A full house filled with the sounds of old-time classics.
This was what Kialla Gardens Retirement Village residents and guests were treated to on Thursday, May 8.
The Splinters band, delivered a heartfelt performance of wartime classics by Vera Lynn, while residents enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, chatting and socialising.
Beyond the music, the event carried a purpose, with all funds raised going directly towards purchasing vital equipment for patients in the GV Health Mary Coram and Grutzner wings.
The Splinters’ keyboard player, Jeanette Doherty, knows firsthand the power of music in aged care and healthcare environments.
“We play songs from their era, songs they know,” Mrs Doherty said.
“It brings back memories and happy times in their life.
“Music is a joyful thing — listening to it releases endorphins and makes you feel good.”
Mrs Doherty said The Splinters formed through a shared love of music.
“The band was started by Paul Watson,” Mrs Doherty said.
“He thought it would be nice to have a retired group just jamming together.
“It gradually evolved — we started playing for fun, then got asked to perform at a fundraiser, and it just snowballed from there and any money raised is donated to hospice.”
The Splinters’ performance at Kialla Gardens Retirement Village left a lasting impression.
“It was a ticketed event and sold out,” Mrs Doherty said.
“Everyone was happy — you could really tell they were enjoying themselves.
“I even had a couple of people stop me in the street one day to say how much they enjoyed it.
“It was such a successful afternoon.”
With the event held not long after Anzac Day, the theme of the evening was Anzac, as requested by the GV Health Extended Care Auxiliary, which organised the event.
“They asked us to play songs from World War I and II,” Mrs Doherty said.
“All the music was relevant to the war, and Jeanette Powell sang a few numbers beautifully.”