Residents and friends at The Westbury Residential and Nursing Home celebrated “Community Spirit Day” with an afternoon of music and entertainment on Thursday 1st October.
The star of the day was Pat Connor, 86, who delighted the audience with an assortment of old favourites on the piano.
The event also marked UK Older People’s Day, a national day that celebrates later life and the huge contribution that older people make to society. “We had a bit of a get-together, which everyone loves,” explained Jan Lacey, activities co-ordinator at The Westbury.
Residents and members of the community were invited to the event, and a cream tea was served at the end of the afternoon. Pat’s upbeat music got the audience tapping their feet and singing along to his collection, which included war tunes and a march medley.
Pat, from Trowbridge, is a regular performer at The Westbury. “We always have a wonderful time” he said.
Pat has been playing most of his life, and was previously part of a dance band until it disbanded. Now, he gives regular performances throughout the area, playing several times a week in community venues throughout Westbury, Trowbridge and Melksham.
Pat doesn’t charge; but passes any donations to Dorothy House Hospice Care, a cause close to his heart.
“I do it in memory of my late wife, Evelyn, who I was married to for 62 years”, he explained. “I looked after her for 17 years whilst she had cancer. But in the end, Dorothy House nursed her overnight, when it got too much for me.”
Over the last four and a half years, Pat has raised an incredible £7,663 for the charity, and has no intention of stopping there. “As long as I’m able to do it I shall,” he said. Pat recognises that older people are an important part of society, and believes they should keep busy. “There’s no reason why older people shouldn’t have hobbies and be active. My music keeps me going – I just get up and get on with it.”