Greenham Common Trust’s musical instrument loan scheme was launched in 2005 to bring opportunities for local musicians of all ages and standards to develop their musical talents. A number of instruments have already been issued on loan to schools and musical organisations throughout the area.

Budding violinists at Falkland Primary School, Newbury are some of the musicians to benefit from the Trust’s scheme, and have been supplied 37 violins - free of charge. The school’s violin tuition, which is organised in partnership with the Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, has previously relied on the rental of instruments and ongoing financial support from various sources including the Englefield Trust and the Berkshire Community Foundation’s Give a Child a Chance project.

Mr Askey, head teacher at Falkland Primary School, commented: “The supply of these violins has made the future of violin tuition at the school far more certain. Previously the school has been forced to constantly seek external funding to enable us to sustain this valuable and enjoyable element of the children’s education.”

Jonathan Burnett, Head of Strings at Berkshire Young Musicians Trust, added: “Our aims are to make musical tuition accessible to all pupils in Berkshire, regardless of background, aptitude, age or ability to pay and this funding is a tremendous boost for the children at Falkland Primary School and will help them to develop a love and understanding of music.”