Thousands raised for Cold Ash St. Mark's Church of England Primary School in Cold Ash Ball

A Thatcham woman has raised thousands of pounds for a primary school in Cold Ash.

Lynne Stafford raised £4,000 for St. Mark’s School Association after holding the Cold Ash Ball at Donnington Valley Hotel.

Mrs Stafford said her intention was to say thank you to Cold Ash St. Mark's Church of England Primary School – where her three children, now at Kennet, all attended.

But the mother-of-three is still connected to the primary school, as a childminder, and provides before and after school care for pupils – with eight currently in her care, every day.

The Cold Ash Ball made a highly anticipated return following a decade long hiatus.

“There used to be a ball held every other year,” she said.

“I put some initial feelers out on Cold Ash and Ashmore Green Facebook group in November to see if it was something the community wanted and first feedback was positive.

“So I went for it and 120 tickets sold out in four days.”

Local band Extra Covers put on a show and attendees partied until 1am.

They money raised came from ticket sales, games played on the night, an online auction and sponsorship from local businesses – with the latter making up half of the total.

The businesses sponsoring tables were Active Heating, APJ Services, Cedar Dental Care, Eco Extinguishers, English Provender Company, Freeway Medical, Scotts of Reading, Long Lane Garage, LS Fire Solutions, Newbury Building Society, RJW Services and Tech Response.

English Provender Company not only sponsored a table but donated an auction prize, and unique party favours in the form of 120 jars of Lazy Garlic which Mrs Stafford said went down a storm with attendees.