A Hauskonzert for Iain Miller

The power of our community and the difference we can make in each others lives

Iain, one of our patients out in the community, receives incredible support from our community nursing team, AHP team, and his Compassionate Neighbour, Carol, along with a Compassionate Gardener, Chris.

Carol, who visits Iain weekly, knows how much music means to him. Sadly, Iain no longer feels able to attend theatres and concerts. But Carol, with her boundless energy and compassion, organised a private concert just for him! She invited her talented friend, musician Madeleine Sjöstrand, to play Iain's favourite music at Portobello and Joppa Church. They even printed a special programme in German, as Iain is fluent in the language.

The event was topped off with cake and coffee, making it an unforgettable day for Iain.

He was so moved that he wrote this lovely piece about the experience.

"A short time ago I produced a small note to describe my connection to St Columba’s and the nearly two years of the arrangement. I opine that now is an appropriate time to update our dealings.

Early on in my Compassionate Neighbours’ Wednesday afternoon visits it was established that I greatly missed attending Opera, Concerts and Theatre. I could not be confident that I would not be in the way or knock people over with my wheel chair at concerts etc. Whilst we solved a whole bundle of world and national problems this was a step too far.  

My mid week chum, however, has a friend who is in the Arts and she was invited along “to sort me out.”  Following on from a couple of visits wherein discussions regarding the merits and demerits of Conductors, Tenors, Actors etc, took place the ladies put their heads together and a crafty plan was laid. They would organise a concert for me!

The Hauskonzert was to take place in Portobello & Joppa Church in Portobello where our Pianistin/Raconteuse Madeleine Sjostrand has practice facilities.

We were up and running but illness caused a cancellation.  A new date was swiftly found.

I offered my thoughts for a couple of pieces to be played, they were quickly rejected!

Things again moved on.  Monday17/02/2025 was the rearranged date at noon.  My first concert since 09/11/2019 - Wow!

I knew nothing of the Programme but a printed, in colour, page informed me that Schumann, Grieg, Verlaine, Massenet and Debussy were to be played whilst the Bros Grimm and von Goethe would be read.

Tea, Coffee and Cakes were served following the concert to go with the discussion thereof.

The organisation was superb; my neighbours had supplied transport to and fro.

They got me to the Church on time!"