Blind Musicians
Performance by Blind Musician's Concert Party in Crook
Blind Musicians
The Blind Musicians Concert Party, who are to appear at Crook on 27 November, have been brought together by Lady Pearson, that they may have the pleasure of doing useful work that delights them, that they may enjoy going to new places, and meeting new people and that by their efforts they may help the blinded soldiers and sailors under the care of Sir Arthur Pearson at St. Dunstan’s. It is at St. Dunstan’s that the soldiers that have lost their sight in the war go when they leave hospital. They go there in the first place to learn how to overcome their handicap, to start as it were a new life in a world without light, to gain confidence in finding their way about, to regain a sense of spirit of cheerfulness and self-reliance. In the second place they learn to read and write Braille, and also to use the typewriter, and in the third place they are taught an occupation or trade, to give them a renewed interest in life, and to enable them to earn an income in addition to the Pension which they receive from the Government. The Blind Musicians have already collected a very large sum of money for the benefit of these blinded heroes of the war. Those who attend the concerts are not only encouraging them in their effort, so brave and so useful, but are giving help to the men who have lost their sight on the battlefield. Lady Pearson’s band of musicians are interpreters whose skill has everywhere met with the highest appreciation. Like the sweetest songs of our woodlands, they sing out of the darkness to lighten the hearts of those who listen.
Date: 15-Nov-1917
Author: Auckland Chronicle
Reference: D/WP 4/40 Microfilm M 61/41
Where to find this: Durham County Records Office
Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham
