Supporting music and the arts in Essex
30th November 2023
Without music and dance the festive season would lose much of its sparkle and magic. From heart-warming school plays to professional Christmas shows and from grand orchestral concerts to community choirs, all the arts are part of the wonderful traditions we can enjoy at this time of the year.
To help nurture and support the talented young people who make such performances possible, we provide grants to support a wide spectrum of the arts for individuals and a variety of organisations in the county.
For some families, the cost of helping their children pursue their dreams would otherwise be a huge financial strain. Our grants have helped many young people achieve their ambitions of a career in music and other arts and has also given groups and organisations the chance to stage festivals, concerts and many other events.
Belinda Starling Memorial Fund
Belinda, a talented musician and writer, was just 34 years old when she died from complications following routine surgery.
In 2007 Belinda´s family, who live in Essex, established a charitable fund in her memory with us. The fund helps young people in Essex to follow their literary, drama or music ambitions which they would be unable to pursue without encouragement and money.
Lois Pankhurst, (main picture) from Leigh on Sea, has received support from Belinda’s Fund to follow her dream of becoming a ballet dancer. She has been dancing since she was six and her talent has been recognised by achieving a place at the Royal Ballet School in London, where only one in 12 girls are accepted through a rigorous audition process.
Her Principal at the Leonard Dance Academy in Rayleigh where she was a pupil said: “Lois is an exceptionally talented young lady. She is destined for big things and ballet is part of her soul. She is truly one of the most talented ballet dancers that I have had the pleasure of teaching.
“Her family have gone above and beyond to support her talent in an industry that is often only achievable for those with financial means. It has been a real struggle for this family, so we hope Lois gets the opportunity to realise her potential.”
David Starling, Belinda’s father said: “It would have made Belinda very happy to know that a fund in her name was giving young people opportunities to realise their full potential.”
Essex Young Musicians’ Trust (EYMT)
EYMT was set up in 1984 as a registered charity to provide financial assistance to young musicians who had gained a position in the Essex Youth Orchestras (EYO) and who showed the ability and/or potential of following a career in music but were held back by financial situations.
Judith Anderson Fowle, founder of EYMT, said; “Apart from tuition, membership of the EYO provides students with a wide variety of performing opportunities, including foreign tours, that helps them decide if a musical career is for them.”
EYMT has kept its close contacts with the EYO and now also provides post graduate bursaries to help students with the cost of furthering their education at renowned conservatoires in the UK and Europe.
In 2015, the Trust came under the auspices of the ECF. Three of the EYMT trustees continue to work with ECF to help make decisions about who will benefit from support. EYMT was delighted to sponsor a small award at the Ongar Music Club’s Essex Young Music of the Year competition and later in the year to support a Masterclass given by Tamsin Little CBE at which their new Norman Harper Award was presented.
Peter Lovell is the lead officer for Music Services in Essex. He said: “The funding that EYMT provides is hugely beneficial to support talented young musicians who need additional financial support to take up all the opportunities they need to build their confidence and improve their skills.”
Nathan Quilter lives with his family in Canvey Island was just 16 when he achieved his Grade 8 Clarinet. A regular member of the Essex Youth Orchestra (EYO), Essex Youth Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Aldeburgh Young Musicians, Nathan also volunteers with the Essex Marching Corps. He benefited from EYMT’s support which enabled him to be a member of EYO.
Now aged 18, Nathan has gained a place to study at the prestigious Royal College of Music where he will develop his musical skills and pursue a career as a musician. Support from the Belinda Starling Memorial Fund will help him make the most of this great opportunity.