Doncaster man plays the bagpipes to salute the NHS
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Robbie Conroy, aged 72, wanted to do something special for his neighbours who are key workers so he decided to get out his bagpipes and play them a song.
He said: “We’re in a crisis and we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with one another during this time.
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Hide Ad“I’ve always been a community man and I think we should be doing whatever we can to support the key workers and keep their spirits high.”
Robbie has been playing the bagpipes for six years and is part of the City of Sheffield Pipe Band which has played all over the world including China, Tunisia, New York, Romania, France, and Belgium.
He decided to play the song Amazing Grace after the scheduled clap for carers took place at 8pm on Thursday, April 2.
“This country is in a terrible position at the moment but I felt elated to see people come together and clap for the NHS staff.
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Hide Ad“I was quite emotional to see so many people out in support.”
Robbie says that he thinks that bagpipe music has a special effect on those that hear it.
He said: “It stirs the blood and gives people hope.
“In the wars, it drove people on and I hope it can do the same now.
Robbie is originally from Fife in Scotland but moved to Edlington in 1963 to work in the coal mines where he worked for 38 years.
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Hide Ad“Weather permitting next week I want to put my kilt on and walk around the street I live on whilst I play music,” Robbie continued.
“After I finished my song this week I heard people applauding me and banging on pans - I felt quite pleased with myself to have done it.
“My neighbour who is in the NHS shouted ‘Robbie thanks for that’ from her front door.”