The Duncan & Toplis Foundation is striking a positive chord across local communities after providing funding to five organisations dedicated to enriching local communities through music and sensory exploration. Earlier this year, the Ratby Co-operative Band, Rock School Bus CIC, Robert Bakewell Primary School, Deafblind UK and Horncastle Primary School all received support to enhance their musical and creative offerings.
In Leicestershire, The Ratby Co-operative Band will use the funding to refurbish its band room. The accomplished brass band, with musicians aged eight to 80, has previously featured on BBC Radio Leicester and regularly appears at community events.
Rock School Bus CIC has also been awarded a donation that will support its ambitious summer ‘Music For All’ project. The fully equipped music bus - complete with instruments, a sound system, a stage, and expert tutors - will travel across South Lincolnshire to bring hands-on music experiences to children and young people. The funding will help the bus continue attending local events, making music education fun, accessible, and inspiring for all.
In Loughborough, Robert Bakewell Primary School will expand its range of instruments, giving more pupils the chance to take part in high-quality music lessons. With the Foundation’s help, the school will purchase new cornets, flutes, clarinets, violins and cellos - opening the door for students to explore their musical abilities and express themselves creatively.
Meanwhile, Horncastle Primary School in Lincolnshire will use its grant to create a colourful sensory garden designed to engage every sense. Featuring wind chimes, fragrant plants and tactile grasses, the garden will offer a calming, inspiring space where pupils can learn, relax and connect with nature.
Deafblind UK will also benefit from the Foundation’s support, using its funding to purchase six giant garden games for residents at Rainbow Court, the charity’s supported living complex in Peterborough. These sensory-rich activities encourage touch, sight and sound, helping stimulate the brain, boost creativity, support problem solving, and enhance memory and focus.
Together, these projects reflect the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing creativity, wellbeing and opportunity across the region, ensuring that more young people and community members can enjoy the power of music, sensory play and shared experiences.
If you would like to support the continued work of The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, you can donate here. Alternatively, if you’re looking for funding for a local community initiative, find out more about our grant criteria and how to apply here.
