Shropshire Music Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Jane Povey as its new Chair, succeeding the late David Waterhouse, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 86.
The Trust has been bringing the best professional classical, jazz and world musicians to Shropshire since 1983, thanks to the vision of founder Kate Hogwood. With a strong commitment to outreach work, it also delivers workshops and masterclasses in schools and is this year supporting instrument learning in two schools in Shropshire.
Jane brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in healthcare and a track record in integrating the arts into community well-being. A keen musician herself, and first flute at the Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra, Jane has a passion for making creative arts more accessible to her local community in Shropshire. The new role with Shropshire Music Trust complements her recent decision to complete a personal study programme in musical performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
A GP by background, Dr Povey has held senior clinical leadership roles across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, being known for her collaborative approaches to health and social care. She was a pivotal figure in advancing social prescribing in Shropshire, which connects patients to non-medical support within the community, including through arts-based activities. Jane also chairs the National Centre for Creative Health’s Champions Network of Health and Care Leaders across the country who advocate for and enable the embedding of Creative Health approaches in health , care settings and communities. In 2014, Dr Povey was recognised as one of the Health Service Journal's Inspirational Women for her contributions to clinical engagement and leadership.
Jane expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: "I am honored to follow in David Waterhouse's footsteps and lead Shropshire Music Trust into its next chapter. Music and the arts play a vital role in enhancing community well-being, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation David established.
“I am particularly keen on being involved in further growing the range of music on offer to increasingly diverse audiences in a variety of settings in our communities in Shropshire. We are so lucky to bring a range of such brilliant professional musicians to Shropshire for our enjoyment and inspiration.”
Roger Terry, Treasurer of Shropshire Music Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jane to the team. Her collaborative approach and passion for the Arts and live music making is ideally suited to the Shropshire Music Trust and we are looking forward to harnessing her enthusiasm and her many bright ideas for enriching cultural life in Shropshire.
"As with all volunteer-led organisations, success depends upon the chemistry of the people involved and we are delighted to report that the Shropshire Music Trust is in a very strong position currently and is looking forward to expanding our activities through 2025."
David Waterhouse, who passed away in October 2023, was a towering figure in Shropshire's cultural scene. After a distinguished career with the British Council, serving in countries such as Nepal, Nigeria, Zambia, Thailand, and Germany, he retired to Shrewsbury in 2000. There, he became Chair of the Friends of Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery and was an active and inspiring Chair of Shropshire Music Trust. His leadership and passion for the arts significantly enriched the local cultural landscape.
Dr. Povey's appointment marks a new era for Shropshire Music Trust, with a continued commitment to delivering exceptional musical experiences and fostering a vibrant cultural community in Shropshire