Musician's love of music to endure through gift

A widower in Cornwall is seeking to ensure his wife’s passion for music continues through a donation to youth musicians. Andrew Keirl has given his late wife Alison’s glockenspiel to the Cornwall Youth Brass Band, alongside the epitaph “May the music play on.” Alison had played piano and violin before being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a teenager, and she later struggled to keep performing her instruments. Keirl said he suggested the glockenspiel because it can be played with sticks, and Alison took to it enthusiastically. He also recalled that Alison retired after 40 years in the NHS last year, and that after joining St Breward Silver Band, she suffered a stroke and died in April, only three weeks later. Keirl said he did not want the instrument “stood in a corner gathering dust,” and hoped it would help young people develop through banding. Cornwall Youth Brass Band also recognized his contribution by making him an honorary member.