Piano donation lifts the village (and aged care) soul

Moving into the retirement village, Barry and Helen Bawden OAM, gifted their 100 year old piano, which Helen’s father had bought second hand when she was 14. She owned it for more than 60 years and is delighted that it is now bringing joy to others.

Helen, who with her husband lives at Carinity Brownesholme retirement village at Highfields, Toowoomba, QLD, which is adjacent to The Residences at Brownesholme aged care site. is delighted Clare Bothmann, a friend of hers who now lives at Brownesholme, is one of the residents who enjoys playing the piano.

Brownesholme aged care Residential Manager, Jane Mackney, said music is a popular communal activity in the aged care community which brings much joy to residents.

“Playing the piano helps our residents with their cognitive abilities and dexterity and singing along to the music has therapeutic benefits. As soon as our residents hear the piano being played, they come out of their rooms,” Jane said.