On behalf of the committee of The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary I would like to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the level of support we have received throughout this year.

Many individuals and groups have assisted us, most recently at The Miners Arms in Whitecroft where Lords of Dean and The Paul James Quintet played to a packed venue and again on July 9 when The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra accompanied local pianist, Alex Kirk, and raised £132 through the retiring collection.

We also held extremely successful concerts and gigs in Drybrook and Newnham-on-Severn during the early part of the year.

We are truly grateful for the public support that this new bursary is receiving. The annual Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary is open to all secondary school aged students who reside within the boundaries of the Forest of Dean and applications can be received from now up to the closing date of September 30, 2011.

A list of terms and conditions apply and these can be obtained from the Chairperson, Fiona Crawley, 2 Crown Cottage, Crown Lane, Parkend, Lydney, Glos GL15 4JE. – Fiona Crawley, Crown Lane, Parkend.