The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Music means ‘better life’ forAlwyn
A PERTH musician has released a fifth album to help raise funds for fellow stroke victims.
Alwyn James, who debilitating stroke 19 years ago, is also planning a concert to raise further cash. He has already raised more than £9,000.
Despite mobility problems, the 74-year-old still plays an active part in the band he formed more than two years before his stroke, Roll Wyn James.
Mr James, who is a former classics teacher at Glenalmond College, played keyboard but has increasingly been playing harmonica with the group, and even wrote one of the tracks on the new album, named Unfinished Business.
He said: “It feels
suffered
a
really, really good that I am still making music despite the stroke.
“I have problems with my right hand but I can still use my left to play harmonica. I play the harmonica more than the keyboard now.
“The music means I have a better life. I can express myself better with the harmonica than I can with words.”
He said he hoped the upcoming concert, which will take place in Perth Concert Hall on May 5, will be as successful as the last.
“The one in October sold out,” he said.
“It was one of the smaller venues, seating 110, or whatever, but this year we are in a bigger venue of 250 people.
“They are taking out some of the seats for wheelchair access.
“We will play for two hours and hope to sell out again.”
“It feels really, really good that
I am still making music despite the stroke.”
Mr James hopes to use the concert to make people more aware of a side-effect of stroke: aphasia. The condition means he has difficulty in speaking and relies on key words and writing to communicate.
His daughter Rhiannon said strangers could have difficulty understanding him as a result.
“They may think dad’s drunk or they may shout at him because they think he’s thick,” she said.
“People don’t realise how debilitating aphasia can be.
“He wants to make people aware that life goes on even if you have aphasia.”
COLLACE AND KINROSSIE. Glamis Castle tour guide Pauline Cawdery gave a talk. Competitions: cross-stitch picture — 1 Christine Strathie, 2 Mary Martin; tablet — 1 Jean Gisbey, 2 Christine Strathie.
DUNNING. Julia Marsh gave a talk about health and nutrition. Rosemary Cameron proposed thanks. Competitions: fruit salad — 1 Alice Nairn, 2 Myrtle Potter; flower of the month — 1 Pat Stewart.
FORTEVIOT. A members’ evening featured demonstrations in quilling and decorative napkins from Karen Ritchie and Sarah Henderson.
Competitions: papercraft creation — 1= Margo Clark and Margaret Robinson; traybake — 1 Agnes Neill, 2 Margo Clark, 3 Karen Ritchie.
FOWLIS WESTER. Members attended the Burns supper.
The haggis was addressed by Audrey McColl. President Wilma Brown proposed thanks.
RHYND. President Irene Watson introduced Corinne Kennedy, who gave a talk on Canine Partners. Competitions: animal photo — 1 Mrs A Castle, 2 Mrs F Todd; animal-shaped biscuit — 1 Mrs I Watson, 2 Mrs M Ballantine; flower of the month — 1 Mrs I Watson.