Curvy Sounds, a guitar repair shop in Heaton, has organised a charity raffle to raise money for the purchase of the Rothbury Estate by Northumberland Wildlife Trust which raised more than £7,000 towards the charity’s campaign.
Owners of the independent musical instrument retailer Curvy Sounds, Jess and Andrew Mills, have been heartily praised by the charity for leading the fundraising effort. They also thanked everyone who bought tickets, donated prizes, and helped spread the word. Northumberland Wildlife Trust said that the enthusiasm and generosity of the community in Heaton played a really important role in making the campaign a success.
Curvy Sounds launched a raffle featuring a bespoke Tokai Les Paul electric guitar worth around £1,000 earlier in 2026. Andrew Mills customised the instrument, using iridescent pearl ovals radiating from the centre of the guitar to create a unique design.
Jess and Andrew are connected to The Rothbury Estate, and it was this that inspired them to organise the raffle. They have had family camping adventures and bilberry-picking trips at Druridge Bay; kayaked along the River Coquet during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have many cherished memories of the estate and the wider Northumberland countryside, which inspired them to hold the fundraising scheme.
Businesses and residents across Heaton were enthused to join the campaign, with their commitment helping to secure the future of The Rothbury Estate.
Local businesses gave additional prizes, while there was also a fundraising event at The Old Coal Yard featuring performances from Maximo Park, local singer-songwriter Nev Clay, and musician Scott Hepple.
Meanwhile, Nev also donated his own Godin electric guitar, worth more than £1,000, so that even more funds can be raised through a future raffle.
Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Mike Pratt, commented:
“What a life-affirming event this was, and what an outstanding community effort.
“It was truly inspiring to see how much people in urban Newcastle love Simonside and support our vision for restoring nature on an unprecedented scale. It underlines our belief that the benefits we are aiming to bring will mean a great deal to people everywhere.
“Many of the community members, artists and musicians involved already know Simonside well and have written poetry and music inspired by it. In every way, it was an inspiring occasion and a fantastic fundraising effort that will help make a difference as we work towards our goal.”
Northumberland wildlife Trust also wish to thank the following businesses in and around Heaton, who donated additional prizes for the raffle:
- The Last Resort
- The Tipsy Toad
- The Dog Grocers
- Body Image Fitness
- The Artichoke Gift Shop
- The Butterfly Cabinet
- Smoke and Sear
- The Handsome Sandwich
- The Barn Door
- 10ten, Querido
- The Old Coal Yard
- Davidson Optometrists.
The funds raised will deliver large-scale nature recovery for wildlife and people across the region, and support Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s campaign to secure The Rothbury Estate.
Anybody wishing to donate to The Rothbury Appeal can do so here.
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