Sirs,
I am seeking help from your readers to gather memories of my late father, Harry Drabble, a dedicated music teacher who taught from his Marlborough home for 35 years. I am writing a book about his early life, particularly focusing on how he overcame significant childhood challenges after contracting bovine tuberculosis at age two.
Despite being written off as a ‘cripple’ in his youth, Harry went on to positively impact countless lives through his music teaching. Some of his former students have already kindly shared how his unique teaching approach and philosophy helped them overcome their own challenges.
If any of your readers knew Harry, took music lessons from him or performed with him, I would be grateful if they would share their recollections. I’m especially keen to hear about:
- His teaching methods and philosophy
- Memorable performances or events
- How he helped students overcome difficulties
- Personal interactions that left lasting impressions
The upcoming book “…Yet” A Story of Triumph Over Childhood Separation, Trauma, and Disability aims to preserve not just Harry’s story, but also document an important piece of social history regarding children affected by bovine tuberculosis in Britain and I would like to include the words of some of the people whose lives he touched. As a society, we will soon lose all memory of the brutal treatment of bovine TB. Shortly before his passing in 2022, he encouraged me to share his story saying, ”No one believed me. “Children couldn’t have been treated like that”. But we were.’.
Readers can contact me at helen@helenparkerdrabble.com, on Facebook @FactualTales, X Formerly twitter @HelenPDrabble, or @helenpdrabble.bsky.social. All contributions will be acknowledged, and contributors will receive information about the book’s publication.
Thank you for helping preserve the memory of this remarkable teacher who touched so many lives.
Yours,
Helen Parker-Drabble
Bristol
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