Reading community pub celebrates customers at charity book launch
Purchases beat target sales raising hundreds for Cancer Research UK
Rhiannon presented John and his wife Lisa with a picture from their
wedding in October 2017 which also features as the cover of the book. Credit: Rhiannon Stocking-Williams
Scores of punters packed out a Reading pub to celebrate the launch of a charity book.
The Jolly Anglers hosted a grand reveal on Saturday, March 24 to celebrate the launch of its community book titled 'Jolly Regulars'.
Community journalist and amateur photographer Rhiannon Stocking-Williams created the book which features portraits and images of customers who have been visiting the canalside pub for years.
The original sales goal of 30 books was almost doubled within 24 hours of the launch, as 50 books were sold raising more than £300 for Cancer Research UK.
Ms Stocking-Williams said: "The purpose of the book is to raise money for Cancer Research UK, having lost close friends and family to cancer in recent years, and to raise awareness of the important place that community pubs like The Anglers has in the lives of local people."
The launch hosted at the pub in Kennet Side, Reading, Berkshire welcomed regulars and newcomers alike who were singing their praises for the charity book and its author.
Silvia Macedo and Monty the dog (Silvia is the wife of the landlord's son and a regular featured in the book). Credit: Rhiannon Stocking-Williams
Pip Collings, one of the 37 loyal customers featured in the book, said: "Another fabulous community event at The Jolly Anglers.
"Well done Rhiannon for a brilliant project, bringing it all together with a great book and lovely photos."
Celebrations continued into the night complete with a bring-a-dish buffet and live music provided by volunteering drinkers.
The book has since been nominated in the Reading Cultural Awards 2018, in the Celebrating Reading's Heritage category.
John Westendorp, the landlord of The Jolly Anglers said: "It's a very local
book which expresses national concerns about the erosion of community support systems and small, independent businesses."
The gallery of images is still on show at the pub until Sunday, April 15.
Orders can be made at the pub or by emailing Rhiannon at thejollyregulars@gmail.com. It costs £25 and all proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.
