Last Wednesday evening, an event was held in Radstock’s SWALLOW Café to celebrate Evolve Music’s first year of being a registered charity. Evolve Music is a community music charity based in Radstock, founded by husband and wife, Ben and Beth Vleminckx.

The event was an informal gathering, where Trustees, volunteers and supporters of the charity were able to socalise and celebrate the achievements of the group. Ben and Beth proceeded to give a speech on the hard work it took to get the charity off the ground in its first year, and the benefits they have begun to see in the people they have worked with. Speaking of their ‘Enchanted Forest’-themed work with Radstock charity, SWALLOW, Ben said: “Everybody should have the opportunity to play music to a high quality, regardless of their background. It was great to do work here in our own community. [The participants] really got stuck into the creative process and came out with some amazing sounds.”

Ben and Beth talked about the various projects they started this year, including their ‘Explorers’ project for early-learners in Peasedown St John, the ‘Sound Lab’ project with Wiltshire Music Connect, and their work with Bath-based arts organisation, 5x5x5=Creativity, on their ‘House of Imagination’ scheme.

This was then followed by a brief video displaying their activities workshops at Crowdy’s Hill School, Swindon.

Beth said: “Our next step is to hone our work, by working with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. We aim to increase the wellbeing of the most-isolated.

“Standing here, being able to talk about all of the projects that we’ve done, puts into perspective why we do what we do, and we’re really excited to see what will happen in the future. Thank you for all the support, and for sticking with us along the way.”

Ben also mentioned that a new project based in Midsomer Norton with the Wansdyke Play Association will take place later this year.

For more information on the charity, visit: evolvemusic.co.uk