The FRIENDS OF CYM
The Friends of CYM (FCYM) was formed in 1992 and is a registered charity which supports all aspects of the work of CYM. The unique sense of community that is generated at CYM has much to do with the involvement of parents and carers as FCYM gives them the opportunity to express their views and volunteer help.

FCYM supports CYM in a wide range of activities which can best be summarised as follows:

FUNDRAISING
Income generated by FCYM activities is used wherever possible to practically support and enhance their experience. FCYM has now taken on the role of ensuring that all the CYM instruments that are available for loan to students are in tip top condition. FCYM has also launched an ‘Adopt an Instrument’ scheme to purchase some much needed instruments.

Both these projects need funds and current fundraising details will be found in the latest issue of UPBEAT which can be downloaded below, or email friends@cym.org.uk for more information.

List of files to download:

		LINKS
UPBEAT		Upbeat Winter 2011 (Issue 60) Upbeat Summer 2011 (5.5MB)
FRIENDS GUIDE		Friends Guide
AGM Reports		Chair's Report for 2010 AGM
FCYM Music Shop (accessories & prices)		FCYM Music 'Shop'
Friends Subscription Form		Subscription Form
Volunteer Form		FCYM Volunteer Form

COMMUNICATION
FCYM is always looking for more ways to encourage dialogue between parents, students and tutors, with CYM, and within FCYM itself. The half termly meetings and Parents Forum offer everyone an opportunity to discuss common issues and air views. Please look in UPBEAT or on the CYM Diary Dates for dates of Parents Forums and FCYM meetings to which everyone is most welcome.

FCYM meetings take place at Notre Dame School on the 3rd Saturday of each half term and are open to anyone who is interested in supporting CYM in any way. The AGM is held in November at which officers are elected for the year ahead.

NB: AGM reports from the Director of CYM, Chair and Treasurer of FCYM, as well as the most recent meeting minutes, are also available to download.

For all parents, especially those of new students, the FRIENDS GUIDE is an invaluable source of information about anything and everything about CYM. This can be downloaded, see below.

Our main method of communication to Friends is via UPBEAT, the CYM newsletter which is produced for the organisation by FCYM three times a year. The latest edition of UPBEAT can be downloaded, see list below and we would welcome any comments/suggestions – please email us at: friends@cym.org.uk

SUPPORT SERVICES
For the Saturday Centre, FCYM runs a Canteen, manned entirely by volunteers, at Notre Dame School every Saturday during term time. This is the main regular income earner for FCYM and is patronised by students, parents and tutors who enjoy a wide range of homemade food including sandwiches and cakes, fresh bagels, fruit, as well as the ‘treats’ like snacks and sweets! (For more information about the Canteen and its volunteer system, click HERE.)

The Notre Dame canteen also houses the FCYM Music ‘Shop’ where second hand music is sold alongside music accessories like reeds, strings etc. Which have been carefully selected by tutors to provide quality and value. (Accessories price list can be downloaded see FCYM Music Shop).

Likewise, FCYM offers a fast music ordering service via Islington Music. Music ordered on a Saturday should, if it is in stock, be ready for you at CYM the following week (term time only). FCYM also has sets of aural books for hire. If you wish to place an order during the week please email us at friendsmusic@cym.org.uk or alternatively you may wish to deal directly with Islington Music. Their telephone number is 0207 589 9054.

FCYM also supports CYM in a variety of other practical ways: serving refreshments for concerts, exam stewarding, office support, help at Open Days and Induction Days, and photography.

ABOUT THE FRIENDS
All parents and carers of current students are automatically Friends. However we actively encourage past parents, students and other supporters of CYM’s work to become an ‘official’ subscribing Friend as their children more on, and thereby continue to support the organisation in a very practical way. For £20 annual subscription Friends receive a copy of UPBEAT each term and a free ticket and programme for the CYM Annual Showcase Concert in March. (email: friends@cym.org.uk for more information)

Being an active Friend is fun and very rewarding and I hope you will be inspired by what you see and read. If you would like to help please email us on friends@cym.org.uk Thank you.

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