Foundation set up in musician’s memory to donate �10,000 to Honiton Town Council project.

The auditorium of the proposed Beehive Community Centre is to be named the Joanna Leach Hall - after a foundation set up in memory the late musician agreed to donate �10,000 to the Honiton Town Council project.

News of the donation was announced at the latest Joanna Leach Memorial Concert, staged in the parish church at the weekend.

At the same time, it was revealed work on the community centre will start in the new year.

A pianist, Joanna lived in Shute prior to her death but Honiton has been the focus of events staged in her memory.

Accepting the donation offer, Councillor David Foster, the Mayor of Honiton, said: “The town council is delighted that the Joanna Leach Foundation has recognised the significance and importance of having modern, purpose-built facilities for the community of Honiton and has shown its commitment by the very generous donation of �10,000 which will be used towards the completion of the Beehive. We are all looking forward to seeing the building start in the new year and be ready for use towards the end of the year.

“The naming of the main hall as the Joanna Leach Hall is the start of our new phase of planning the soul of the complex, having spent so much time concentrating on the building development and we would like to encourage other organisations to contact us if they would also like to discuss sponsorship opportunities.”

In a statement, the Friends of the Beehive said: “We are very pleased to announce that the Joanna Leach Foundation has agreed to make a �10,000 donation to the Beehive.

“In recognition of this donation, the main hall in the community complex will be named the Joanna Leach Hall. We are very grateful to the trustees of the Joanna Leach Foundation, not only for this very generous donation but also for what we are sure will be the start of a very close relationship.”

The Joanna Leach Foundation was created to:

Foster Joanna Leach’s charitable aspirations and, through the sponsorship of artists and concerts, promote an awareness of her contribution to music and her passion for quality in all aspects of life.

Support the aims and work of charitable organisations engaged in the care of those with life- threatening or terminal illnesses.

Promote an awareness and understanding of how the performance of music can be a life-enhancing experience, facilitating social cohesion and inclusiveness within communities.

Encourage and fund professional musicians to work with amateur musicians, to engender quality and high standards.