About the Trust

The Dulce Haigh Marshall Trust was inaugurated in September 1982 in recognition of fifty years of eminent cello teaching (forty of them in Devon) by Dulce Haigh Marshall.

The object of the Trust is to help young string players in Devon, who are in need of financial assistance, by making grants towards the purchase of an instrument and/or tuition fees.

Initially funds for the Trust were provided by past and then current pupils of Dulce and their parents, by members of the public, and by several firms, both local and national. The Trust was honoured by the interest and support shown by HRH Prince Charles who, as Duke of Cornwall, made a substantial contribution to its funds.

Renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber became the Trust’s Patron, and a Friends scheme to help provide a regular source of income was started soon afterwards. A number of sponsored concerts in aid of the Trust, given by artists of international repute, and by up-and-coming artists, became a regular feature for several years.

Although the funds available to the Trust are not extensive, the trustees have been able to provide assistance in every year since its formation. A large number of string players now acknowledge the support and encouragement they have received as a result of applying to the Trust.

It is appropriate to single out the very great contribution made by Dulce’s husband, Ben, who as secretary worked tirelessly from the Trust’s inception until his death in 1999, organising concerts and meetings as well as undertaking much of the clerical work. Dulce died a year later, and so the Trust is now a fitting tribute to two remarkable people who gave much of their lives to helping young musicians in Devon.

Data Protection