Residents at the Park View Senior Living Home in Kings Chase, Witham have been entertained by a special Armistice Day wartime concert, courtesy of The Witham Hub and the Bocking Concert Brass Band. The Hub responded to a request from resident, Arthur Clark, aged 101, who is himself a veteran and who wanted to hear the last post played.
Tina Townsend, Chair of Trustees at The Hub swung into action, after the Home had not been able to find anyone, by not only arranging for a bugler to play the last post but for a full orchestra to play a selection of wartime music and patriotic anthems for all the residents, in their main lounge and in the presence of the Mayor of Witham, Cllr Lucy Barlow. They were treated to renditions of Rule Britannia, Eternal Father Strong to Save, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Glenn Miller favourites and war themes including the Great Escape, Colonel Bogey and Dad’s Army. Other romantic tunes such as Beyond the Sea, As Time Goes By and Sentimental Journey were also included.
Tina said: “Special thanks to local musician Ingrid Leatherdale who came in especially to play the last post and did it beautifully and to the Bocking Concert Brass Band, conducted by Rachel Hockley-Warner, who were kind enough to give up their evening to play for the Park View residents. My thanks also to the White Hart Hotel for providing additional plates for the event and to the staff at Park View for being so helpful and accommodating on the night. It was a very special evening, and it was so pleasing to be able to provide the residents with some cheerful, nostalgic entertainment.”
Sadly, Arthur Clark was taken ill on the day of the concert and had to spend the night in hospital. However, he has since recovered and is back at Park View. Tina ensured that lots of photos and videos were taken so that he has at least been able to share in some of the concert. On the night, Joan, a former Wren, aged 99, who is also a resident at the home, stood in for Arthur as the guest of honour.
