I was born in Selsdon Road, in my grandmother’s rented home, then, after some concerted saving, my parents bought their own home in Alexandra Road, East Ham, just a few doors down from my aunt and her family; it was a very happy time.
Aged about eight, my cousin Tony decided that he wanted to learn to play the piano and I immediately discovered a similar yearning so a piano was bought about 15th hand from a neighbour, and Tony and I were sent off for weekly lessons to Mrs Tinham, a very patient lady.
We were entered into the Wanstead and Woodford Music Festival, playing a piece called ‘Stalagmites and Stalactites’ – not much of a tune… more drips really! – after which Tony decided he preferred to learn to play guitar, so I continued learning without him for a few years.
And oh, how grateful am I for my parents and the piano teachers who knew very well that I hadn’t practised since last week yet encouraged and supported me because, over the years, it’s brought so much joy!
I’ve played the piano for schoolchildren to sing; I’ve played in church when there’s no organist; I’ve played for family parties and, occasionally, I have performed music hall songs for charity concerts.
And, more than anything else, I’ve played for myself!
When the world is against me, there’s no better consolation than to bash hell out of the piano – it’s remarkably calming!
I’ve had a variety of pianos – never new, of course, - but the one I have now, a Bluthner boudoir grand, is without doubt the best and I firmly believe that it was meant be mine.
Back in 1997, I was preparing to do my usual bit on BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday when the awful news of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales broke.
I was asked to stay on the programme longer than usual which meant that, when I left, I couldn’t leave Broadcasting House by the front entrance.
I had to follow a complicated route which brought me in front of a staff notice board on which there was an advertisement for the piano!!
It was built in 1901 and had been brought to England in the 50s by a Czech pianist who, sadly, had to give up playing because of ill health.
I had a good modern piano and really didn’t have space for another one, but I borrowed the money and bought the piano and I love and cherish it.
Such a gift!
- Cllr Rev Ann Easter is Labour/Co-op councillor for Royal Albert ward and commissioner for Interfaith Dialogue.
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