News & Events
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On Thursday 20 May 2010, SCM Philanthropy hosted the first ISIS
Ladies' Charity Di nner at Sotheby's in London. The AMBER Trust was
lucky enough to be chosen as one of the small charities to benefit
from this fund-raising dinner, supported by influencial and successful
women from both the UK and abroad.
SCM Philanthropy was established in October 2009 by individuals who
have been fortunate both in terms of birthrights and success in business.
They have especially chosen to support small charities and projects that
have proven their innovation, passion and understanding of grass root
causes. Their aim is to help these charities to help others. |
The AMBER Centre was initiated at Roehampton University late in 2009 to fulfil one of AMBER's key strategic objectives – to promote research in the area of music and children and young people with visual impairment (many of whom have additional disabilities including autism).
To date, the research has included exploring the Musicality of Children and Young People with Retinopathy of Prematurity – an eye disease that affects prematurely born babies, which in serious cases, often lead to blindness. One o f AMBER's children,
15-year-old Jamie, was born
extremely prematurely. As well
as having retinopathy of prematurity,
he is blind, has autism and cerebral
palsy. But despite his profound
disabilities, Jamie has an
exceptional talent for music.
He not only plays the piano but
also composes his own compositions.
He has an amazing voice and is a
member of three different choirs. |
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 AMBER's Musical Party at Mall Galleries
on May 11th was a resounding success.
Over 500 people were entertained by
Derek Paravicini and Jools Holland
playing jazz piano, along with jazz
singer Silvy Weatherall, the New London
Chamber Ensemble and The Pretty Little
Horsebreakers Can Can Troupe.
Together with donations, ticket sales,
prizes from the Tree of Treats, as well
as the Silent Auction, the amount raised
on the night far exceeded AMBER's
expectations. 
The Chairman and Trustees of The
AMBER Trust would
like to thank everyone
who so generously
participated in making
their Musical Party such
a memorable evening. |
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Holly, one of AMBER's children, has raised an amazing £500 for the charity through a concert her band, Generation Groove, put on at the Rowntree Theatre in York (www.jrtheatre.co.k/groups). Holly says:
My name is Holly and I am 14 years old. I have been playing the flute for nearly
5 years. I have passed my Grades 1,3 and 4 and am currently working up to my Grade 5.
I was born partially sighted and because of this I am a Braille reader. My interest is in music. As music is not produced in Braille it has to be scanned and converted into Braille. The computer program for this and the embosser are very expensive pieces of equipment and The AMBER Trust helped me to buy these, for which I am very grateful. My concert was dedicated to them for helping me and so that they may help other people like me in the future." |
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Lloyd Coleman, one of AMBER's most talented musicians, has composed
a fantastic piece of music, The AMBER Scherzo, which has been recorded
by the New London Chamber Ensemble. The quintet were so impressed
by 16-year-old Lloyd's musically mature compostion that they have decided
to include it in their repertoire. Written sympathetically for each instrument,
it is vivacious and tuneful – a great number to start any programme. In fact,
the music is considered so accomplished that a Canadian Wind Group is
hoping to commission Lloyd to write another piece.
Lloyd Coleman
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  Silvy Weatherall & Derek Paravicini Singer and artist, Silvy Weatherall, has teamed up with Derek Paravicini,
the talented blind and autistic jazz pianist who is supported by AMBER,
to record a new CD.![]()
So far, Making Tracks, a compilation of jazz favourites, has raised an
amazing £4,000 for The Trust.
Thank you, Silvy and Derek. |
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Read more...
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 Thanks to the many donations we
have received from our supporters
and friends, The AMBER Trust now
brings music into the lives of over
150 blind and partially sighted
children like four-year-old Scott.
Scott, who is registered blind, has
been going to toddler 'Music Train'
classes, where his confidence is
improving and he is starting to sing
and act out the songs. At one class
recently, he amazed and delighted
everyone when,asked what animal
Old MacDonald wanted on his farm,
he called out "Duck". No-one in the
class had ever heard Scott speak before.
"His language skills are improving a lot, too.
He now talks more at home. Scott loves music
and dancing and is always looking forward to
his music class."
Scott's mother
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Company No. 3117803
