An Oxfordshire orchestra has received a sizeable donation from a local housing developer. 

Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local culture and the arts by donating £1,000 to Didcot Concert Orchestra which is close to the newly launched Valley Park development.

Didcot Concert Orchestra, founded by Geoff and Jackie Bushell, has played an essential part in bringing the community together through a variety of classical music performances for the last six years. 

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Didcot Concert Orchestra (Image: Adrian Cleverley) Taylor Wimpey’s donation will allow them to continue offering high-quality concerts to music lovers in the area as well supporting the running costs of the orchestra's concerts, including the cost of hiring music due to copyright and other operational expenses.

Roz Wells, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for Didcot Concert Orchestra.

"At Taylor Wimpey, we believe in the importance of fostering local arts and culture, and we are thrilled to help sustain the orchestra's wonderful concerts. Supporting initiatives such as this aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing the areas in which we build.”

Geoff and Jackie Bushell said: “One of the reasons we set up the orchestra in 2018 was to bring popular classical music to the people of Didcot and surrounding area, played to a high standard by hand-picked players, and at an affordable price.

"Financing such a venture was never going to be easy, but has been made much easier with Taylor Wimpey's enthusiastic sponsorship and attendance at our concerts.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby