James Etherington was a well-known Tenor singer from the North-East who died in 1948 - and a Trust was set up bearing his name in 1979, with the purpose of encouraging young singers and musicians in the local area to develop their skills in performing - with a Trust Fund designed to meet the cost of annual prizes, and an Engraved Silver Cup to be presented to the Winner of an Annual Competition held at Chester le Street Methodist Church.

It was specified that Bursaries should be awarded to the Winner of the Competition, and Runners-up.

​

The First Prize for the Winner of the Annual Competition is currently £500.00, with £250.00 going to the Winner of the Second Prize and other awards of at least £75.00 going to Runners-Up

​

​Over the years, there have been a succession of Trustees, with musical experience in various disciplines, who have helped to maintain the Trust, and provide monetary prizes to worthy winners of the Annual Competition.

 

One of these Trustees, appointed in 1991, was Margaret Crawford, an accomplished singer and instrumentalist herself, who throughout her career as a music teacher encouraged others, especially young people, to share in her love of music and to develop their own skills in playing and performing.​

After her untimely death in 2018, Margaret's family generously provided an extra endowment to the Trust, that has enabled an increase in the total prize-money awarded each year, and provided a 2nd Trophy to be awarded annually,

                              The Margaret Crawford Trophy

​        The Prize for the Winner of this Award is currently £250.00.

 

The remaining competitors at the Competition Evening are usually awarded £75.00 - though there is sometimes an extra amount for one of the runners-up, provided from a separate Fund in memory of the late Bob Watson, a long-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees who passed away in 2021, who was especially keen to encourage young talented musicians. 

 

The Charity is very grateful for the generous support of other donors from time to time, and especially the Rotary Club of Chester le Street who continue to provide generous support, as they have done for many years.

​

​