Arthritis no block to piano playing
Despite arthritis in her hands, an 83-year-old woman is still tickling the ivories for her community.
Margaret Davis started playing the piano as a child and more than 70 years later she still belts out a tune.
‘‘I started learning when I was 6 and I just sort of carried on.’’
Davis, who lives in Palmerston North, still offers her time to help dance groups at recitals and exams and is sure not to miss the annual Unity Concert – a variety performance.
‘‘I just do it because I like the company of the people and I like the music.’’
Davis said playing the piano helped keep her sharp.
‘‘I’m sure it does help your brain to keep alert. ‘‘It soothes the soul.’’ Though she had some arthritis, Davis said playing the piano helped keep the movement in her hands.
‘‘It is nothing that holds me back at this stage.
‘‘I think the movement has kept [my hands] as good as they are.’’
She did acknowledge that ageing made it more difficult at times.
‘‘It is a little bit more difficult to hear.
‘‘I have got to really listen to what the director says.’’
But it certainly has not diminished her enthusiasm for her music.
Davis grew up in Bunnythorpe and as a child she played for the school assembly at the village’s primary school.
She then began playing for choirs and in dance halls.
‘‘I have just played ever since,’’ she said. ‘‘I seem to have been accompanying people all my life.’’
When she is not playing for others she still enjoys playing a couple of times a week just for herself.