Prescare’s Musical Maestro:

Ted doesn’t get to see the colourful  handy work  of the outdoor furniture painted by volunteers from KPMG  or the Exxon Mobile’s lakeside clean up and garden make over, the result of recent Corporate Connects.  You see, 20 years ago Ted lost his eyesight and moved with his wife, Thelma, to Prescare’s Lake Sherrin residence.  Although unable to see the improved environment created by KPMG and EXXON Mobile volunteers, Ted and the other 100 Cottage Residents and 48 Hostel residents benefit from the increased social activity as family members and visitors enjoy the lakeside outdoor setting that was previously uninviting.

Now 86 years of age, Ted, who is musically gifted, doesn’t read music and yet can play a myriad of instruments.  His story is an interesting one.  An interest in music was sparked by playing mouth organ as a child, then during WWII he was posted to Italy and had the opportunity to learn Mandolin.  He later played the bagpipes as a member or the Redlands Pipe Band and also played guitar, accordion and recorder.  To entertain residents of Lake Sherrin and other Nursing Homes Ted built amazing musical machines affectionately known as the “Lake Sherrin Monster” and the “PresCare Shadow”  containing the backing sound for his one man performances.  He dictates poetry which his wife transcribes and recently published in the USA.  Ted benefits from living in an environment where he can continue an active lifestyle and bring pleasure to others.

Lee McGregor from Prescare believes, “Ted’s efforts have greatly helped enhance the lifestyle and atmosphere of all of the residents at PresCare Lake Sherrin, as has the volunteer work organized by United Way Queensland with KPMG and Exxon Mobile.”