The Boston Piano Fund
In early 2020 the acting Director of Music, Tim Brown, realised that to enhance the opportunities for music in the acoustic gem of St Botolph’s it would be important to acquire a piano. This would enable richer liturgical practice in the church, give St Botolph’s the potential to be a hub for recitals and chamber concerts, and to enable the church to produce much-needed revenue from hiring out the space for rehearsals and concerts requiring a piano.
A fine BOSTON 6’10” grand piano was found that would suit our budget; this was acquired in early 2022, initially on loan, and the inaugural recital was given by the pianist Nathan Williamson to great acclaim in July 2022.
We now have regular concerts featuring both the piano alone, and with voices & instruments - check
What's On for details of upcoming concerts.
Funding the piano
The piano was loaned to St Botolph’s by a private donor, with the intention that the church would raise £22,500 to pay for it by the spring of 2024. Thanks to many generous donations from the Botolph's community, and memorable fundraising concerts generously given by celebrity soloists including James Gilchrist and Daniel Pailthorpe, our funding target has now been achieved. The piano has become a vital part of the growing musical activities of the church, both in services and in concerts.
How to give
Our musical programme enriches the worship of the church, and enhances the life of our community with concerts. If you would like to help support the continued revival of the choral and musical life of St Botolph's we welcome gifts of any size, whether one-off or regular giving by standing order. More information is available in a leaflet on the piano fund, which can be found
here. There are three ways to donate:
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By cheque made out to “The PCC of St Botolph’s” and sent to David Eastwood, St Botolph’s PCC, 2 Duxford Road, Cambridge CB22 4ND.
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By direct BACS transfer to St Botolph’s, either as a one-off donation or as a standing order. Account details are: The PCC of St Botolph’s, Sort code: 60-04-23, Account number: 54595533. Please include ‘Piano Fund’ in the reference box.
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Via the 'Supporting St Botolph's' page on the website.
In each case, please email the Treasurer, David Eastwood, at dgreastwood@gmail.com to make him aware that your donation relates to the Boston Piano. If you are a UK taxpayer we are able to claim Gift Aid, which has the effect of increasing the value of your donation to St Botolph’s by 25%. David can supply the appropriate form.
