From left: Chris Stirk (Orpheus student), Bernadine Singleton (Bristow Helicopters), Emma Standen (student), James Howell-Richardson and Sheena Wilde (Bristow Helicopters) and Emma Calvert (seated – Orpheus art tutor).

The Orpheus Centre charity in Godstone was delighted to receive a generous donation of £52,000 from Bristow Helicopters last week.

Orpheus is an independent specialist college that increases the confidence and skills of young disabled adults through the performing arts. Creative art is popular with its students, who work on projects ranging from self-portraits to cartoon strips to creating backdrops for shows. Art provides a unique opportunity for creative expressions and self-esteem.

The current art facilities at Orpheus are two cramped rooms, which only three wheelchair users can use at a time. With student numbers now at 45, the need for a purpose built teaching space is urgent.

On hearing of this need, Bristow Helicopters, who have supported Orpheus in the past, made their generous donation which will go towards transforming the art rooms into one new creative studio gallery that is fully accessible for all Orpheus students.

James Howell-Richardson from Bristow Helicopters said: “We are delighted to support the Orpheus Centre on this wonderful project and help these young students make such a difference in society."

Graham Whitehead, CEO at Orpheus said: “We are thrilled that Bristow have been able to help us on this project. Visual art is a powerful vehicle for personal development and is very popular with our students. This donation will go a long way towards the £85,000 we desperately need to give Orpheus students a purpose built room to create and display their work.”

If anyone is able to help Orpheus reach their £85,000 target, please contact Jo Bega on 01883 741416 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..