Latest news with #ElinorBennett
The Guardian
08-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Chris Gathercole obituary
My father, Chris Gathercole, who has died aged 87, was a pioneering clinical psychologist. He was an advocate for people with learning disabilities being involved in decisions about themselves and for them to be independent. He worked at large hospitals in Glasgow, Liverpool, North Wales and Lancashire, where he introduced innovative American concepts such as 'social role valorisation'. The idea behind it was to improve the lives of those with disabilities, emphasising the importance of people having a place in society, their wellbeing and making sure they had and access to the 'good things of life', such as relationships and employment. Chris was senior psychologist at Bryn-y-Neuadd hospital, Llanfairfechan, in the 1970s. The harpist Elinor Bennett (Lady Wigley), whose sons came under his care, recalled: 'He was a very kind, caring and hard-working member of the team who helped our family with the care and education of our two disabled sons, Alun and Geraint. He worked to raise the quality of life and to establish more compassionate care and access to education for disabled children and their families within the community.' Born in Smethwick, West Midlands, Chris was raised in Sheffield, and attended the naval training school HMS Conway on Anglesey. His father, Ernest, was a head teacher, and a Methodist lay preacher, and his mother, Frances (nee Reading), a Labour party activist and Sheffield city councillor. They instilled in him a belief in public service. After graduating from University College London with a degree in psychology, and completing a diploma in clinical psychology at Glasgow University, Chris went on to work for the NHS for the next 38 years, after being inspired by a lecture by Aneurin Bevan. In 1966, his book, Assessment in Clinical Psychology, was published by Penguin. Chris retired in 1996, but continued to contribute to the community near his home in Whalley, Lancashire, starting a local Freecycle group, helping set up Transition Town Clitheroe and spearheading Ribble Valley Against Racism. Farouk Hussain, of Clitheroe mosque, said: 'Chris was a principled and passionate human whom we, the Muslim community, were proud to have as our friend. He showed immense bravery, standing up to lead the fight against the British National party.' He was a founder member of Whalley Hydro Scheme, creating green energy for the local community, and was instrumental in establishing a community forest garden. Chris met Dorrie Gordon at dancing lessons at HMS Conway, and they were married in 1958, going on to have two daughters, Gill and me, while living in Glasgow. In 2019, they returned to North Wales, where they planted a wildflower meadow and small woodland, and Chris was active in the climate action movement, Gwyrdd Ni, in the Llanberis area. Despite accomplishing so much, he resolutely avoided the limelight, citing his belief in the importance of collective action. Chris is survived by Dorrie, Gill and me, and his older brother John.
Powys County Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Renowned Powys harpist comes out of retirement for shows
AN INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed harpist from Powys is coming out of self-imposed retirement to give a series of performances featuring two historical harps. The recitals by Elinor Bennett, who hails from Llanidloes, will give music lovers an opportunity to listen to music from the 18th and early 19th centuries played on two wonderful old harps, made in the same period. The first performance will be at Theatr Twm o'r Nant, Denbigh at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 18. The bilingual concert, Llais Hen Delynau/Voice of Old Harps, will feature music by Handel, blind harpist John Parry, Edward Jones (The King's Bard), Rosetti, Spohr and contemporaries. It's being made possible thanks to the generosity of the main sponsor, the arts-loving Pendine Park care organisation through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT). The trust was set up to support arts and community events by Pendine Park proprietors, Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who live in Denbigh. The performance will be a special occasion for them because Pendine - which has nine award-winning care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon - is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Mario said: 'Elinor is truly a national treasure, a supremely gifted harpist who has made an unforgettable mark on the world stage. We're incredibly lucky that she is Welsh. 'She has also found time to teach and inspire generations of young harpists following in her illustrious footsteps. 'This year is special for us at Pendine and we were delighted to have the opportunity to support this wonderful concert. 'It chimes perfectly with our ethos because music and the arts in general are the golden thread running through daily life at Pendine, helping to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Elinor, who lives near Caernarfon, said: I have owned these harps for many years and have long wanted to do something with them. They were made to be played and not placed in a corner somewhere. "So I've decided to come out of my self-imposed retirement to perform a selection of music from the same period as when these harps were made. "Having played the modern concert harp professionally for many years, I wish to share the joy of playing music on authentic, original instruments and discussing aspects of playing two historic harps from my collection. "I relied on the old harps - and music from their time - to guide me. It has been a revelation - as the sound and playing techniques are very different to the modern harp. I am grateful for the help that I have received from distinguished early music experts and try to follow their advice." Elinor said the story begins with the triple harp, which was developed in Italy during the Baroque period and was played at the Royal Court in London at the time of George Frederic Handel. The recitals are being presented as part of the Noson Allan/Night Out scheme run by the Arts Council of Wales. In addition to the performance in Denbigh Elinor will appear at Eglwys Dewi Sant, Cardiff on June 20 and at a venue in Pembrokeshire in July.
