Doncaster man plays the bagpipes to salute the NHS

Robbie Conroy, aged 72, wanted to do something special for his neighbours who are key workers so he decided to get out his bagpipes and play them a song.

He said: “We’re in a crisis and we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with one another during this time.

“I’ve always been a community man and I think we should be doing whatever we can to support the key workers and keep their spirits high.”

Robbie has been playing the bagpipes for six years and is part of the City of Sheffield Pipe Band which has played all over the world including China, Tunisia, New York, Romania, France, and Belgium.

He decided to play the song Amazing Grace after the scheduled clap for carers took place at 8pm on Thursday, April 2.

“This country is in a terrible position at the moment but I felt elated to see people come together and clap for the NHS staff.

“I was quite emotional to see so many people out in support.”

Robbie says that he thinks that bagpipe music has a special effect on those that hear it.

He said: “It stirs the blood and gives people hope.

“In the wars, it drove people on and I hope it can do the same now.

Robbie is originally from Fife in Scotland but moved to Edlington in 1963 to work in the coal mines where he worked for 38 years.

“Weather permitting next week I want to put my kilt on and walk around the street I live on whilst I play music,” Robbie continued.

“After I finished my song this week I heard people applauding me and banging on pans - I felt quite pleased with myself to have done it.

“My neighbour who is in the NHS shouted ‘Robbie thanks for that’ from her front door.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor