Betty Parr Whitbread Music Fund

We are honoured to manage the Betty Parr Whitbread Music Fund, established in 2016 through a trust transfer to better achieve its charitable objectives. This fund is dedicated to enriching public education and appreciation of music in all its forms, particularly within the Haslemere area.

Mission and Focus Areas

The Betty Parr Whitbread Music Fund awards grants to initiatives that:

• Promote Musical Education: Enhancing public understanding and knowledge of music.

• Encourage Musical Appreciation: Fostering a deeper enjoyment and engagement with musical arts.

• Support Musical Performances: Facilitating concerts, recitals, operas, and operettas accessible to the community.

School children with pianist Gabriele Sutkute

The Haslemere Chalice Fund oversees the decision-making process for this fund, ensuring alignment with its mission.

Impactful Grants

The fund has significantly contributed to the local music scene through various grants:

• HHH Concerts – £2,200 Grant (October 2023): This grant supported classical music concerts tailored for primary school-aged children and residents of local care homes, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for classical music. One teacher noted, "The programme was perfect for our Year 10 students and staff who are currently studying the history of the concerto as part of their GCSE in music. They were mesmerised by Victor Braojos' stunning piano playing."

• Opera South – £5,000 Grant (June 2022): Funding was provided to support the production costs of two operas performed in outdoor venues around Haslemere, making opera more accessible to the community.

HHH Concert in Haslemere

Through the Betty Parr Whitbread Music Fund, CFSurrey is privileged to support initiatives that bring the joy and educational benefits of music to the Haslemere community, continuing Betty Parr Whitbread's legacy of fostering musical arts.