Founded in 2007 by Michael Amherst,
there is a unique story behind this
pioneering organisation...

Michael Amherst set up Avonbrook Projects Abroad with the proceeds of his share of the site sale of The Abbey School, Tewkesbury which was founded and owned by his father, Miles Amherst. Founded in 1973, at its peak the school provided education for over 120 children, including a great number whose places were part-funded by bursaries from Miles Amherst. Sadly, a downturn in pupil numbers led to the school’s closure in 2006. The site was sold, and Michael used his share of the proceeds to found Avonbrook Projects Abroad.

Michael was inspired by Rosemary and Peter Diamond, his former English teacher and her husband, who on retirement in the UK switched to working in schools in the developing world. On deciding how best to use the proceeds of The Abbey School site sale, he felt that using the funds to support the Diamond family’s work would be not only be a wonderful way of assisting them further, but also of continuing his father’s legacy and helping those most in need. 

As for the choir, to the great relief of the Amherst family Dean Close School stepped in to provide it with a new home. The choir continues to thrive under its new name of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum and sings in the Abbey on weekdays.

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