Dr George Gray, Master of the Music at Leicester Cathedral from 1930–1969, died in 1981 aged 83. His many friends in diverse fields, including the Cathedral, Diocese, the University, various choirs and musical associations, Rotary and at Grace Road (cricket), wished to join with former pupils and choristers to establish a memorial to him.

The Dr George Gray Memorial Trust was therefore founded by the Old Choristers' Association in 1982 to help to maintain the high choral standard and tradition of the Cathedral Choir. It was registered as a charity on 1 March 1983 under registration number 513625.

The trust currently provides scholarships to eight choristers per annum and the names associated with these are:

• Dr George Gray 1
• Dr George Gray 2
• Leicester Cathedral Old Choristers' Association
• Friends of Cathedral Music
• Bishop Ronald and Mrs Cicely Williams
• Stephen and Mary (née Gray) Harland
• Helen Jean Cope Trust
• Lionel Hamer (former songman)

The Director of Music invites choristers to apply for a scholarship, up to a maximum amount set by the trustees, to fund a particular thing they would like to undertake to support their musical education. Examples would be:

• Singing or instrumental lessons
• The purchase of a new musical instrument
• Attending a summer school such as the Eton Choral Course
• Help with transport costs to and from the Cathedral

All contributions, no matter how small are welcome. Large donations or bequests can have a scholarship named after the benefactor as is the case for six of the present scholarships.

You can get in touch with the Trust by emailing cathedral.music@leicestercofe.org if you would like further information.