IT was a sad day for residents of Belong Warrington when Harry Holroy had to give up playing his accordion.
But at 95, Harry – himself a resident at the care village – was finding the instrument too heavy to perch on his knee.
Belong experience co-ordinator Louise Kelly said: “We all really missed the sounds of Harry and his accordion. We knew how much it meant to him and we wanted to do something special, so we arranged for a fellow accordionist to come in for a surprise show.”
The musical talents of Robert Burton filled the dementia specialist’s entertainment venue, which saw residents singing along and clapping, while others enjoyed the merriment by taking to the dance floor.
Harry was delighted.
He said: “The music took me right back – I used to be able to play like Robert, you know!
“It’s was a wonderful afternoon and I can’t believe this was all done for me.”
Having learnt the piano as a child, Harry was gifted an accordion by a friend – and promptly fell in love with the instrument.
He developed his skills by performing for his family before taking to the club circuit in and around Warrington.
Louise Kelly added: “It was lovely session for everyone and Harry was in his element. We’re grateful to Robert for joining us and for gifting a CD so we can continue sharing in the experience.
“A big part of our role is to support our customers to continue to enjoy life through activities that reflect their interests, so we’re pleased it’s been well received by all.”
Past guests at Belong Warrington include singers and choirs, saxophonists and theatre groups and the not-for-profit organisation has recently partnered with the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins. A visiting therapist is welcomed weekly to help residents unlock memories, reduce isolation and regain their sense of identity, no matter their stage of dementia.
