Neil Stocker Memorial Fund
Background
In the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011 three men (Paul Dunlop, Scott Lucy, and Neil Stocker) were killed while dismantling the pipe organ at Durham St Methodist Church. Margaret Stocker, Neil Stocker’s wife, subsequently instigated a fund that would provide special educational opportunities for apprenticed or recently qualified young organbuilders working full-time in the craft in New Zealand. These might involve exchanges with overseas organbuilders or special courses of instruction in any of the many skills they need. Given that this idea came from Margaret knowing how passionate Neil was about his work, and that Neil was widely known for his forty years of organ building since 1968, it was appropriate to name the fund after Neil. The purpose of the fund was later broadened to read: “To provide support for organ builders who are furthering their skills, encourage those who might become organ builders, and support visitors who have the skills to enhance organ building in New Zealand.”- Full details of The Neil Glyn Stocker Memorial Scholarship can be downloaded from here (PDF format)
- The application form for the Neil Stocker Memorial Scholarship can be downloaded
How to donate
NZOPT administers the fund. NZOPT is registered charity CC40007 and tax credit can be claimed for donations (by New Zealanders). Direct payment: to account 030866 0171409 01 (Westpac bank, Sydenham Branch, 443-445 Colombo Street, Christchurch; SWIFT Code for International Transactions: WPACNZ2W).- To obtain a receipt for donations made directly to this account, please ensure your name is included in the direct payment procedure then send your name and address separately to the Treasurer (for contact details click here).