BMCB plays at 31st Annual Rotary Young at Heart luncheon

On a hot windy day at the end of November, volunteers from Blue Mountains Concert Band and Rotary Lower Blue Mountains joined together with the staff at Emu Sports Club to host the 31st annual event for local nursing home residents.

 Residents are brought in by bus, car and van, walking and wheeling their way into the function room at Emu Sports Club, and the excitement grows as does the noise level! The aim of the event is to bring people together with a bit a Christmas cheer and a lovely hot meal, to provide the opportunity to engage in singing and social connection, with the residents receiving a lovely box of chocolates and a handwritten card from local primary schools, while tapping toes to the Blue Mountains Concert Band playing popular Christmas tunes and carols.

 The tables were set, the roast was cooking, and the band tuned up.
Then we lost power!
 The wind had caused havoc with trees down on the power lines. An outage that lasted the entire time meant the program was thrown momentarily into a disorganised state, but quickly the program proceeded. The kitchen pivoted to serving cold platters of ham & chicken with delicious salads, and the band kept providing jovial music. We all enjoyed the harmonies of the acapella choir Ex Gracia who later joined in leading the carols accompanied by the band.

Two ladies who were the oldest present, aged 102, were acknowledged and applauded.
A couple celebrating their marriage of 70 years next January won that category, and a resident who has attended every Young at Heart since 1997 was cheered.

 It was hot and thirsty work but we were up for the challenge! We love playing this event every year, having a photo with Mr & Mrs Claus and to be rewarded with provided wonderful community service to the residents, ending with “Auld Lang Syne” which always bring a tear to everyone’s eyes.

 Thank you to all BMCB members who played for this very special annual event.