In 2014 the trustees received major new support for the Competition from the Helen Mackaness Trust. Helen Rachael Mackaness, seen in the photo with a friend, was born and bred in Bewdley, the daughter of a local dentist whose practice was based at their home, The Hawthorn Bush. She was a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and played both piano and cello. She taught music in Cheltenham for many years and throughout her long life took a keen interest in the arts. She never married and died at the age of eighty seven in 2010.
Following Ms Macakness' death, a charity bearing her name was established using her generous legacy to help future generations enjoy all her many interests which also included the preservation of the environment and the welfare of animals.
Following the 2017 competition, the Helen Mackaness Trust has generously agreed that for the next four years it will continue to support The Bromsgrove (BIMC) and the Bromsgrove Young Musicians Platform (BYMP), both in relation to prizes / bursaries and to help the BIMC's development of both competitions. The BIMC is most grateful for the Trust's generous patronage which will significantly help secure the competitions' international and national future. |