Martin Beech Venture Fund Award

The fund was set up in Martin's name by his family in 2004. The fund is managed by South Gloucestershire Deaf Association.

Each year SGDA invites Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and young people living in South Gloucestershire to apply for some financial support to help with something they would like to do. It could be something like the Duke of Edinburgh Award or volunteering or adventure overseas during a gap year. In fact it might be anything that will give them an experience to help in later life.


Those who knew Martin well would agree that he was always a good encourager of children and young people and would always want them to try something new. When he was younger he was very involved with different organisations such as Breakthrough and FYD because he believed that it is important to help youngsters build up their confidence so they can deal with things later on in life.


SGDA would like applications now for the coming year. If you know of anyone who may benefit from this please contact SGDA for an application form. All requests will be treated in strict confidence.
 

Martin Beech Award 2006

This year there were 2 successful applicants for the Martin Beech Fund Award.
We were able to send Sophie Luton on Youth Deaf Camp to Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Sophie really enjoyed her stay in Ireland and her mother felt it was a great experience
to help her gain more confidence.
For Sophie's Story click here

Also, the Fund was able to help Mark Bush who is going on a round the world trip. The money
will help Mark pay for a scuba diving course he really wants to do. We feel this is a
great opportunity and wish Mark all the luck.
Mark will return to England on 24th December 2006 and he will be updating us with his trip
and providing us with photos.
Keep an eye on the website next year for a full update.

Martin Beech Award 2005

Following an application by Ian Glover on behalf of the Bristol Senior Deaf

            Youth Club.

            We at the S.G.D.A. are very pleased to announce that the Martin Beech         

            Venture Fund was able to pay for Mason Hurley to go to the WFD Youth camp

             in Sweden in July 2005. 

            Mason is the first person to take up the offer of financial assistance for anyone 

           between 11 & 25 who wants to try something different to broaden

            their experience.

             Good luck for the future Mason.  

The Association is pleased to be able to assist with Martin's wish to help young people in the future.

In April 2005, our Vice Chair, Bill Shepherd planted a tree in our garden at Frome House in memory of Martin Beech. The Tree is on the right as you stand at the front door. The tree has a plaque which reads:

As this tree grows so will the memory of the part you played in the growth of South Gloucestershire Deaf Association.

Martin Beech 2004.