The donation of a baby grand piano worth thousands of pounds to Earlston High School has been declared ‘unbelievable’.
Jeff Thomson,head of the school’s music department, made the comments last week after the school invited the previous owner to hear pupils rehearse for their Easter concert.
After moving from her home in Midlem to a sheltered housing complex in Galashiels, 96-year-old Joan Cremieu-Javal gifted her one-year-old Steinhoven baby grand piano to the school as she no longer had the space to keep it.
Mr Thomson said: “It was such a kind donation. It is unbelievable.”
The baby grand piano has been well used since its arrival at the school.
“We’ve had all the standard grade and higher pianists on it, and it was used at our Christmas and Easter concerts,” Mr Thomson said.
He added: “When we moved to the new school we had to move all the equipment with us, so we didn’t have any new pianos, and it is really nice to have a baby grand piano.”
Last Tuesday the high school invited Joan and fellow members of Galashiels Blind Club to an afternoon rehearsal of their Easter concert, so Joan could hear her piano in use.
More than 20 club members were entertained for over an hour by the pupils, led by Mr Thomson.
Joan was presented with a large Easter egg and flower arrangement by rector Michelle Strong.
Galashiels Blind Club organiser Maureen Stewart said: “Joan and the club members had a lovely afternoon, and Joan was thrilled to see the piano being played so well and appreciated by all.”
Pupils in the school’s communities group provided refreshments and home baking for the guests.
A recent school newsletter stated: “Earlston High School is hugely grateful to Mrs Cremieu-Javal for her generous gift.
“It will be treasured by pupils and audiences alike.”