KES hosts fundraising event on World Refugee Day

Mrs Bruton, an English teacher at KES and renowned author, will be celebrating the launch of her new critically acclaimed children’s book, No Ballet Shoes in Syria, with a special evening of fundraising on Thursday 20 June. The event which is supported by Catherine’s publisher Nosy Crow, Bath bookseller Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and King Edward’s School, will include readings, music, dance, delicious Syrian food and stalls, and takes place on World Refugee Day during Refugee Week (17 - 23 June), which is the UK’s largest festival promoting understanding of refugees. The event will be held at King Edward’s School, and all are welcome to come along.

Mrs Bruton worked with the charity Bath Welcomes Refugees and with members of the Syrian community when researching Aya’s story and is delighted to have this opportunity to raise awareness for the charity, saying: ‘The work of Bath Welcomes Refugees, like so many other amazing organisations across the country, is doing so much to help those in need. Run entirely by volunteers, it’s a testament to the goodwill that exists in Bath – and beyond.’

KES was keen to support Bath Welcomes Refugees and the new book by hosting the fundraising event. Pupils, also eager to support the local charity’s work, are helping with the event. ‘I feel immensely proud to be part of a school community that does so much to help local and national charities,’ says Mrs Bruton. ‘Our pupils are amazing at getting involved in fundraising efforts – individually and collectively – and many of them will be helping out at this event. I am hugely grateful to the school - and to Mr B’s  - for supporting this brilliant cause.’ 

No Ballet Shoes in Syria is a captivating, beautifully written story, with echoes of Eva Ibbotson and Noel Streatfeild about dance and the struggles of a young refugee. The book, which has been shortlisted for the Independent Bookshop Week Book Award, has already been picked as The Times’ Children’s Book of the Week. 

Mr Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s said: ‘We are delighted to be hosting the launch of Catherine's latest novel, No Ballet Shoes in Syria, which has already deservedly received widespread critical acclaim. We are also very pleased to be working closely with Mr B's Emporium to highlight the important work of their Charity of the Year for 2019, Bath Welcomes Refugees. It is particularly appropriate to reflect on the ideas and themes in Catherine's novel during Refugee Week, and the evening promises to provide much food for thought, as well as a great programme of literary, musical and culinary delights. I am really looking forward to it!’