THE HOST of a popular sewing contest is preparing to swap cross stitches for having an audience in stitches.
Comedian Sara Pascoe is to host a comedy night to raise funds for an east Reading primary school’s bid to create a library for its pupils.
And she is just one of many big names who are lending their backing to the appeal for Redlands Primary School. Having already raised £10,000 to kickstart the project, parents and teaching staff are now pushing forward to net an additional £10,000.
They hope the comedy night will be a big step along the way, all while having a great time.
She will be joined by comedians Charlie Baker from TalkSport, Jonathan Elston, Vanessa Hammick and Hajar Woodland for the event on Wednesday, June 26.
It will be held at South Street Arts Centre.
Sara, who presents BBC Two’s Great British Sewing Bee as well as appearing on shows such as Taskmaster, is looking forward to the gig.
“I am thrilled to support this brilliant cause for a wonderful school,” she said.
The fundraising appeal, launched by the school’s Parent/Carer & Teacher Association, charity Friends of Redlands, in October 2023, was set up to turn the dream of a well-resourced and inspiring library at Redlands into a reality.
The fundraising team have secured endorsements and messages of support from some of the UK’s biggest names from stage, TV and radio and publishing including author Anthony Horowitz, broadcaster James O’Brien, historian Mary Beard, DJ Marc Riley, comedian Jessica Fostekew, writer E.L. James, and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
They have all contributed to the appeal and recommended books for a Redlands reading list.
Co-Chair and trustee of Friends of Redlands Charity, Stéphanie Mitchell, said: “We’ve been so lucky that the community, whether locally, nationally or even internationally, helped us reach over £10,000 in four months, and create a cracking recommended reading list for Redlands children.
“To now have a well-known performer and her comedy friends offer to host a fundraiser for our little school is very special.”
The Friends of Redlands say their plan is more than buying books and shelving, and have had conversations with the University of Reading to help with planning the library space, with advice from Charlotte Dormer, academic liaison librarian at the Institute of Education, and help from the University of Reading’s School of Art students who are working with the Redlands pupils to design murals for the library walls.
Contributors can recommend the name of their favourite story book AND add it to the notes when they donate. These recommendations will form part of a recommended Reading List for the children at Redlands for now and years into the future.
A spokesperson for the Redlands Primary School Leadership Team, said: “A library is the heart of any school. So to have a volunteer team of parents and carers work with us so collaboratively, and with such passion, and to not only think about the immediate need of books and library furniture but to also completely involve the children and team in the process, is exciting and appreciated.
“Like Friends of Redlands, we can’t wait to see Sara perform live at South Street. It’s very exciting to have her and her friends performing for our school.”
Tickets for Sara Pascoe’s gig are now on sale, and cost £27.50 for students or low income, £32.50 for general sale, and £47.50 for VIP tickets.
For more details, or to book, log on to: www.readingarts.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
