Western Morning News (Saturday)
Blind army veteran has a new string to his bow
ABLIND Army veteran from Somerset has developed a rather unusual passion during the coronavirus lockdown.
Giving up on mastering the art of playing the ukulele, Haydn Callow decided to instead focus his time on making the instruments from scratch, with a total of 14 completed so far.
The 74-year-old father and grandfather, who lives in Somerton, made his first ukulele using a kit he bought off eBay. As his skills improved, Haydn started to order a range of exotic woods from a luthier in Derbyshire.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing a musical instrument but no matter how hard I try I can never get the hang of it. I guess I’m just not musical in that way,” he said.
“It doesn’t take long to put one together and it’s fantastic fun. At first they weren’t great but my skill level is improving with each one. My ukulele teacher decided to buy one so they can’t be too bad!”
The ukuleles are made using American Walnut, Ovangkol, Sycamore and Cedar. Their neck is made using Mahogany because of its strength and fretboards using Ebony or Pink Ivory.
Haydn entered the Army as an apprentice aged 16 and went on to spend 22 years in the Royal Army Dental Corps, including tours of Bahrain, Northern Ireland, Brunei and Germany.
It was later in life, at the age of 52, that he was diagnosed with the genetic condition Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which caused a steady decline in his sight until he was officially registered blind.
He explained: “The RP has meant that I’ve now got severe tunnel vision in both eyes. Obviously it gives an added challenge in producing the instruments but you get used to it.” Haydn is supported by the charity Blind Veterans UK, which helps visionimpaired ex-service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since the coronavirus outbreak, it has adapted its National Support Service to assist its 5,000 beneficiaries, 90% of whom are over the age of 70 and at an increased risk from the virus.
He added: “It’s great to know that the support is there from Blind Veterans UK. They’re in touch throughout the year. I know they’re only a phone call away if my sight deteriorates.”