New hub is ‘lasting legacy’ to famous son
A COMMUNITY arts hub has been created as a lasting legacy to a world famous Greenock-born musician.
Alzheimers Scotland Inverclyde is one of the groups now using the space in the heart of the Watt Institution.
It was opened as part of a ‘Watt Voices’ project, funded by the Heritage Lottery and supported by the family of the late violinist, Greenock-born Henri Temianka.
Now a lifechanging weekly drop-in for people with dementia is making a real difference in the community.
Kathryn McKnight comes along with her husband Michael, who has early onset dementia.
She said: “It is lovely to come here,we can all relax as people here understand what life is like.
“It is a great place to be.” She is joined by Ann McSween, who comes with her husband Donnie, who also lives with dementia.
Ann added: “I really appreciate the support network, it is a tremendous project.”
Volunteer Christina Turley, whose husband Sandy is in a care home, helps out at the drop-in.
She said: “This is the exactly the kind of activity the family of Henry Tumianka hoped for when they backed the hub.” Councillor Jim Clocherty recently visited to see for himself the benefits of the lunchtime Tuesday sessions.
He said: “This is such a useful way to make best use of an old office space. It’s a fantastic transformation and it’s great to see our local Alzheimer’s group being the first to take full advantage of it.
“The Watt Institution is such an iconic building, both inside and outm and has gone from strength to strength since the £2.1 million refurbishment by the council in 2019.
“The addition of this space is another excellent addition to the first-class facilities we have here and I look forward to seeing it grow and develop.”
Conductor and violinst Henri Temianka grew up in Rue End Street and later moved to the USA where he became one of the foremost musicians of his generation, passing away 30 years ago at the age of 85.
His son Dan previously donated a bust of his father, which now takes pride of place in the Watt Institution.
They have since donated other resources and backing.
Dan added:“I am delighted that the Watt Institution cherishes and promotes creativity in the same way that was so important to my late father. I’m proud that his bust, cast in bronze by the gifted sculptress Miriam Baker, now stands both at the Watt Institution and in front of the Musco Performing Arts Centre at Chapman University in California.”