not donate online please click here to send an email and we'll send you details of where to send your cheque or cash (please make cheques payable to 'Friends of English Martyrs')

All the news and results from this evening's big fundraiser will be posted on http://andysayers.blogspot.com throughout the night!

Everyone at Friends of English Martyrs

wish Andy 'The Saint' Sayers

lots of luck this evening.

Technorati Tags: fundraising,fundraiser,English Martyrs,Catholic,Primary School,sponsor,donations,online shopping

In Oakham and Online with Friends of English Martyrs

2008-05-28T12:13:00.001+01:00

We're especially pleased to bring you our latest shopping facility here at the Friends of English Martyrs Blog.

Lands' End operates from headquarters in Dodgeville, Wisconsin together with a European distribution centre here in Oakham, Rutland and serves millions of customers throughout the world.

Have a look at their great Summer collections by clicking on the pictures below:

Technorati Tags: online shopping,Oakham,Rutland,Lands End,Dodgeville,Wisconsin,fashion,Summer collections

Street Market Stall Cancelled

2008-05-25T16:02:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately, the weather forecast spells gloom for the bank holiday with heavy rain and blustery wind.

Rather than be faced with a complete wash out, Friends of English Martyrs have reluctantly decided to cancel their attendance at the Exton Street Market.

When the sun is shining an alternative sale will be planned and let's not forget that the School Summer Fair is not far away either.

If you know anyone who was going to support Friends of English Martyrs at the Exton Street Market, please pass on this message.

Come back and visit this site soon to hear all about our plans.

Technorati Tags: car boot sale,exton Street Market,street market,sale,jumble sale,good as new,fundraising,weather forecast,heavy rain,Friends of English Martyrs,School Summer Fair

School Holiday - rainy day savers

2008-05-24T11:41:00.001+01:00

With rain forecast for the start of next week's school holiday, you might want to get a few rainy day ideas from Amazon. We've got a great new widget (above) for you to try out - use the arrows to spin the carousel round to see a selection of Amazon's Bestselling Children's Books.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a family DVD or game that all the family can play, have a look at the carousels below:

To check on the long range weather forecast click here

Technorati Tags: Amazon,rain,school holiday,rainy days,books,bestsellers,DVDs,Board Games,traditional games,family,children

Exton Street Market

2008-05-21T11:31:00.001+01:00

Just a quick reminder to everyone that Friends of English Martyrs will have a stall at the Exton Street Market on Bank Holiday Monday 26th May.

We urgently need donations of suitable items to sell. (Please have a look at the earlier post further down this page.) This is a great opportunity to do a bit of spring cleaning and finally get around to doing some de-cluttering and donating all your unwanted items to a good cause.

All the money raised at the Exton Street Market will benefit all our children at school.

Click here to email Sharon Seel or Joanna Sayers if you have any items you wish to donate.

Please come along and support us on the day!

Technorati Tags: Exton Street Market,donations,spring cleaning,de-cluttering,unwanted items,good cause,Bank Holiday Monday

Corpus Christi

2008-05-21T11:09:00.002+01:00

The name 'Corpus Christi' is Latin for 'the body of Christ'. Catholics all over the world celebrate this day as a public statement that the bread and wine served at Mass during Communion are the actual body and blood of Christ.

When Pope John Paul II was alive he led an annual Corpus Christi procession from St.Peter's Square in the Vatican to the streets of Rome. Many Catholic countries still celebrate Corpus Christi with processions and a real festival atmosphere.

Corpus Christi is marked by a service originally devised by Thomas Aquinas. It includes five great hymns, including Panis Angelicus.

Click to listen to: Pange Lingua sung in plainchant (3:25 mins)

History: The festival was inspired by the religious experience of St Juliana (1193-1258). This Belgian nun repeatedly dreamed of the Church under a full moon with a black spot. The dream's meaning was revealed to her in a vision by Christ. The Church's calendar of festivals was represented by the moon and the black spot was significant in that it meant that there was no festival to celebrate the holiest element of the Church, the Eucharist. As a result of St. Juliana's dream and vision, Corpus Christi was celebrated in England from 1318 onwards. Corpus Christi plays were staged to mark the occasion.

Such is the significance of Corpus Christi that there are colleges at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and a major city in Texas, USA, that are named Corpus Christi.

More local businesses show their support

2008-05-16T12:15:00.001+01:00

With a little under 2 weeks to go before Andy 'The Saint' Sayers steps into the ring, Friends of English Martyrs have been contacted by Sam Clemons from his family run business, Hortus Ligneous, in Melton Mowbray.

Hortus Ligneous use traditional methods of construction to produce bespoke exterior timber products. By using quality materials and techniques handed down through three generations they have become one of the finest gate manufacturers in the county.

Some of you may know Sam's wife, Charlotte, who runs the highly successful and much acclaimed Jumping Beanz fitness clubs for children.

This enterprising couple have made a donation to show their support for Andrew's fundraising efforts for our school and taken time out of their busy schedules to wish him lots of luck and success on May 29th.

Technorati Tags: timber,products,bespoke,wood,exterior,gates,doors,leicestershire,melton mowbray,rutland,Sam Clemons,Melton Mowbray,Jumping Beanz,fitness,clubs,children,Charlotte Clemons,Andy 'The Saint' Sayers,May29th,Friends of English Martyrs,boxing,charity,boxing match

Exton Street Market

2008-05-10T16:01:00.001+01:00

The Exton Street Market is a popular annual event, now in its 27th year, and attracts in excess of 200 stalls and around 6,000 members of the public.

Friends of English Martyrs are going to have a stall at the Market on Monday 26th May. We will be selling all sorts of items so do come along to support us.

However, we do need your help beforehand....If you have any items in good condition that would fetch a price of £5.00 (items can be bundled if necessary) please contact Joanna Sayers or Sharon Seel at school.

Things you can donate:

Unwanted gifts
Children's toys
DVDs that your children may have grown out of
Things you bought on the spur of the moment that have stayed in the cupboard!
Clothing (clean and in good condition)
Baby equipment

The money raised will be used for the school to buy essential equipment that all the children will benefit from.

Technorati Tags: exton,street market,car boot,sale,stall,second hand,May,Rutland

Our 'Saint' in the News!

2008-04-30T15:52:00.002+01:00

The media have been quick to pick up on Andy 'The Saint' Sayers' story. The Rutland Times was the first to highlight the extraordinary lengths that George & William's Dad is going to in order to raise funds for our school.

Next came a piece in The Rutland Mercury which was swiftly followed by an article in The Rutland Messenger.

If you'd like to be kept up to date on the 'Saint's' progress with FREE email bulletins straight to your inbox, please click the following link: Subscribe to Andy 'The Saint' Sayers by Email

Don't forget, if you'd like to be a part of raising money for our school, please sponsor Andy 'The Saint' Sayers - just click here to use our secure online donation facility provided by JustGiving.com

'Cry God for Harry, England and St.George'

2008-04-23T09:31:00.005+01:00

Today, 23rd April, England remembers it's Patron Saint and celebrates St. George's Day.

St. George was originally a Roman soldier who was tortured and killed, on 23rd April, after refusing to carry out the persecution of Christians as dictated by the Roman army. He is a symbol for bravery, the poor and defenceless and is also the Patron Saint of soldiers.

Most people, however, believe him to have been a knight of King Arthur's round table and a slayer of dragons! This legend was popularised by William Caxton's The Gold Legend in 1483.

King Richard I prayed to St.George for protection and carried a banner with the red cross of St.George during the Holy Crusades. St. George became the Patron Saint of England during King Edward III's reign (1327-1377) and was adopted as the patron of his new order of knights called the Knights of the Garter, which remains one of the highest orders of knighthood to this day. The procession of the Most Noble Order of the Garter remains an annual event held at Windsor Castle and is led by the Queen.

Did you know that St. George is also a revered Saint in Canada, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia and Catalonia as well as being prominent in many cities such as Moscow?

Did you also know that Shakespeare was born on St. George's Day and 52 years later died on St. George's Day in 1616! Shakespeare wrote the famous 'Battle of Agincourt' speech which includes the inspiring battle call used by Henry V to rally his troops: "Follow your spirit; and upon this charge, Cry God for Harry, England and St.George!" (Henry V, Act Three, Scene 1)

Local Karate Club Shows Support

2008-04-16T21:36:00.011+01:00

The Sensei Bassett Black Belt Academy is proud to support English Martyrs Catholic Primary School by sponsoring Andy 'The Saint' Sayers.

The Sensei Bassett Black Belt Academy is well known to many of the pupils at our school. The Oakham based Karate club is hugely popular amongst both boys and girls and is dedicated to providing Karate for children between the ages of 6 and 16 years old.

As part of the United Kingdom Martial Arts Federation, Josh Bassett's successful Acadamy runs classes at the Vale of Catmose College, Cold Overton Road, Oakham, four times a week. Each session combines an exciting range of fitness and karate training that helps to improve self-discipline, concentration, fitness and self-esteem. Many of our children regularly win trophies and awards at Karate competitions and tournaments.

If your children would like to join this very popular Karate academy, please visit their website

or please call 07769 65 33 58 for more details.

More Retail Therapy

2008-04-15T22:53:00.006+01:00

We try to keep you up to date with all the goings on here at Friends of English Martyrs Blog. Well, it's a bit like waiting for a bus ... when one new family friendly online store joins us here on the blog, suddenly there's a whole queue of them waiting to join in!

You'll have to have a look around the blog over the coming week to spot what's new to see what we mean!

Whilst you're visiting don't forget to take a look at the online fundraising widget to see how Andrew Sayers is doing in his fundraising efforts. To learn more about what Andrew is doing for English Martyrs Catholic Primary School have a look at his blog http://andysayers.blogspot.com/

Family Friendly Shopping

2008-04-14T11:36:00.006+01:00

As promised, we always try to bring you great online shops to make life a little easier...and continue in our efforts to raise money for our school.

Today, we are pleased to announce The Great Little Trading Company is to join the list of family friendly stores on the Friends of English Martyrs Blog.

GLTC has been awarded 'best children's catalogue for 2008' by ECMOD, the mail order version of the Oscars!

They have plenty of ideas for busy parents - with departments for clothing, toys and games, home school and car essentials, the great outdoors, storage and bedroom furniture. There's an easy to use product finder and a 'wish list' facility for helping family and friends decide what to buy for birthdays and special occasions.

Click here to Have a look at their website and see what you think ...

Fight For Our School!

2008-04-08T12:34:00.005+01:00

....STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....STOP PRESS.....

Andrew Sayers, George and William's Dad, is doing something quite remarkable for English Martyrs.... He's entered a Charity Boxing Match!!!!

No, this isn't a late April Fool's joke!

Andrew has entered a charity boxing match which will take place on May 29th in London. He is one of 16 contenders who has gone to considerable lengths to put himself through a punishing fitness schedule to ensure he will be match fit by the 29th. He fits his training schedule around his work commitments and, even when he is frequently abroad, he continues to get up early to use a variety of gyms and runs miles and miles of unknown territory (and on occasion, gets lost!). When in the UK, he leaves the house before the sparrows are up to travel to a London boxing gym and then does a full days work.

What can you do?
Andrew needs your sponsorship. He’s willing to put himself in a boxing ring and fight 3 rounds of pure adrenalin and all that he’s (hopefully) learned during his training – You get to do the easy bit! Please sponsor him as much as you can to show your support.

How do I sponsor Andrew ‘The Saint’ Sayers?

You can visit Andrew's blog http://andysayers.blogspot.com/ and click on the widget at the top of the page.

Or click here – http://justgiving.com/andysayers

DON'T FORGET: if you’re a UK taxpayer you can add Gift Aid to your donation (don’t worry just follow the simple instructions)...that’s an additional 28pence for every £1.00 donated (e.g. on a donation of £50.00 an additional £14.10 Gift Aid will be added to your donation and sent to Friends of English Martyrs).

So, now there's even more reason to tell everyone about this blog and sign up to our FREE email alerts!

Read All About It - in a variety of languages!

2008-04-02T09:28:00.009+01:00

English Martyrs Catholic Primary School has always welcomed children of all nationalities. Our school is proud to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere and have many successes of teaching children whose first language is not always English.

Although English is widely accepted in many countries it is not the most popular language in the world. In recent years, the Chinese language (Mandarin) is often reported as the most widely spoken language. However, in the internet community, the other popular language platforms are often Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, Malay, Italian, French, Japanese, and Korean.

In order to continue to embrace the multi-cultural ethos that we have at our school, we can now say that our blog is truly international too!

If you look at the top of this page, you will see that you can now translate all our news and information into a variety of languages. We hope to add more languages including Polish and Lithuanian soon. Remember to bookmark the original English version before trying the translations out, so that you can return to the English version if you want to. In the meantime, let us know what you think.