Partly as a consequence of the floods in Cockermouth in November, 2009 the Society’s piano had deteriorated more quickly than expected and needed  to be replaced. Thanks to the generosity of members, local shops and businesses, as well as a number of charitable trusts mainly based in Cumbria, Cockermouth Town Council and Cumbria County Council almost £22,000 has been raised. This, plus the part-exchange value of our current piano, has now now been supplemented by a successful bid for a grant of £40,000 from Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts scheme. The Music Society is extremely grateful for this grant which means that a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano has been purchased and was in place for the opening concert on Tuesday, 16 September 2014 which was a much anticipated piano recital by Leon McCawley.

As the Arts Council’s grant will be paid in 3 stages we shall still welcome donations to the piano fund. Any one who wishes to send a donation should send a cheque payable to Cockermouth Music Society to the Hon. Secretary, Fell Edge, High Ireby, Wigton CA7 1HF.

Any donation, however small, will be gratefully received and acknowledged on this website. If you are able to be more generous: £40 will sponsor one of the 88 keys, £30 one of the 88 hammers and £20 one of the 186 strings.