Meet Rainbow Stripes, the duo delivering weekly music lessons for the children of Bulwell for just £1. Their sessions started last month (April) at the Bulwell Forest Garden and aim to give cut price access to musical activities.
Rainbow Stripes founders Sue Scargill, 47, and Pete Lynn, 52, say the classes are popular with between 20 to 30 youngsters turning up. Sue, who has worked as a nursery nurse for 25 years, said: “We have children ourselves, so we are very aware how difficult it is to afford music sessions for them when you are on low wage.
“We believe that music is vitally important, and every single child should have access to music without any financial barriers. We have been getting quite a crowd actually in Bulwell.
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“Especially after the pandemic children under five have had the most significant effects. They are now socialising, bonding and sharing.
“We use live music and include elements of nature in our sessions.”
Fulltime musician Pete first met Sue at a children’s centre in the early 2000s. They began working on children’s activities shortly after.
Sue added: “Around twenty years ago, I was working for the Toy Library and Pete was a parent himself who attended with his child. That’s how we initially met and then we started working for Sure Start, the children centre.
“Later we expanded and over the course of time, we worked for schools, care homes, community venues. We have run workshops at the Edinburgh Comedy Fringe Festival and other festivals like Shambala, Off The Tracks and Barefoot.
“It has been an incredible journey.”
The long-time friends hosted music sessions in care homes before the pandemic and hope to start these again soon.
Claire Davies, 33, who regularly brings her child to the £1 sessions, said: “Rainbow stripes themselves are wonderful I have been going for 7 years.
“They have helped with so many children with confidence, language, and making them feel free and happy again after illness. Their songs and music are loved by so many and we regularly sing their songs at home.
“Sue is also happy to help if I message asking the words to a song. They deliver lessons at such good prices and are definitely worth the money.”
Their next session Friday May 27 at the Bulwell Forest Garden.
