A 14-year-old Island violinist has been presented the Bassett Stevens Memorial Fund Prize, after she excelled at an Isle of Wight concert. 

Lucy Brown was presented with the prize by Newchurch Male Voice Choir, after the event at St James’s Church, Ryde.

The concert was part of St James’s weekend of collection, supporting the work of Pastor Daniel, who transports aid from a Polish church near the Ukrainian border to children who have been affected by the war and £653 was raised.

Who was the Isle of Wight's Bassett Stevens whose name is on the prize fund?
 
  • Bassett Stevens was the professor of singing at the London College of Music and sang with and accompanied the BBC Singers and Chorus.
  • When he retired to Alverstone Garden Village, he shared his time and talents with Island music groups.
  • After his death, the Memorial Fund was established in his honour to provide financial assistance to help the development of young, talented Island musicians.

The choir's Bob Cooper said: “The concerts are presented to raise funds for local charities and causes. We also give young and talented musicians, singers and groups the opportunity to perform and display their talents to a live audience.”

Bob continued: “Lucy is the latest to receive the award, and we look forward to her career development."

In 2024, a season of concerts is planned.

If you have what it takes to be a guest at one of them, get in touch with the choir, which is also searching for a pianist, as its regular accompanist.