Barbara Mary Masters

Passed away on 05 July 2022, aged 85 years.

Please help support the Toby Davies memorial Fund in memory of Barbara. All donations are gratefully received. Please make cheque donations payable to Berkshire Maestros. Toby Davies (10th June, 1997 - 18th November, 2013) 
Toby was a founding member of Acer Minor, the county bassoon ensemble at Berkshire Maestros. He was heavily involved musically at Newbury Music Centre, Reading Music Centre and Reading School. In September 2013 Toby took up a place at The Purcell School for sixth form in order to fulfil his dream career as a professional musician. Unfortunately, he passed away from a sudden illness 63 days after arriving at the school. He was a fine bassoonist and a prolific composer. 

Toby Davies' Memorial Fund This fund was started with generous donations from people who attended Toby's funeral. It is maintained and enhanced by annual fundraising concerts organised by Acer Minor. Berkshire Maestros has a large stock of bassoons for pupils to begin learning on. However, maintenance of the instruments requires money far beyond the means of a charity; particularly in the current economic climate. This fund has transformed what we are able to do with our bassoons. Using The Toby Fund, we have serviced 30+ instruments, bought new crooks, cases, harnesses and cleaners. We have also purchased a third contrabassoon. Toby's personal bassoon is also used by students of exceptional ability who are in need of a better instrument to take them to the next level in their playing. One of these recipients was Phoebe Masters.