Bettina “the Ballad Bringer of Bridge” Walker, as most readers will know is a local, she was born here in Bridge and six years ago she returned after the death of her dear mother. The pandemic bought the community ironically closer together despite the fact we had to stay two metre’s apart.
Speaking about the community-spirit we’re blessed with locally Bettina noted “I think Bridge has a great community feel especially via the church. I’ve a lot of friends here and I’ve had a lot of support during my time back here. I think people have looked out for each other and cared especially when we all clapped for Carers and the NHS on Thursdays”. It was on Thursdays where Bettina started showcasing her talent and bringing the ballads.
So, Bettina, lockdown has given you a new audience, hasn’t it?
Yes, it has! Before lockdown I was busking a bit in the village as I lost all my singing work due to COVID-19. I needed to keep my singing going and to earn a bit of money. I was lucky as I also do care work and had a couple of vulnerable ladies I continued to look after during the pandemic so I had a little income but singing is my love. People don’t realise the vocal cords are just like any muscle and if you don’t exercise you lose the ability – ask any athlete!
What made you start singing on Thursdays?
I’ve sung on the village page every day since lockdown, not just Thursdays! To be honest I wasn’t sure if it would be allowed but Admin was all for it so I did it! It’s been very cathartic for me, too, as it’s a lonely time and a worrying time and you get a sense of connection when you see a face talking and singing to you, and for me to just sing a song a day lifted my spirits, too; the feedback is an added bonus. I decided that if people didn’t want to listen, they could just scroll past!
It’s great you’ve continued to do so with the videos, which are well greeted by the community, aren’t they?
Yes, I think they’ve appreciated it looking at the comments and likes I get. It’s so lovely to know people enjoy it. I’ve had lovely comments from villagers on my dog walks (my dog Oakley appears in all the videos too!) plus I’ve been recognised in supermarkets even with my mask on! Stardom at last! One villager stroked Oakley and said “oh, you’re the famous dog on Facebook”!
Why do you continue to do the videos? Is it something to pass the time and lift the spirits of others?
I continue because we’re still in a pandemic and I’m still out of singing work so I need to practice! I hope people don’t mind me still singing away! Oh, you’ve got me worried now…
I imagine singing has been a great tool for you during this horrible year? Would you encourage readers to, I don’t know, sing a song a day?
I think singing is very therapeutic. My singing work is mostly in residential homes and the residents love to sing along with me and jog their memories on old favourites. It’s a pleasure and honour seeing the reactions I get when I sing with them.
If you could have anyone turn up for a socially-distanced duet on your driveway who would it be and why?
Tony Bennett because I love singing Swing and Jazz numbers and I think he’d be charming, too!
Desert Island Disc rip off alert! If you could only sing three songs for the rest of time what would they be?
I’d soon get fed up of them, wouldn’t I!
The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand
Only Yesterday – The Carpenters
Let’s Fall In Love – Ella Fitzgerald
I’ll carry on singing every day for a bit longer, I think! I just hope the villagers don’t get fed up with me!