I WAS bought up in music loving family with absolutely no natural talent whatsoever. My father could, however, play the comb and toilet paper and my mother yodelled and whistled, sometimes simultaneously. Our musical evening just flew by.

My father once sang down at the Miners Arms, but the grandfather clock stopped and never went again.

I showed early promise on the triangle in the school orchestra but could not get the hang of striking the instrument at the correct time. In the RAF I once spent seven consecutive evenings vainly trying to get a note out of a euphonium.

I was convinced, however, that I could sing until rather unwisely bought one of the early tape machines. I never sang in public again.

However, in middle age I suddenly discovered the joy and magic of classical music. I defy anyone to listen to Handel’s Serse Opera without being moved. Now, I’m happily reconciled to enjoying good music composed by those fortunate enough to have been touched by genius.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.