Halstead care home bangs the drum for rock ‘n’ roll resident

A Halstead care home resident was thrilled when his wish to play the drums again was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, learned that 82-year-old resident, Alan Palmer, was a former drummer keen to relive his rock and roll days, they were determined to make his wish come true.

When Alan was younger and working in Hackney, he played the drums a band called The Side Trackers, regularly playing gigs in local pubs.

Having not played for more than 40 years, Alan was keen to get behind a drumkit once more and see if he could still drum to the same beat.

The team at Colne View arranged for local drummer, Mark Jarvis, to visit Alan for a drumming session.

After the session, Alan said: “I had a great time playing the drums again. I need to build up the muscles in my arms before I can play like I used to, but I had a lot of fun!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, said: “Alan often talks about when he used to play drums in his band, so when he expressed a desire to play again, we were thrilled to help make it happen.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Alan clearly enjoyed playing again, and it was lovely to see him rekindle his passion – he has a lot of talent!

“He had a great time and hopefully this is something we can continue to support Alan to carry on with – I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped Alan’s wish happen.”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, residential dementia care and respite care.

For more information about Colne View, please call Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson on 01787 389474, or email kim.richardson@careuk.com.

For general information please visit, careuk.com/colne-view.