A fairytale banquet for knights and dames will help shape young children’s futures

AN EVENING of spellbinding fun will raise money and help change the futures of youngsters in the borough.
Dingley’s Promise, with local centres in Reading and Wokingham, has put together a fundraising gala, called Once Upon a Time.
Its story book themed evening of entertainment and a three course banquet has heroines and heroes at its heart, and will inspire diners with stories of resilience and hope, while helping Dingley’s Promise to shape the next chapter for young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Head of fundraising for Dingley’s Promise Kate Martin, said: “When we were thinking about a theme for the gala, we started bouncing ideas of enchanted forests, and stories, including Alice in Wonderland.
“And, because our event takes place on St David’s Day, as a Welsh person I immediately thought of dragons.
“To encompass all our ideas we settled on a storybook theme – Once Upon a Time.
“Cherubs Floral Design Ltd in Caversham is decorating the gala venue and all the table settings, with each table named after a story, like Alice in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows, Hansel and Gretel, or Beauty and the Beast – all classic story books with a whimsical feel.”
Hot off the press information – and no doubt of a high temperature on the night – entertainment will include a flame throwing event to thrill diners at the end of the evening.
“She has performed indoors previously, but it’s not something that has ever happened at our venue before,” said Kate.
“We think it’s going to add some real sparkle and magic to the evening.”
Dingley’s Promise supports under fives with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, and their communities.
They help families access support services and provide nursery settings to give children the best start to reach their full potential.
An outreach service can also provide resources, guidance and emotional support to families to help their youngsters thrive.
During the charity’s gala evening, fairytale activities will include a storybook themed auction, a wishing tree bearing scrolls with prizes to win, and what Kate intriguingly calls a ‘blind date with a book’.
Dress code is black tie, but the charity is also inviting people to embrace the fairytale theme, and to think about adding capes, tiaras, crowns to their outfit, or bringing a prop or two.
Guest numbers are very good, and rising steadily, but there is still space for last minute heroines and heroes to join in.
All the money raised at the gala will go towards providing one-to-one interventions, play schemes, and outdoor play equipment for young children with SEND in the borough.
“People coming through the door on the night of our sparkling event are sure to be delighted at every turn,” said Kate.
“Join us for a magical evening that will make such a difference to young lives.”
The event will take place at Hilton Reading, on Saturday, March 1.
Doors open at 7pm, and tickets cost £75 per guest, including banquet and selected ‘elixirs’.
Tickets can be purchased individually, or tables of 10 guests can be reserved for £700.
To secure a place at the event, email: fundraising@dingley.org.uk
For information, visit: dingley.org.uk and cherubsfloraldesign.com

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