£10,000 boost for Wiltshire Community Foundation coronavirus fund

Journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir have donated proceeds from their book Deepest Wiltshire to the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Fund, which is raising money for financial support to groups helping the most vulnerable people in communities all over the county.

The fund has a target of £100,000 and has already reached £43,000.

Ms Pirrie-Weir said she and Ms Charles had no hesitation in donating the proceeds from the book, which is part almanack, travel guide, recipe book and historical record, with social, artistic and cultural references.

"When we heard the fund would benefit the most vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus, we felt like it was the perfect fit,” she said.

“We know the Wiltshire Community Foundation will be there to support the voluntary groups when they really need it, so we are happy to help.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation interim co-chief executive Fiona Oliver said: “This is an amazing gesture and we are so grateful for Fanny and Gay’s support.

"This money will enable our local community groups to continue providing much needed support for local people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our voluntary sector is the life blood of local communities and it’s hugely important that small community groups are financially supported in order to provide their much-needed services to vulnerable local people, in the short and long-term.”

The authors, who live on the Somerset - Wiltshire border, spent months researching the county for the book’s seven chapters, which look at how industry, the military, art, farming and technological development have shaped the county with stories of interesting personalities as well as historic events, quirky tales and fascinating facts.

Ms Pirrie-Weir added: “The book is available from our website, deepestbooks.co.uk and every copy sold will be helping charities in Wiltshire.”