The sounds of Bonny Scotland came early to residents at a Wrexham care organisation thanks to Highland piper Phil McConnell.
His renditions of classic Gaelic tunes at Pendine helped residents get in the mood for this weekend’s Burns Night celebrations, when haggis, neeps and tatties will be on the menu.
For many it brought back memories of growing up in Scotland, or other Burns celebrations through the years, with residents singing along to tunes such as Over The Sea To Skye, Flower Of Scotland, and Maria’s Wedding.
Pendine Park activities coordinator Gerry Humphries said: “We find that music lifts the spirits of our residents, it’s a real tonic. It is amazing how it brings back memories, and our residents always seem to enjoy the different activities we arrange for them.
“Music and the arts generally are an important part of our enrichment programme which also includes poetry groups, something that’s particularly appropriate as we look forward to Burns Night.
“I love it when they burst into song and start dancing, as we have seen here today,” added Gerry.
Among those who showed off their vocal skills was resident David Stone, who said: “I used to go on holiday to Scotland and I’ve always loved singing, and picked up a few tunes while I was there. The bagpipes are lovely, and I’ve enjoyed this.”
Also joining in was ex-RAF man Ron Hutchinson, who grew up in Scotland. “I used to play a snare drum when I was at school, and when I was older, in the bands. And I loved Burns night because I liked the haggis,” said Ron.
Joining him in dancing along to the bagpipes was former boxer James Seenan, from Glasgow, who admitted he never played a musical instrument when he was younger, because he was busy winning titles, including Scottish Light Heavyweight champion.
For Bob Joyce, the music of the pipes brought back memories of Burns celebrations in warmer climes. “My grandfather grew up in Scotland but left in 1913 to emigrate to Australia, where I am from. We always celebrated Burns night, and when I lived in Oman for several years I was in the Caledonian Society. We used to have ceilidhs in a former Palace, not very Scottish,” added Bob, who later swapped piloting planes over the Great Barrier Reef to move to Wrexham with his wife.
Also enjoying the Scottish tunes were family visitors, including West Highland terrier Sally, who regularly accompanies owner Lynn Hughes from Mold to see her husband Brian.
“There is always something happening here, it keeps it interesting for our relatives, and we appreciate that. Brian likes to see Sally,” said Lynn.
Phil, who was smartly turned out in full regalia, including his kilt, has been playing the bagpipes for 50 years, and is more used to playing at weddings and formal functions than visiting care homes. “This has been really different, but it’s lovely to see how the residents are enjoying it,” added Phil, from Halewood.
