BARGAINS were on offer at a table top sale in east Reading on Saturday.
Wycliffe Baptist Church opened its doors to shoppers with the charity event.
Along side bric-a-brac, books and pre-loved clothes, digital artist Leslee Barron was selling prints, cards and images of the gas tower, which is in the process of being demolished.
She sold £200 worth of pictures, which has been donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal to help Ukrainian refugees. Gift aid will add another £50 to the gift.
Ms Baron said: “Like many, seeing and reading about Ukraine made me feel absolutely useless. I felt I had to do something.
“Over a coffee with my friend Penny we decided to raise money by having a table-top sale, but where? Luckily Catia from Wycliffe Church was already organising one.
“The money I raised far exceeded my expectations, I even sold one of my gas tower triptychs; there’s still one available which is on the wall at Reading Biscuit Factory.
“50% of every pound I took has gone to Ukraine via DEC.org.uk, which was £184, I rounded it up to £200, with gift aid that’s £250.”
She added: “I would like to thank everyone who bought some of my artwork, canvasses, Alina books and cards, you helped me raise this money for Ukraine.
“When I started taking photographs of our humble gas tower I never imagined I would end up being shortlisted photographer of the year 2021 by Historic England, with a gas tower photo, and that that photo would help me raise money for Ukraine.”
Also taking part in the event were members of Wycliffe’s SHARE and Coffee and Craft team, which help distribute surplus food among the community, and 10-year-old Gracie Breadman, who sold Easter cakes she had made.
For more, log on to: www.lesleebarron.com
