WEST Devon community music development group The Wren Trust is celebrating after securing regular funding for the next three years from Arts Council England, South West. The Okehampton-based organisation will receive a slight yearly increase ? even though the Arts Council say they have had ?a disappointing settlement? in the government?s last spending review and have had to reduce funding in some areas. The Wren Trust receives £46,288 for 2005/6 and will receive £47,561 for 2006/7 and £48,869 for 2007/8. Artistic director Marilyn Tucker said the trust was pleased the Arts Council can maintain its support as it provides the core funding for the trust?s whole programme. The organisation holds workshops in schools, colleges and clubs, focusing on skills and techniques in folk music, and is also involved in community arts development projects. It is a worldwide source for original Baring Gould Archive material as well as holding the annual Baring Gould Festival. With their core funding agreed, The Wren Trust is planning a bigger and better programme of events for this year?s festival. Marilyn Tucker said: ?We hope to expand the Baring Gould Festival and bring it to Okehampton, depending on funding that we should hear about in April. ?We had a wonderful time last year but the festival has outgrown the villages.? Nick Capaldi, Arts Council England, South West executive director said the arts in the South West were thriving, despite the tough financial climate.
