Flutewise

 A bit more from Carla, an inspirational Flutewise member:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and am so pleased to see so many youngsters taking up the Flute.

If you are interested to know more about Linda Berwick (my flute teacher) she is on the google search. This amazing lady has written two books, was the first disabled lay-preacher and marriage guidance counsellor, ran a holiday home for the disabled in Scotland, hosted a radio programme called 'Do you take sugar', has an MBE and was the subject on the This is Your Life with Eamon Andrews.

I met Linda through what I believe at the time was the only orchestra in the world for people with disabilities called 'Wingfield' which was started in the 60's by a gentleman called Burt Lyons.  We went on to play at the Festival Hall three times and other famous London events, St Martins in the Field, Southwark Cathedral and St Pauls to name but a few, with Linda having to learn every single piece by heart and the repeats!!!  She is amazing!!  I actually took over the running of the orchestra in it's later years and then when I got a place at University to read Education I had to leave Wingfield which subsequently folded as integrating special needs children into mainstream education began and we lost our catchment.

Linda is not only blind but also living with the same disability as I have which is Cerebral Palsy and from her early teachings I went on to exceed in my flute playing by obtaining my Grade 8 and Flute Recital both with Merit with GSMD.  I changed examination boards from ABRSM because of my deteriorating hearing condition as I now am registered hard of hearing and wear hearing aids.  I no longer play my violin although I still have it.  I still hear what I am playing but it is amazing how one adapts and I liken myself to Beethoven and Evelyn Glenni :).

I also took up the Clarinet and got as far as Grade 7 ABRSM and was to take Grade 8 but had to drop the grade upon my acceptance to Uni of which I graduated with a 2:1 Hons Degree.  I also played the Saxophone to about Grade 5 standard but never took any grades and neither instruments I play any more but still have them:).

My first exam I took on my Flute was my Grade 3 which I passed with Merit and I took my Grade 1 Violin and passed on the same day, literally put down Flute pick up Violin lol :).  

None of this would have been achieved if it hadn't been for Linda, an amazing inspirational person in so many ways.

I always tell people about the amazing times I spent with Flutewise and the opportunities I had with this wonderful organisation.  So I do hope that you all at Flutewise and your family have a wonderful Christmas and thank you immensely for asking me to join the sessions.