Locals Del and Basil Wood have made a significant contribution to the Carinity Wishart Gardens seniors community. The couple, deeply intertwined with the fabric of this aged care community, recently donated a piano and organ, adding a melodious touch to the lives of residents at the aged care facility.
Del’s mother, Mabel Grace, was among the first residents of Carinity Wishart Gardens and Del herself has been a dedicated volunteer there for years. Basil, a former chemist, had a pharmacy that supplied medication to aged care communities.
Their long-standing association with this community took a significant turn when they moved into the adjacent Wishart Gardens retirement village after waiting for more than 15 years.
Before relocating to the retirement village, the Woods had already known approximately 15 people who resided there, including their long-time friend, Jean Miller. Del and Jean’s friendship spans over half a century, and they once formed part of a Christian vocal trio called Celebration, which performed over 300 shows at aged care homes, retirement villages, and prisons.
Even today, they continue to share their musical talents at chapel services in Wishart, with Del playing the organ and Jean accompanying her on the piano—two instruments generously donated to the Wishart Gardens aged care community by the Woods.
As part of their downsizing efforts in preparation for their move to a retirement villa, Del and Basil decided to part with their beloved Kawai grand piano and the American-made Gulbransen Rialto organ. Basil noted that this particular organ is rare in Australia. The suggestion to donate these instruments to the aged care home came from someone who believed that others could also enjoy and make use of them.
Now, these keyboards have found a new home in the Wishart Gardens aged care pavilion, where Del plays hymns during the weekly chapel services.
Solomon Shekede, the Residential Manager at Carinity Wishart Gardens, expressed his deep gratitude for the donated organ and piano. He praised the Woods’ “commitment to fostering the arts and enhancing the worship experience” for the residents.
“This thoughtful contribution will resonate through the halls of Carinity Wishart Gardens, bringing joy and inspiration to all who gather here. The piano and organ will serve as a constant reminder of Basil and Del’s kindness and dedication to the spiritual well-being of our community,” Mr Shekede said.
Published 3-Jan-2024