Wigan musician lifting spirits with brass performances for older residents

She started playing at Roadside Court in Lowton, a number of bungalows for older people where her mum lives, and has now been asked to provide music for other similar facilities and care homes as well.

Her repertoire of nostalgic tunes, brass classics and requests is going down extremely well and Julie said it has been a boost for her as well as the residents.

Julie, who plays for Haydock Brass Band, said: “The residents can’t go out and it’s lovely to hear them clapping. At one venue they sat at the front and had afternoon tea while I was playing.

“At another home they have a balcony and I stood on it playing Moon River and one of the residents was conducting.

“I love it. I’m not a soloist in the band so this is the first time I’ve done something like this, playing on my own. It’s given me confidence.

“I’m used to being really busy, working full-time, caring for my mum and going to brass band practice. Now we can’t meet up to practice and I’ve been furloughed from work, and if you’re not used to it doing nothing can get you down.

“When I go home after playing somewhere I feel better. I’m really enjoying it.”

Julie has been providing suitable music for special occasions, with the care homes being treated to patriotic songs and wartime favourites around VE Day.

One of her venues also requested a medley of Irish tunes for one of her visits.

Her calendar now includes regular visits to Appleby Court in Pemberton because her friend Kerry Moore is the activities co-ordinator there.

The music every Thursday afternoon is now definitely a much-anticipated feature of the home’s weekly calendar, with singalongs regularly included and residents encouraged to join in with percussion instruments such as maracas.

Kerry said: “It’s amazing, we love it.

“We open all the doors to let the residents hear and we all get together while still social distancing.

“We all sing along and clap, it’s lovely. It cheers us all up.

“For Julie to do all this in her own time for free is brilliant.

“It’s definitely a highlight of the week now.”

Other venues Julie has visited include Sam Woods House in Bryn and Haighfield Nursing Home in Standish.

She said she even played in the garden of a couple of people who were self-isolating.

Julie, who is from Golborne, has played in brass bands for much of her life.

She first ventured out with her instrument during lockdown to stand outside her home and play on Thursdays during Clap for Carers.