News
Brighton Marathon
The Fund is delighted to announce that we will be registering a team of 5 runners to take part in next year's Brighton Marathon on 10th April 2011. Events such as these provide charities with a fantastic opportunity to raise funds thanks to the great effort of the runners and their supporters. We are very excited to be represented in the Brighton Marathon, while only in its second year, the organisers are keen to champion the work of small charities and benevolent funds.
Spaces in the team are available; if you or anyone you know would like to support our work and be part of the event, please don't hesitate to get in contact.
You can fill out an application form to run for the Fund by following this link.
Cyril Wood Court Re-opening
After many months of refurbishment work, the sheltered housing scheme in Bere Regis, Dorset was ready to open its doors to existing and new tenants who wish to be part of the exciting creative community. The Fund's 75th Anniversary appeal in 2009 provided some of the funding for the work, and it is with great pleasure that we can announce the completion and re-opening of the project which took place in May 2010. The opening ceremony and cutting of the ribbon was kindly performed by Sir John and Lady Tavener whose appearance as guests of honour was greatly appreciated. PRS members who are living on their own, can join like minded individuals in a happy and relaxed environment where artistic expression is very much encouraged. The Fund has nomination rights on some of the vacant flats, so if you feel this might be the place for you please do not hesitate to contact John Logan for more information.
 Residents and representatives of Cyril Wood Memorial Trust and the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund pictured at the opening ceremony. |
 Sir John and Lady Tavener unveil the new plaque at Cyril Wood Court. |
 The scheme is officially opened. |
Images courtesy of Judy Totton |
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Malcolm McLaren R.I.P.
The music impresario, former manager of The Sex Pistols and the man who it is claimed pioneered British punk rock in the mid 70’s, has died aged 64.
McLaren died in Switzerland on April 8th after a losing his battle with cancer.
McLaren gained notoriety as manager of the Sex Pistols who achieved chart success with God Save The Queen in 1977. He brought together the band members, cementing their rebellious notoriety along the way with his knack for causing controversy. He has always been at the forefront of social and cultural trends, thanks mainly to his visionary and decisive nature. In 1983, McLaren released Duck Rock, an album which mixed up influences from Africa and the Americas, including hip-hop. The album proved to be highly influential in bringing hip-hop to a wider audience in the UK. Two of the singles from the album, "Buffalo Gals" and "Double Dutch" became top-10 hits in the UK.
PRS member Malcolm McLaren leaves behind a son Joe Corré, whom he had with Vivienne Westwood.
Donations
Please help us to make a difference to PRS songwriters, composers and their families who may be suffering financial hardship. By making a donation you will offering much needed support to those PRS Members who are struggling to cope with financial problems caused through illness, accident or old age.
Click here to donate to the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund
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Muff Winwood joins the Committee of Management
The Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Muff Winwood to the Committee of Management. Muff brings with him a wealth of experience as a performer, songwriter and record producer. As a founder member of the Spencer Davis Group, Muff achieved huge chart success with the bands’ single “Keep On Running” which topped the U.K. charts in 1965. Muff later became a leading record producer for Columbia Records (later EMI) where he had successful production projects with Nirvana, Traffic and the Dire Straits. He went on to form his own label S2, within Sony Music.
Regional Surgeries
Following the success of our regional surgeries held in Glasgow and Birmingham, plans are in hand for the Fund to host surgeries at its offices in Berners Street, London later in the year. This will give older PRS members the opportunity to come and speak to one of our welfare visitors about a range of help packages available to those suffering genuine need.
Last year we distributed a little under £400,000 in grant payments, so if for example, you are on income support, pension credit, housing benefit or are suffering hardship as a result of illness or injury, please register your interest in attending the surgery by emailing sue.buckland@prsformusic.com or call 020 7306 4068. We will contact you regarding dates.
We can discuss your situation and see if there is a way in which the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund can help relieve stress.
Winter Heating Scheme
The PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund will consider assisting older and vulnerable PRS members who will find it difficult to afford adequate heating. It is anticipated that financial help will be given in conjunction with any state aid available.
If you are in receipt of benefits you should contact john.logan@prsformusic.com for further information about the scheme.
"We want to help elderly and sick PRS members who are worried about their heating bills and will find it hard to pay them" states Fund Chairman Ray Davies.
The music industry is changing and so is the PRS Members Fund
We now have a new name and identity – the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund.
Our new identity will represent us more effectively; it’s bold, clear and confident. It will connect PRS for Music members to their charity and will allow us to help raise awareness of everything that the Members Benevolent Fund does.
As the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund, we will continue to provide assistance to members and ex-members of the Performing Right Society and their families.
Contact Us
PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund
29/33 Berners Street
London W1T 3AB
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7306 4067
email PRS for Music
Members Benevolent Fund