Celebration Day: Donna Ashworth reads ‘Love Came First’ in memory of her music teacher

The bestselling Scottish poet dedicates her reading of “Love Came First” to Jan or “Mrs Calder” as she was known, Ashworth’s “larger than life” music teacher. The short film, directed by Oliver Parker and shot at Dr Johnson’s House in London, is part of a series to commemorate Celebration Day – a nationwide movement that encourages Brits to take a moment and remember those we have lost who have shaped our lives. Curated by Allie Esiri, the films will be published exclusively on The Independent in the lead-up to Celebration Day on Monday 25 May. “I have long waited for something like this where we can open up about grief and loss and in a celebratory way,” says Ashworth.