Birthday joy for former harpist at Woodpeckers care home

Georgina Chesters, a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, said she was "absolutely astounded" when a professional harpist arrived at Woodpeckers care home to give her a birthday treat.

Romsey-based Liane Hopkins performed herself and also brought along two traditional lever harps so Georgina could play too.

Residents and staff were joined by Georgina’s daughter Emma and granddaughter Eleanor as Liane invited the 89-year-old birthday girl to choose one of the instruments.

Woodpeckers resident Georgina Chesters with visiting professional harpist Liane Hopkins (Image: Deep South Media)

With a huge smile on her face she settled into position, held one of the harps, and let her fingers pluck the strings for the first time since she was a teenager.

It was the first time Emma had seen her mother play the harp, even though she knew it was a big part of her youth.

Georgina said: "It was amazing, I loved every minute of it."

Sian Harris, companionship team member at the Brockenhurst care home, added: "Georgina has often spoken of her time as a harpist, playing as part of the NYO.

Georgina Chesters, with fellow residents and staff, enjoys the performance by Liane Hopkins (Image: Deep South Media)

“She has shared many stories including how she once left her harp on a railway platform, and how she was too scared to tell her father, but luckily it was returned in one piece.

“Over time, she unfortunately stopped playing and has told us she ended up selling her harp to pay for a car.

“She has always said she could never do it again as it’s so hard on your hands, but in January she said her wish was to play again. That was it, I hit the ground running to make her wish come true."

Sian said she scoured social media for a harpist who could visit the home.

She added: "I thought it would be like finding a needle in a haystack so I was surprised when more than 30 people from as far afield as Somerset offered their services.

Georgina Chesters, 89, plays the harp again for the first time in more than 60 years (Image: Deep South Media)

“Georgina was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed when Liane invited her to play too.

"After half a century of not touching one, it was a very moving moment when she started playing. It sounded lovely."

Liane added: "Playing gives me so much joy and I love being able to pass on that joy of hearing and playing to others. Seeing Georgina’s face light up with surprise was amazing."