Dunkirk memories eighty years on
MUSICAL brothers who offered their services for free to cheer up elderly residents in isolation say they have now entertained 16 care homes in lockdown.
Accrington’s Luke and Cailean Diamond have kindly been donating their time and musical skills to bring joy to pensioners during the pandemic, on the bagpipes and drums respectively.
The young brothers are former members of Accrington Pipe Band and at a recent performance they thrilled residents at Manor House Nursing Home at Chatburn with their renditions of ‘Scotland the Brave’ and other well-known songs.
Luke, 25, says they have played at homes and sheltered housing complexes throughout Hyndburn and further afield since their first performance just over five weeks ago.
Luke, who is also playing at several funerals a month, said interest began to rise after they received a request to perform on an Accrington street last month and a video of it went viral with thousands of views.
“We had people messaging us so we put something out saying any care homes in the Lancashire area that we are allowed to travel to, we will go and play free of charge.
“People are struggling in these times and we can brighten up people’s days for five or ten minutes,” he said.
Luke, who has also played with Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service Band, said the timing and location performance is planned as much as possible in advance to allow as many residents to see (and hear) them as possible, while maintaining strict isolation.
One care home in
Oswaldtwistle had the facility for residents to watch from a large conservatory-type area, while they have also carried out birthday requests.
Former All England drumming champion Cailean, 22, has drummed with the 101 Regiment
Pipe Band, in Northumbria, and has travelled all over to play, including Vancouver, Canada.
Luke said his younger brother got involved with Accrington Pipe Band before him, but assured him that he would not be following his footsteps as a drummer. He explained: “He said my fingers were too long, you’re going to bagpipe!”
Luke and Cailean are available to play at different functions and can be contacted via their facebook page Piper and Drummer Hire.