Much loved and respected musician remembered
The funeral will be held this lunchtime (Tuesday) of a woman who inspired and encouraged generations of island musicians.
Barbara Walker was a central figure in the music community and the first Manx person to win the open pianoforte solo at the Blackpool Music Festival - this in 1939.
Along with her late husband Bert, she formed choirs at RAF stations he was posted to during World War Two.
A founder member of the Manx Operatic Society, Musicale and Harmony, she continued her lifelong involvement with music until her late 80s, was the official accompanist for the Guild for more than two decades and musical director of the Christine Wild Theatre School for 25 years.
Her funeral at Trinity Church, Rosemount in Douglas, will be held at 1pm.
