Our History
Twenty years of practical help, music, and friendship — from Essex to Berkovitsa.
The 20-year retrospective
Twenty years, in pictures and music.
Before the timeline below, take five minutes with The Marble Project — Wrapped: a Spotify-Wrapped-style walk through two decades of trips, gigs, and friendships, set to music.
The timeline below is built from the charity’s own records, archived web pages, and contemporary event reviews. It mixes our two main strands of work: the annual project visits to Bulgaria, and the UK fundraising activities — gigs, sponsored events, and the Christmas Box Appeal — that pay for them.
Coverage is rich up to 2018 — for years where archived content exists. We are currently rebuilding the record of 2019 onwards from photographs, Facebook posts, and members’ memories. If you have records from those years, please get in touch.
The Marble Project Timeline
2005 — Founding
The Marble Project was founded by a group of like-minded friends in Essex who shared a desire to provide practical assistance to vulnerable people in Bulgaria.
2006 — First Visit
The charity’s first annual visit to Berkovitsa, Bulgaria, establishing connections with local institutions and officials.
2007 — Early Projects Begin
- Varnished benches at the Berkovitsa Orphanage courtyard
- Brought a TV and decorated dormitories at the Old People’s Home
2008 — Growing Impact
- Funded winter food for the orphanage children
- Decorated the TV room and corridors at the orphanage
- Bought a karaoke machine for the children
- Provided baby walkers for the Montana Baby Orphanage
2009 — Expanding Reach
- Ran educational handicraft lessons across institutions
- Brought a specialist wheelchair, clothes, and nappies for the Baby Orphanage
- Bought a commercial oven and 50 fruit trees for the Old People’s Home
- Built a covered social area in the garden for elderly residents
- Shoebury School partnership begins — Paul Evans, Head of PE, brings UK teenagers to run sports projects in Berkovitsa
2010 — Building & Refurbishment
- Refurbished bath and toilet accommodation at the Old People’s Home
- Supplied TV and sound systems
- Supplied comprehensive playground equipment at the Home for Young People
- Funded a transition programme for older children leaving the orphanage
2011 — Major Infrastructure
- Refurbished toilets and washrooms at both the Orphanage and Home for Young People
- Supplied a fridge to the Montana Baby Orphanage
- Constructed a recreational area and funded an educational video at the Crisis Centre
2012 — Continued Development
- Constructed the Visitors Centre at the Old People’s Home, allowing family visits
- Planted a herb and flower garden for residents
- Provided further toilet and washing accommodation at the orphanage
- Repaired and refurbished the laundry room at the Home for Young People
- Provided an outdoor shelter at the Crisis Centre
- “Imagine the Beatles” tribute concert held in Maldon
2013 — Music & Milestones
- 23 March: The Floyd Effect perform their first benefit gig for the charity
- Decorated dormitories at the Old People’s Home
- A girl named Greta from Berkovitsa — supported by Marble Project funding for brain tumour treatment — enters remission
2014 — Madness & Marathon Swims
- 10 May: Madness Tribute Band concert at Plume School, Maldon
- Marbles Swim the Channel — team swimming challenge in South Woodham Ferrers
2017 — Madness Returns
- 25 March: Madness Tribute Band returns to Plume School, Maldon
2018 — Record-Breaking Year
- 6 October: The Floyd Effect return for their third appearance — tickets sell out in advance for the first time, raising almost £4,800
- Christmas Box Appeal record year — 270 boxes from Lambrook School alone, plus extra clothing and toys