It's been a good year for roses and even I have managed to grow some successfully. This is the latest.


Delighted to read an article on Chopin by my niece 
Maddy Shaw Roberts who works for Classic FM. 

Chopin visited Scotland twice brought over by Jane Stirling a member of the Scottish aristocracy, an accomplished pianist and former lover. 
She played an important role in his life offering financial support and arranging concerts for him. She wanted to marry him but Chopin said he was closer to a coffin than a marital bed. 
He died the following year after his last visit from tuberculosis.

Now a group of young Polish Musicians headed by Marcin Jaroszek have established the  Jane Stirling project to commemorate the work of Jane Stirling, a neglected figure who played an important role in one of the worlds great composers.
Jane's family home was Old Kippenross on the outskirts of Dunblane and her descendants still live there.