Ruth is a financial adviser with a difference. She has a head for figures but a passion for notes.
She is obsessed with music, and sharing it – particularly with those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to classical music, the opportunity to learn an instrument, or sing together.
As part of her business ethic, Ruth puts her money where her values are. She is determined to create opportunities for everyone in our community to access learning and culture.
And so… RWA sponsors local education, music and arts initiatives through its Ethics in Action initiative, raises considerable sums for St Matthias Church and is officially a friend of St Matthias School.
2023
- Money raised for St Matthias Church either by donations or venue hire £22,885
- Money raised for St Matthias School either by donations or direct sponsorship £4,100
- Money raised for victims of the Turkish earthquake £1,000
2022
- Money raised for St Matthias Church either by donations or venue hire £76,824
- Money raised for St Matthias School either by donations or direct sponsorship £13,400
- Money raised for Ukraine £3,000
In the winter of 2023, we opened our downstairs hall as a Warm Space for the local community on a Monday, and started serving hot soup and smiles to anyone who wanted to join us. Over time, this has developed into the Wordsworth Community Café, based on customers paying what they can, if they can. Absolutely delicious food is served by Linda Galloway of Daffodil Soup.
As part of our business ethic RWA sponsors local arts events. We are passionate about the importance of culture and community.
I wish to join what must be a very long queue of people wanting to thank you for your Christmas concert. I sat in amazement at the way you were able to combine King’s College Cambridge, The Royal Albert Hall and Stoke Newington Music Hall (if there is one) in one programme.
The Rev Canon Owen Beaumont
Thank you so very much for the fundraising events for Hackney Migrant Centre and Akwaaba. We’re delighted to be receiving £4,000. This will go a very long way in supporting the work we do with vulnerable migrants.
Ruth founded and conducts Stoke Newington community choir Chorus of Dissent, and professional orchestra the Elastic Band. She also founded youth choir Young Dissenters. Their concerts have been a sellout since inception. Profits are always donated to charitable causes (including Hackney Migrant Centre, its social offshoot Akwaaba, the Ukrainian Institute, victims of the Turkish earthquake). Concert ticket prices are always subsidised.
We also manage St Matthias Halls offering two delightful but very different spaces to hire for your events. There’s the magnificent St Matthias Church with its renowned acoustic – Stokey’s only Grade I-listed building – for concerts, gigs, filming, recordings, rehearsals. And St Matthias Hall for rehearsals, dance, theatre, music lessons, classes, workshops and supervised activities for all ages.
RWA in the media on culture
Stokebourne midsummer festival on July 5-6 2019 is Ruth’s brainchild to raise desperately-needed funds for the urgent rewiring of St Matthias Church, starring John Hegley, Chorus of Dissent, Shkembe Soup and the Gaga Ladies’ cabaret
Hackney Gazette
Ruth hits fundraising target to donate grand piano to St Matthias Church
Hackney Gazette
Ruth is appointed Principal conductor and artistic director of Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra, and welcomes The National Youth Choir of Antigua and Barbuda to give a joint concert with Chorus of Dissent
Hackney Gazette
Chorus of Dissent in the Irish Times’ May Bank Holiday top picks list
Irish Times
Chorus of Dissent brings Gilbert & Sullivan opera to Stokey
Hackney Gazette
Ruth’s Chorus of Dissent fundraising gala concert for Antigua Barbuda:
Hackney Gazette
World Première of Clara Sanabras’ A Hum About Mine Ears:
clarasanabras.co.uk
Health and freedom:
FT Adviser
Raising the roof with performance poet John Hegley: