Horndean community roused by neighbour's bagpipe performances during each week's Clap For Carers
BAGPIPES can be heard sounding a call for the NHS each Thursday - to the delight of a Horndean neighbourhood.
Piper Matt Reynolds can be spotted performing along the length of his road in full Scottish regalia during the weekly Clap For Carers, with the displays capturing the hearts of his neighbours.
The 36-year-old police officer first ventured out with his bagpipes on the second week of lockdown dressed casually, but was met with such a great reception that he continued it in his kilt.
Matt, who performs with Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band, said: ‘It seems to be well received, I was a bit apprehensive at first about what the neighbours would think.
‘It has taken off from there and there is now a small audience each week, it’s become a bit of a thing.
‘It’s far from something people expect, the number of pipers who are around and tucked away in the suburbs - there are certainly a few of us out there.’
The regular performances have been one of a long list of ways the Horndean community has come together throughout lockdown, growing from acquaintances to friends through WhatsApp groups, a Couch to 5k running club and a VE Day socially-distant street party.
‘It really has brought everyone together, it’s been lovely,’ said Matt, who performed on VE Day and played happy birthday for neighbour Lesley Keating.
‘It’s such a surreal thing because of the pandemic, but it’s so nice that people are sharing each other’s spaces and making the best of a bad situation.’
Lesley, who has lived in the street for 20 years with her husband Mike, has been uplifted by the new community spirit in the neighbourhood.
‘I can’t stress enough how much Matt has been a real tonic in these troubled times,’ she said.
‘He deserves commending as he’s raised all our spirits enormously and given us something really positive and uplifting to look forward to on Thursday nights while we clap for the NHS. It’s become the highlight of our week.’
Former News columnist Lesley added: ‘We have a real community spirit here now and we’ve all made wonderful new friends. Something positive has come out of this awful time.’