Brand gives reading to children during May Fayre

RUSSELL Brand gave a reading to 30 lucky children during yesterday’s Henley May Fayre.

The comedian read a section of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, a children’s book he published in 2014, at the Kings Arms Barn, off Greys Road car park.

All the children were giving a “golden ticket” to attend the event for prize winning entries to a competition where they were asked what was their favourite story or book and why.

Brand moved to the area in 2015 and agreed to take part after being asked by Dick Fletcher, a friend of May Fayre organiser Sarah Miller.

He sat at the front of the room surrounded by the children who sat on the floor with cuddly toys. The parents sat behind on chairs.

Brand started by asking the children their names and their ages.

He added: “Thank you very much for coming. My understanding from Dick is that this is for a good cause – for the Henley May Fayre.

“That’s a lovely cause. We are participating in the May Fayre.

“I suppose May day has traditions in paganism and pre-monotheistic religions of this country. Back when we worshipped the land and the animals!”

After the reading he posed for pictures with the group and signed copies of the book, which each child received as a gift.

For more, see this week’s Henley Standard.