Posh piano gifted to rest home
The joy on people’s faces spoke volumes during a musical celebration at Molly Ryan Lifecare and Retirement Village this week.
The occasion was to give thanks for a piano from Harrods in London, bequeathed to the residents by a perfect stranger.
Joan Edridge visited Molly Ryan out of the blue to ask if they would give her beloved piano a home when she died.
Rachelle Norton, Molly Ryan’s divisional therapist knew a little of Edridge’s life story.
‘‘She was absolutely overjoyed when it was accepted.’’
Edridge’s training reached concert pianist level, she was particularly fond of Chopin and Beethoven. At 19, she bought the piano by way of a loan, from then on her treasured friend moved everywhere she did.
Both survived WWII and after moving around England several times then to Tauranga and more recently to New Plymouth. ’’Each time it was moved it was serviced and tuned and nurtured like a baby, treated like royalty,’’ said Norton.
Married three times, the piano was definitely her fourth love and her pride and joy. When many were set to slow down Edridge gained a degree in music during her retirement.
Among those who performed to the 70-strong audience were Molly’s Music Makers. The choir sang a few hymns accompanied by Alyssa Poole on the piano. A photo of Edridge sat next to her beloved instrument while guests gently swayed to the music.
As Amazing Grace played, the moment was enough to tug on the heart strings. If that didn’t do it, How Great Thou Art did.
The guests were treated to a high-tea of club sandwiches and other delicate treats. Perhaps a fitting accompaniment to pay homage to a duo who were intrinsically attuned.
Visually the piano held its black lacquer lustre, despite surviving a world war and being carted halfway around the world. Now, even untrained ears can sense its calibre.
Another sign the instrument was well-loved was the $10,000 Edridge gave for the purpose of ensuring its tuneful upkeep, said village manager Karen Scott.
‘‘Her gift was amazing. Rest homes see very little benevolence and something so wonderful will be treasured.’’
‘‘Her family’s sincere hope was it will bring much pleasure to the residents. It certainly gave Joan enormous pleasure.’’