Del and Basil Wood have had a long association with the Carinity Wishart Gardens seniors community in Brisbane.
Del’s mother, Mabel Grace, was one of the first residents of the aged care community and Del herself has been a long-time volunteer at the facility. Basil was a former chemist whose pharmacy supplied medication to Wishart Gardens and other Carinity aged care communities.
Now, after having their name on the waiting list for more than 15 years, the Woods recently moved into the adjacent Wishart Gardens retirement village. Del says, “If you wish hard, you get into Wishart.”
The Woods are no strangers to the community there. They have been long-time friends with several of the residents. Del has known Jean Miller, a fellow resident, for over 50 years. They were vocalists in a Christian vocal trio called Celebration which performed more than 300 shows at aged care homes, retirement villages and prisons.
The two friends take pride in their commitment to music and continue performing together at chapel services, where Del plays the organ and Jean plays the piano. Both these instruments were donated to Wishart Gardens aged care by the Woods.
As part of downsizing and in lieu of their move into the retirement village, Del and Basil decided to part with their Kawai grand piano and American-made Gulbransen Rialto organ.
“Somebody suggested why don’t we see if the aged care home would like to accept them as a gift, so other folks could enjoy them too and then also play them while we’re here,” he added.
The keyboards have a new home in the Wishart Gardens aged care pavilion, at which Del plays hymns at weekly chapel services.
Carinity Wishart Gardens Aged Care Residential Manager, Solomon Shekede, expressed his gratitude for the donated organ and piano and the Woods’ “commitment to fostering the arts and enhancing the worship experience” for residents.
“These magnificent musical instruments will undoubtedly enhance our worship services and community events, allowing us to create an even more uplifting and spiritually enriching atmosphere,” Solomon said.
“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.”
