A CHARITY - set up in memory of Bury comedy icon Victoria Wood - financially helped more than 30 art charities across the North and London last year.

The Victoria Wood Foundation was set up friends of the Bury-born writer, comedian, performer and director following her death in April 2016.

In early September, a ‘Happy’ festival once again took place in honour of Victoria Wood and her work at Burrs Country Park.

There was a range of entertainment provided by Bury Art Museum, including special talks, exhibitions, comedy workshops, and live performances hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Royal.

Jacksons Lane theatre - just a stone’s throw away from where Victoria used to live - has now been able to upgrade their lift, to enable access to everyone on all levels, as a result of the charity’s support.

Manchester’s Halle Children’s Choir also benefitted from a grant, which meant they were able to keep their freelance staff on during Lockdown. They are now rehearsing in The Victoria Wood Hall at Hallé St Peter’s for their next show.

Another organisation that has been supported through a grant, includes sight and hearing loss charity, Wilberforce Trust. Their grant will go towards a mental health project specifically designed to support Club Wilber families’ adjust following the impact of Covid-19.

The foundation was launched to support art projects and areas of interest to the trustees, and areas Victoria would have been interested in. The trustees are her friends Lucy Ansbro, Roger Glossop, Nigel Lilley, Charlotte Scott, Piers Wenger, Davina Walter and Jane Wymark.

Victoria won awards for her stand up, her drama and her light entertainment programmes. As a stand-up she toured for more than 20 years, and held the record at the Royal Albert Hall for 15 consecutive sold out shows.

The charity meets twice a year, in July and in December, and they consider applicants two weeks before either meeting.

Applications should be made in writing via the contact form on the site at victoriawoodfoundation.org.uk or may be sent to Catherine Edis, The Victoria Wood Foundation, Kemp House 152-160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX.