A £500 BURSARY could be music to the ears of a state funded Forest primary or secondary school.

That’s because applications are open for the second Yvonne Walkerdine Schools’ Music Grant, set up in honour of a popular Yorkley School teacher.

Last year, Primrose Hill Academy CofE Primary was awarded £500 to buy a set of portable glockenspiels with beaters and stands.

The committee was also impressed by Soudley School, and awarded it £350 to buy a set of handbells plus music.

The grant is designed to complement a school’s music curriculum by encouraging artistic creativity, broadening musical experience, raising aspiration and developing curiosity.

Schools can choose how they use the money, such as providing lessons, purchasing instruments or enjoying a live experience such as a show or a concert. The bursary committee want to see creative and interesting bids which will leave a lasting legacy.

Fiona Crawley, chairperson of the Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary (YWMB), said: “We had lots of great bids last year, but the standout two were from Primrose Hill and Soudley. They were extremely well structured with costings and we could see that both projects would leave a lasting legacy. It was lovely to observe the children using the instruments later in the year.”

The YWMB was foun- ded after the death of community musician and teacher Yvonne Walkerdine in 2008.

A teacher at Yorkley Primary for nearly 30 years, and previously at Severnbanks Primary, she taught people of all ages to strive for musical excellence through her own enthusiasm and gentle encouragement, added Fiona.

“Very many students, performers and choristers gained so much from her support and leadership,” she said.

“A committee of close friends and colleagues decided to create a lasting tribute to her that would maintain the unique source of insight and stimulation that characterised Yvonne’s way, and in 2009 The Yvonne Walkerdine Music Bursary was born.”

The committee previously awarded an annual £500 bursary to a young Forest musician.

Winners include Ruardean flautist Matt Mann (2010); Newnham singer and actor Osian Griffiths (2011); Parkend baritone horn player Ben Stratford (2012); Lydney flautist Adele Franghiadi (2013); Pillowell singer Will Sharma (2014); Lower Lydbrook tenor horn player Jack Lythaby (2015); and Newent singer Rosita da Silva Teixeira (2016).

In 2017, the committee decided to broaden its approach, enabling state schools to bid for a £500 grant to widen musical opportunities for pupils.

Fiona said: “Our ambition is to make the YWMB a lasting monument to an exceptional person. We hope in our small way, to aid, support and inspire the young people of the Forest of Dean.”

Bids must be received by 5pm on January 31, 2019, and can be made at www.yvonnewalkerdine.com or by post to: The Chairperson, YWMB, 2 Crown Cottage, Parkend, Gloucestershire, GL154JE.