Brass band treat for 86-year-old Beryl who gets a personal concert

Beryl received a personal concert from Uppermill Brass Band

A carer with a heart of gold conjured up  a musical Christmas treat to bring joy to a blind lady.

Beryl Wilcock, 86, has been shielding at her home in Grotton since March but listening to a brass band at Christmas is a family tradition she enjoyed for many years.

And observing all the vital social distancing protocol, her warm-hearted carer Lauren Scholes, with the help of neighbours, organised a special guest appearance by members of Uppermill Band who played a selection of carols outside Beryl’s home.

Louise, who lives just a few doors away from Beryl, said: "I’ve been caring for Beryl for six  onths now and we have an amazing friendship and share a love for horses that we talk about endlessly on my visits as Beryl was a keen Horse trainer in her day.

"She has a daughter who lives in Bristol who she speaks to every day on the phone. Beryl lives with her son and his wife in an adjoining granny flat.

"Beryl always enjoyed the band when her daughter would come to visit her from Bristol and would stay over at Christmas  time. But unfortunately due to covid this was something that wasn’t going to be happening for her this year. Beryl has been living in complete isolation since March being classed as extremely vulnerable.

"She really did enjoy the band and said it was the highlight of her year, “ Louise added.

"Beryl had a fabulous evening listening to her favourite carols played by Uppermill Brass Band.
 
"A number of people off the street also came to make donations and support the band, and also wish each other a merry christmas socially distanced of course.

"A lovely evening had by all and especially by Beryl and I who sat together on the doorstep and listened to her favourite of all carols - Joy to the World that the band kindly played twice just for Beryl!."

Beryl added: “It was evening I will never forget and has been the highlight of my year! Thanks to my wonderful carer Lauren, family and of course the fabulous Uppermill Brass Band.”

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