Terry Commins obituary

My father, Terry Commins, who has died aged 94, led a remarkable life thanks to his gifts as a musician.

Son of Kate (nee Newey) and John, Terry was born on the Barbican – the old harbour area – in Plymouth. As a boy, Terry played the piano in the window of his grandmother’s furniture shop, to attract customers. Nancy, Lady Astor, when mayoress of Plymouth, used to visit the shop, and invited Terry’s family to call in at Cliveden for afternoon tea when they made their annual visit to the Ascot races at Ascot.