A FUNDRAISING CD has been created in tribute to a much-loved Cockermouth musician who died last year.

Papcastle composer Dr Philip Wood wrote the six pieces for friend and fellow musician, the late Bridget Hilton.

Proceeds will go to Bridget’s Magical Music Pot, the grant-giving legacy fund set up to support community music in West Cumbria and run by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Dr Wood said: "From March 2014 to March 2018, Bridget accompanied numerous of my violin pupils which I had entered for their music exams. After each exam period, I would write her a short piece by way of thanks."

The first three pieces on the disc are for piano. The latter three are for clarinet and piano and were designed for Bridget to play with her daughter, Kate Parry.

All of the pieces have been played at concerts organised by Cockermouth Music Society.

Bridget died from a brain tumour in July 2018 following a short illness. The former music teacher had devoted her life to encouraging people to play music for fun.

After her death, her family set up a fund to encourage people of all abilities across West Cumbria to play and enjoy music.

Daughter Kate said: "As a family, we wanted to turn Bridget's death, which has devastated so many people, into a positive, lasting legacy that will open up new opportunities for more people to make music in the future.

"We’re really proud that the fund has now raised over £11,000 but we have a long way to go to reach our target of £50,000 – which will enable us to create a permanent endowment fund.

"We hope sales of this CD will help us on our way."

On the disc, which has been produced by local sound engineer Phil Tattershall, the pieces are performed by Kate (piano), friend and fellow clarinettist Graham Frudd and pianist David Lindley.

Dr Wood said: "The music contained on the disc was written straight from the heart with no pretence, for a loyal, warm and generous friend.

"The performances may not be of professional standard, but are performed as a fitting tribute to a person who was always keen to ‘give it a go’, enthusing and encouraging others to do the same."

Bridget participated in, established and led a number of local musical groups, such as U3A’s popular Early Music Group.

The CD will be available at a cost of £5 from Billy Bowman’s Music Shop and the New Bookshop in Cockermouth. To order a CD by post, contact Dr Wood at magicalmusicpot@gmail.com.