Performing Art Foundation
Welcome to Sue Hooper
Charitable Foundation
The idea of a Performing Arts Foundation came from the founder Sue Hooper in the late 1990s. Sue has been associated with the Performing Arts from childhood, she entered into competitive Music, Speech and Drama Festivals – was an active member of local Amateur Dramatic Societies, and taught Speech and Drama privately – she was also Co-Founder of the Saltash Music Speech and Drama Festival.
Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation Celebrating 25th Anniversary Concert
Celebrating 25 Years of Supporting Young Talent
Past Event
25th Anniversary Concert – in the proud and honoured presence of the Mayor of Saltash and her Consort – Councillor Rachel Bullock and Matt.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the exceptional Carlton Big Band, under the spirited direction of Elaine Davies, and the immensely talented Florence Hope, whose joint captivating performance brought the music of Glenn Miller and the Big Band era of the 1940s to life. Their concert at Saltash Wesley Church on Saturday, April 18th, played to a packed, sold-out audience, was a true celebration of timeless music and community spirit.
Deep gratitude is owed not only to the performers but also to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s tremendous success. Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, the Saltash box offices at Piglets and Saltash News, and Sylvia Thomas for their invaluable support. The event was further amplified by the enthusiastic promotion from the press, media, Facebook, and social media channels, whose efforts ensured the concert reached a wide and appreciative audience.
Sincere appreciation is also extended to the management and staff of Saltash Wesley Church for graciously providing the venue and for their unwavering assistance throughout the event. Their commitment helped create a welcoming and supportive environment for all involved.
This 25th anniversary concert for the Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation was a remarkable achievement, made possible by the collective efforts of so many. Finally, a special note of thanks to Kissme Delos Santos, whose creative dedication captured the event in audio, images, and video, preserving memories of this extraordinary charity concert for years to come.
Thank you, one and all, for making this milestone celebration such a resounding success.
Latest News
The Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation has officially announced its latest round of grant recipients, distributing a total of £1,500 to support young local talent in the performing arts.
The funding aims to help young people develop their skills, attend prestigious training programmes, and showcase their talents publicly.
Nurturing Next-Generation Talent
This year’s individual grant winners include:
Paryssa Bayatpour: Received funding to attend the National Youth Theatre in Bristol. The programme offers opportunities to perform in major regional venues and showcase her performing arts skills.
Rupert Castleden: Awarded a grant to attend specialised singing workshops and training courses with the National Youth Choir.
Florence Castleden: Also secured funding to join the National Youth Choir workshops to develop her vocal abilities.
Supporting Community Groups
The foundation also extended its financial support to two prominent youth organisations:
Livewire Youth Project: The funds will finance a live music stage at the upcoming Saltash Town Regatta, providing a platform for young musicians and singers.
Drama Express: An award was presented to this inclusive group, which inspires young people with special educational needs through performance. Drama Express recently hosted a royal visit from Prince Edward.
Commitment to the Arts
The trust is delighted to award funding to all these young people to encourage them in their chosen disciplines within the performing arts. All of them have a wonderful interest and have worked hard to achieve recognition in music, drama and musical theatre. Their enjoyment and skills will give them an outstanding start in their ongoing performing and artistic life journey.
About the Foundation
The Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation is dedicated to promoting, funding, and supporting music, drama, and the performing arts for young people across the local community.
Supporting Local Performing Arts
Sue Hooper
Charitable Foundation Beneficiaries
Young beneficiaries have gone on to appear in the Royal Albert Hall, National Youth Orchestra, National Ballet, National Theatre School, Covent Garden, Wayne Sleep School Of Ballet, West End Musical – and top Musical Colleges, Universities and Conservatoires – in addition have won top marks in local and County Music Festivals. (stet)