Dr Bernard Eastwell was a Sussex businessman and physicist who built a very successful company, selling scientific instruments. He learned to play the piano at an early age. Despite a continuing interest in many kinds of music, the demands of family life and a developing business prohibited him from developing his own musical talent. He resumed his piano-playing in retirement but was concerned over the lack of public funding for young musicians who show talent. He set up the Westdene Trust in 1994 to offer financial assistance to talented young people, aged 16-20.

In 2011, as the result of the increasing age of the Westdene trustees, it was agreed that the assets should be transferred to Sussex Community Foundation and we established the Westdene Fund which has similar aims and criteria as Dr Eastwell’s original Trust.

Click here for more about our Westdene Fund.