Former harpist Georgina (89) plays again in surprise organised by Colten Care’s Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst

A FOREST care home surprised a resident with the chance to play the harp for the first time in more than 60 years.

Georgina Chesters (89), a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, was “absolutely astounded” when a professional harpist arrived at Colten Care’s Woodpeckers, in Brockenhurst, as a birthday treat.

Liane Hopkins not only performed, but brought along two traditional lever harps so Georgina could play too.

Residents and staff, joined by Georgina’s daughter Emma and granddaughter Eleanor, watched as Liane spoke with the pensioner and then, with a huge smile, she held one of the harps and let her fingers pluck and run across the strings for the first time in decades.

Georgina said: “I was absolutely astounded by this surprise. It was amazing, I loved every minute of it.”

Woodpeckers companionship team member Sian Harris said Georgina revealed her wish to play again during a reminiscing activity.

Sian searched social media for a harpist to visit and was surprised when more than 30 people responded. She picked Liane, a performer and teacher from Romsey.

She said: “You could see by the smile on Georgina’s face how much she was enjoying and appreciating it. She was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed when Liane invited her to play too.

“After half a century of not touching one, it was a very moving moment when she started playing. It sounded lovely [and was] amazing.”

Liane said: “Seeing Georgina play the harp brought so much happiness to all of us there. It’s one to never forget.”