Photograph shows (l to r): Catherine Jaquiss, Ealing Team Leader, Read Easy UK; Helen West, Trustee, Read for Good; Fr Kevin Morris, Vicar, St Michael & All Angels; Fiona Curran, Chief Executive, Koestler Arts
The Chiswick Book Festival has awarded £20,000 to charities and the church, following record ticket sales at last year’s Festival which featured Clive Myrie, Jacqueline Wilson, Alan Titchmarsh, Michael Frayn and others. At a presentation ceremony at St Michael & All Angels Church, it handed cheques for £5,000 to each of its 2023 charities:
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- Read for Good, which helps children to read for pleasure through programmes in schools and hospitals,
- Koestler Arts, the leading prison arts charity, based in W12, which promotes writing, reading and literacy in the criminal justice system;
- Read Easy Ealing, which provides one-to-one reading tuition for local adults who want to learn to read or improve their reading skills; and
- St Michael & All Angels Church, which hosts and runs the festival and is itself a charity.
Since the Festival started in 2009, it has raised more than £140,000 for reading and community charities, including St Michael & All Angels Church, which runs it as part of its mission of arts and community outreach. The festival donates all its profit after costs to its charity partners and actively promotes their activities and need for volunteers throughout the year. Each year, it supports three nominated charities alongside the church.
Torin Douglas, director of the Chiswick Book Festival, said: “We’re delighted that last year’s record ticket sales and sponsorship have allowed us to make these payments to such worthwhile causes. We’re very grateful to our many authors, venues, volunteers, partners and those who bought tickets, who helped make it possible.”.
Fiona Curran, Chief Executive, Koestler Arts, said: “Thank you so much. This is really appreciated and will make a huge difference to us. I really enjoyed meeting the other charity members, and we look forward to this year’s festival.”
Catherine Jacquiss, Ealing Team Leader, Read Easy UK, said “What lovely news – thanks again for everything, your continued support is much appreciated.”
Barbara Williams, head of fundraising, Read for Good, said: “This is incredible news; what a fantastic amount to have raised for your charities. Thank you so much for your support, and for inviting us to be a part of this special event.”