Festival raises £330 despite showers forcing it indoors

A PUB festival was moved indoors following rain showers on Saturday afternoon.

About 60 people attended the annual Hestia event at the Plough in Shiplake which featured a silent disco for children, postcard making, a traditional game of boules and free ice cream.

It had been due to take place in the garden but on Wednesday landlady Jill Sikkens decided to move the entertainment inside because of the weather forecast.

The festival was in aid of the Cowshed, a charity based in Wokingham which provides clothing and essential household goods to families in crisis, raised £330 through the sales of rum-based cocktails.

It began with a performance from Latin jazz musician Kaw Regis and ended with a set from Henley-based JPR Music, comprising Josh and Olive Roberts, who entertained diners with hits from George Ezra, Amy Winehouse, Bill Withers and Simon and Garfunkel.

The event, now in its third year, was organised as an end-of-summer celebration and staff decorated the venue with union flag bunting to mark the occasion. In the afternoon, about 10 children enjoyed the silent disco where they danced to Disney hits and a selection of pop music.

Mrs Sikkens said she was inspired to raise money for the Cowshed after her friend, Jo Cole, began volunteering there.

“I’ve known about them for years and we’re really focused on families,” she said. “Back to school is an expensive time of year and life is expensive for everyone right now.

“The Cowshed does a lot of grassroots work for families, people who are lonely and they also provide sewing classes. It has helped transform the lives of hundreds of families and it’s very female-led.” Jamie Reid, of Lower Shiplake, attended with his wife Mandy, son Jake Moore and his partner Grace Weller.

Mr Reid said: “We come here quite often. Jill makes a real effort to get to know people. When the weather is nice, the garden is absolutely packed. It has a great atmosphere and we always feel very welcome.”

He added: “It’s important to support local because if you don’t then places like this close so we definitely continue to come to their events.”