LONDON'S Savoy Hotel was the venue for a children's tea party on Sunday to raise funds for a West Devon-based charity. Former children's laureate Michael Morpurgo, who lives near Hatherleigh, hosted the party at the hotel in London where he is writer in residence. It was to raise funds for Farms for City Children, the charity Michael founded in 1976 with his wife Clare, and which offers week-long working holidays to inner-city schoolchildren and children from many rural areas. The Savoy Hotel also made a generous donation to the charity. The afternoon featured readings by Michael and fellow children's writer Judith Kerr, author of such classic children's books as 'The Tiger who came to Tea' and the 'Mog' series about an affectionate but not very intelligent cat. Michael is the author of more than 100 books, five of which have been made into films. Helen Chaloner the charity's chief executive who travelled to London for the event said: 'All profits from the event are to be donated to Farms For City Children which is absolutely brilliant! 'We are so fortunate to have founders such as Michael and Clare who are always finding new ways to raise our charity's profile in other parts of the country. 'Our farms are well spread with one in Gloucestershire, one in Pembrokeshire, and of course Nethercott House here in Devon.' Farms For City Children, based near Hatherleigh, provides a seven-day stay for between 36 and 40 children on each of its three farms each week, playing host to more than 3,000 children each year. The charity has also organised a quiz night at Nethercott on Friday March 30 at 7pm. Tickets are £3.50 and include supper and a glass of wine. To book, ring 01837 810025.
