The Reader marks new Whittard partnership with ‘Tea Masterclass’ fundraiser – join us!

To kick-start its partnership with Liverpool-based charity The Reader, Whittard of Chelsea is hosting a Tea Masterclass and Shared Reading fundraising event on Sunday 20 October.

Purveyor of fine tea, coffee and cocoa Whittard of Chelsea has joined forces with The Reader on its mission to help people live well and connect with others through great literature.

The Reader supports more than 500 Shared Reading groups across the UK that bring thousands of people together each week to read and discuss great novels, short stories and poems.

The groups, which are free and open to all, take place in hospitals, prisons, recovery colleges, care homes, libraries, high street cafes and other community spaces. Each Shared Reading group starts with a cup of tea, which is where Whittard comes in…

Brand manager Keira Morton, who’s heading up the charity partnership, says:

“We’re so excited to be working with The Reader as our charity partner: a cuppa and reading go hand in hand. We have a number of activities lined up to help spread the word about the charity and the great work they do. And to kick things off, we’re looking forward to a collaborative Tea Masterclass and Shared Reading fundraising event.”

The fundraising event takes place at the charity’s newly refurbished Mansion House home in Calderstones Park on Sunday 20 October from 4pm to 7pm.

There will be an 'introduction to tea' hosted by Whittard’s very own Tea Ambassadors, with time for Shared Reading, of course, too. Tickets are now on sale at £15 per person, with all proceeds being donated to The Reader to support its work across the UK. To buy tickets, click here.

Whittard has created special literary-themed postcards that are now being displayed in its four Tea Bars at Covent Garden, Glasgow, Gunwharf Quays and Regent Street St. James’s. Customers can take a moment to write to a loved one and connect over the shared meaning that literature offers people, as they enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

The brand will also be strengthening the power of Shared Reading groups by offering employees training to become Reader Leader volunteers and holding groups at their Head Offices in Oxfordshire and London.

Jane Davis, founder and director of The Reader said: “We're delighted to be selected as one of Whittard's charity partners this year and to have their support in getting Shared Reading into the hands of more people across the UK.

“We're really looking forward to getting Shared Reading groups going for their staff, and for customers in stores, and especially to having their Tea Ambassadors visit us at The Reader at Calderstones, the spiritual home of Shared Reading, for an afternoon of delicious blends and great literature.”

Treat yourself and download Tea by Saki - to be enjoyed with a nice cup of tea.