Pete Mason was a well known local musician, radio presenter and environmental campaigner, who sadly died last year. His wife and members of his band The Woodmen, have honoured his commitment to local music by setting up a fund to offer bursaries to local musicians. Here Jack Robson of Crediton Arts Centre remembers his friend’s many contributions to community life, explains why the fund was set up and how to apply.
Many people will remember Pete from one of the many activities in which he was involved. He would often be seen clearing woodlands and hedges as part of the Sustainable Crediton Wood Group. From that genesis he formed The Woodmen, a popular local band who played at many events and functions around the Crediton area.
Pete was a talented self-taught guitarist and harmonica player and a prolific songwriter. He was involved for many years in Busk It!, started the Red Lion Open Mic in Shobrooke, and from that grew the annual Shofest event.
Pete was also heavily involved in Extinction Rebellion, joining many of their local and national protests and organising the local ER music group. Recently he started presenting the Music Spotlight podcast on Crediton Radio, showcasing local musicians from many different genres. Last summer he also played several times at Share in the Square,e which sadly turned out to be the final gigs he would play.
Many of these musical activities had a charitable focus, including The Woodmen’s CD Shobrooke Moon, which raised money for cancer charities, while money raised at Shofest was donated to the Sarah’s Bedroom Appeal. He also played several fundraisers for Crediton Arts Centre.
In memory of Pete’s boundless humanity, passion and altruism, The Woodmen have worked closely with Pete’s wife, Diana,and the Arts Centre to set up The Pete Mason Music Fund, which includes donations from friends and family, as well as from the sale of some of Pete’s instruments and music gear. The trustees are now ready to start distributing some of the funds and have already made an award to Crediton Radio to pay for a PRS Licence.
How to apply
Applications are being invited from musicians at a key stage in their musical development who may require some additional support to progress. This may be for musical tuition, recording costs, purchasing an instrument or equipment (although not limited to these categories). The maximum amount awarded will be £500 and the minimum age of the beneficiary will be 14 years of age.
Please apply by email, with attached cover letter, to Jack Robson at by 31 March 2021.
You should explain who you are, where you are based, where you feel you are in your musical development and the cost of item (s) required. Applications will be considered by the trustees at the beginning of April and a decision made quickly. The Pete Mason Music Fund has limited resources at the present time, and not all applications will be successful.
How to donate
Anyone wishing to donate to the Pete Mason Music Fund can do so by bank transfer to Crediton Arts Centre Sort Code: 40-52-40 Account Number: 00012553, or a cheque made out to Crediton Arts Centre, marking the donation Pete Mason Music Fund and posting it to: Crediton Arts Centre, East Street, Crediton EX17 3AX.
More from
Music
