Welcome Alex Horne - our new Patron

19th June 2025

Comedian Alex Horne Appointed as New Patron of Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP)

Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP), the charity dedicated to supporting children and adults with special needs, is delighted to announce the appointment of award-winning comedian and author Alex Horne as its new Patron. Best known as the creator of the BAFTA and Rose d’Or Award -winning TV series Taskmaster, Horne brings a creative and inclusive energy that is expected to help raise both the charity’s profile and its vital fundraising appeal.

Since opening its doors over 40 years ago, TVAP, a local charity, has provided a specialist indoor and outdoor play facility spread across a 2.5-acre site in Taplow, near Maidenhead. The playground caters to children and adults with a wide range of special needs—from physical disabilities and learning challenges to sensory impairments, behavioural difficulties, autism, and other conditions that can make mainstream provisions inaccessible. In the last 12 months alone, over 15,000 visits have been made, reflecting the critical role TVAP plays in the community. Following in the admirable footsteps of previous high-profile supporters such as Sir Terry Wogan (Patron) and Tim Brooke Taylor (President), TVAP is proud to usher in a new era of creative engagement and expanded impact with Alex Horne at the helm.

Alex Horne is celebrated not only for his work on Taskmaster—now in its 19th series on Channel 4—but also as a multifaceted comedian, musician, and writer with a significant international footprint. His credits include writing and starring in two series of the critically acclaimed sitcom The Horne Section TV Show on Channel 4 with his comedy music band The Horne Section, hosting the chart topping The Horne Section Podcast, as well as numerous appearances on shows including The Last Leg, The Royal Variety Performance, Countdown, BBC One’s Celebrity Mastermind, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Comic Relief, and The Chase. With over 100 episodes, an Emmy-nomination and a Royal Television Society and Broadcast Award for Best Entertainment Programme under its belt, Taskmaster is a gem of British programming. The show has also transcended national broadcasting borders, with adaptations airing in a dozen markets around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Quebec, Portugal, the Nordics, and Croatia. Taskmaster highlights Alex’s ability to entertain and connect with diverse audiences through innovative challenges and humour.

TVAP’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Lucie Grange, explained the approach that led to Alex Horne’s appointment: 

“Lola (my daughter) and I sent Alex a typed letter, in true Taskmaster style, to which he immediately replied. When we attended his charity football match in Chesham, it dawned on me how perfectly he fits in with everything at TVAP. From his playful challenges to his commitment to recycling and thinking outside the box, Alex embodies the spirit of overcoming obstacles and including everyone—regardless of disability.”

She added, “The Horne Section is an exceptionally talented group of musicians, yet their playful energy brings an infectious joy to their performances—much like our own TVAP Community Choir, where smiles are always part of the experience. Alex’s imaginative and light-hearted approach perfectly aligns with the spirit of what we strive to offer, making him a fantastic match for TVAP.”

Alex Horne said: "It's not often I receive a letter direct from an actual typewriter so that was a good start. Then when I was shown around the playground by Lucie, I knew within a few minutes that I would have to get involved in some way. The commitment the whole team so clearly has to provide adventure and play for people who need those things the most was both powerful and persuasive. So I'm  as excited as anyone to have now joined that team and will hopefully be able to join in and make more fun happen before too long. Thanks again to Lola for the letter!"

TVAP Chairman Jim Wilks added: “We are delighted that such a high-profile and well-known face from the world of entertainment has chosen to support our work at TVAP. Alex’s ethos aligns with our vision, and we look forward to working with him to raise both our profile and our funds, ensuring that we continue to provide an inspiring, inclusive environment for all our visitors and their families.”

For over four decades, TVAP has been at the heart of community development by offering a unique recreational and learning facility that addresses the needs of special-needs individuals and their families. With Alex Horne stepping into this vital role, the charity anticipates not only enhanced public engagement but also exciting new initiatives that will broaden its outreach and further its mission of inclusion, creativity, and support.

For further information, please contact:

Karen Roberts,

PR Consultant

Tel: 07917 225383

Email : kerobertscomms@outlook.com