Heathcote alive with the sound of music

AFTER being cancelled twice due to COVID outbreaks, the Heathcote Health Sound of Music Extravaganza finally went ahead on Monday.

 

Residents, staff and the U3A choir, the Wandering Minstrels, delighted their audience of family members and friends.

“Our first extravaganza was originally planned for last October to celebrate Seniors Month but COVID said no,” said Aged Care Lifestyle and Leisure coordinator Carol Fanning.

 

“Third time’s a charm.

“The residents voted on the theme with The Sound of Music being the most popular choice.

“They practiced the songs and actions, made props and costumes, and really embraced the opportunity.

 

“We didn’t cut up any curtains, but I did utilise bed sheets to make my costume.

“The idea of the day was to just have fun, dress up, sing, act up a bit and laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine.”

 

Staff, visitors and volunteers joined the fun, dressing up in themed costumes.

 

“Our audience was made up of clients from our support services, staff, volunteers, residents, families and friends to the delight of all,” said Ms Fanning.

 

“Sally Heley and the U3A Wandering Minstrels choir have been amazing.

“It was such a highlight to have them involved and I think they loved it too.”

 

With an alpine backdrop, the choir sang while residents performed actions and joined in.

Familiar favourites from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical including Edelweiss, The Lonely Goatherd and Climb Every Mountain drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

 

At the conclusion, Ms Fanning announced the winner of the best performance award.

“It’s an all-expenses paid trip to Austria courtesy of Heathcote Health,” she said.

 

“But, as with all scams, I mean competitions, you need to read the fine print.”

The winner, 92-year-old Betty Knight, was thrilled, nonetheless.

“It’s such a wonderful surprise,” she said. “The perfect finale to a fabulous afternoon.”