Gill Peckham has been a much-loved figure in the Wallasey folk scene for decades, dedicating much of her life to music, friendship and helping others. With a beautiful singing voice, a generous heart and an unwavering commitment to her community, Gill has touched countless lives, often without ever realising just how much of a difference she’s made.

Gill’s musical journey began at the age of 11 at Oxley School in Wallasey, where she discovered her love of singing and learned to play the guitar. Encouraged by inspirational teachers, she went on to join the Wallasey Girls Choir at 14, beginning an association that has lasted for more than five decades.

Her passion for folk music soon blossomed, taking her from small school performances to the thriving folk clubs of Wallasey and the Wirral. Over the years, Gill has not only performed but helped organise and support countless musical events, becoming a familiar and much-loved presence in the local folk community.

Music also brought Gill together with her beloved husband, George. Their shared passion for folk music became a huge part of their lives, and together they performed at clubs, concerts and community events, helping to keep the local folk tradition alive.

Gill and George were instrumental in supporting the Wallasey folk scene, including the popular Folk in the Park concerts at Vale Park, where local musicians could share their talents with the wider community.

Their musical adventures also took them far beyond the Wirral, with performances and choir tours across Europe and North America, creating a lifetime of wonderful memories and friendships.

While Gill and George brought joy to audiences wherever they performed, it was their extraordinary dedication to helping others that made them truly special.

For around 30 years, they regularly sang for cancer patients receiving treatment at Clatterbridge, offering moments of happiness, comfort and escape during incredibly difficult times. Their generosity extended to hospices, care homes, charity concerts and fundraising events, always giving their time freely and asking for nothing in return.

Following George’s passing in 2018, Gill continued their shared commitment to helping others, including supporting Clatterbridge’s moving remembrance services and raising funds for causes close to their hearts.

Music remains a huge part of Gill’s life. She continues to sing with the Wallasey Girls Choir and her close-harmony group, Western Approaches, performing songs from the 1930s, 40s and 50s at community events, care homes and charity gatherings.

Whether she’s singing on stage, enjoying a folk session with friends or supporting someone through difficult times, Gill’s warmth and kindness shine through.

Despite everything she has achieved, Gill remains wonderfully modest, preferring to celebrate the contributions of others rather than her own.

Her life is a beautiful reminder that music is about so much more than performing. It’s about friendship, community, compassion and bringing people together.

A truly remarkable lady, and a local hero in every sense of the word.

In this special Local Heroes episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian is joined by the wonderful Gill Peckham for a heartfelt conversation filled with music, laughter and treasured memories.

From her early days in the Wallasey folk clubs to her musical adventures with her beloved George, Gill shares the stories, friendships and experiences that have shaped her remarkable life.

We hear about the incredible charity work they carried out together, the joy of bringing music to those who needed it most, and how Gill continues to keep that spirit of kindness alive today.

There are plenty of wonderful anecdotes along the way, as well as a touching tribute to George and a special remembrance of their dear friend, the late Mal Jones.

And what better way to close than with Gill singing Together At Last, a beautiful song written by Mal Jones, especially for Gill and George. A particularly poignant ending to a conversation celebrating love, friendship and the lasting power of music.