A 79-year-old who has been playing his clarinet at Penrith station in Cumbria for a decade says that performing for others helps him to tackle loneliness.
Philip Lowe is welcomed by the Avanti West Coast team at the station each week and performs pieces of all genres for people travelling through the station. Philip lives three miles from the station and his visits to the station help him to feel less isolated as he has the opportunity to socialise with others. His performances often lead to conversations with people on the platform who are waiting for their train. Philip's wife has Alzheimer's and the couple often sing together.
Originally from Manchester, Philip has been playing the clarinet since he was 12. He grew up in a musical family. His father was a cotton spinner but when he finished work on that job, he'd go on to the play the piano at clubs around Manchester. Philip's mother, a garnet maker, sang in her spare time.
A trained printer, Philip managed to make his living through music. He did a printing apprenticeship which took him all over the world but, while he was in Australia, he became a piano tuner – a job which led him into a musical career which spanned 40 years. He also owned a music shop in Lincoln for two decades, where he refurbished musical instruments. His clarinet goes everywhere with him and he can often be found entertaining people in Cumbria, taking inspiration from the surroundings in which he finds himself as well as from the people he meets.
Philip said: “Sometimes I get a bit lonely, so I come to the station to play my clarinet. “I love having a laugh – it makes me feel good. I want to bring that feeling to other people through my music. My instrument helps to break the ice.”.
“Music gives me a sense of nostalgia – it reminds me of my memories, parents, friends, places, and adventures. My wife and I sing together and it's a great comfort for us.
“I've played at railway stations elsewhere in the world but there is nowhere else quite like Penrith. It is a great place to be – the staff and customers are friendly; they tolerate my music and the Avanti West Coast team have made me and my wife incredibly welcome. I hope my performances bring comfort to people and inspire others to play music.”
Mark Green, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Penrith, added: “We love welcoming Philip to the station to play his clarinet. He offers a warm greeting to those travelling to and from Penrith and we enjoy hearing his music as much as he enjoys playing it! Philip brings smiles to so many faces on the platforms of Penrith with his conversation and songs. He's a friendly face, which we're sure offers comfort to everyone he comes across.”
Penny Giles, Local Services Manager for the Alzheimer's Society in Cumbria said: “It's wonderful to hear how music is helping Philip feel more connected with his community, while also bringing joy to others. At Alzheimer's Society we know that music has tremendous therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia and their carers, who can become quite isolated. Our most recent research shows that one in three people with dementia will feel cut off this Christmas and many carers will also experience a sense of isolation.
“As one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime it's incredibly important that all of society becomes more dementia friendly. We applaud Philip and the Avanti West Coast team at Penrith for raising awareness of the issue and wish them many happy performances.”
