Awards

The Jill Wellby Award was set up in 2023 following the sad loss of one of our greatest supporters and it replaces the Maggie Perryman and John Bolitho Award, set up in 2012. The Award is given yearly to a young person demonstrating Musical Achievement and we are now offering £250 to the winner and £100 to the runner-up.

Applicants for the Awards must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

· Have shown exceptional improvement

· Have contributed substantially to music in the community

· Have overcome difficulties

There were several exceptional applicants for the 2025 Award and the Prize giving ceremony was held at Morwenstow on 13th July.

Congratulations to all of them

After detailed discussion the winner and runner-up were announced.

Winner: Mason Owen aged 13, is a talented pianist, trumpet player and singer. He has been selected to sing in musicals such as "Charlie" in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "Donkey" in Shrek as well as roles in Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Here is Mason receiving his certificate from our Patron Rosie Richardson, at the prize giving ceremony.

River Peryer, aged 11 is the runner-up, he is an exceptional pianist who was sadly not able to attend the Prize giving ceremony. However, he has already played the whole of a Mozart Piano Concerto with the North Devon Sinfonia in early 2025.

William Spencer-Wortley, age 10 was highly commended for his application. He plays the Trombone, Piano and is an excellent singer, he also plays percussion in the North Devon Sinfonia.

Mason and William contributed to much of the music for the Prize Giving Ceremony in July, there were also delightful performances from their families - young Brother and Sisters , as well as parents.

Previous winners are not eligible to apply. The application form must be completed by the Instrument teacher, the Head of Music or Head Teacher and signed by the Parent or Guardian. Applications for 2026 awards will follow.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Award

Winner: Octavia Meakin-Lee, an accomplished pianist after only learning for 4 years. She is home schooled and started playing the piano by self teaching. She also plays the recorder and has just started learning to play the flute.

Runner Up: Finnely Brett, also a pianist who has made excellent progress and has been composing his own pieces of music.