Music is an important part of creating joy and wellbeing for aged care residents. At Maldon hospital we are also fortunate to have wonderful volunteer musicians. We were thrilled to receive a timely gift from the family of nursing heroine Jessie Bowe in whose memory Jessie Bowe House is named.
We were contacted by Mrs Leanne Bowe on behalf of Mr Rod Bowe, nephew of Jessie Bowe, who proposed gifting us a beautiful Thalberg piano. As our existing piano had reached the stage of being beyond the abilities of a piano tuner, and at the end of its long musical life the timing was perfect.
The family thoughtfully transported the instrument and paid for it to be tuned when it reached its new home. Rod Bowe was in attendance along with his son Peter, and daughter Christine who joined staff and residents on Thursday 26 September for a piano recital and an opportunity for us to offer delighted thanks for their generosity.
Many of you will know the story of Jessie Bowe who served in the Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve and as a Principal Matron and Matron in Chief went across the world to serve in Egypt and Morotai Island and was awarded a Royal Red Cross, a Florence Nightingale medal and the United States of America’s Bronze Star medal for her services. She was also accorded a State Funeral.
It is an honour for Dhelkaya Health’s Maldon Hospital to have a continuing relationship with Jessie’s family. Her contribution resonates with our residents who have also served communities in many ways across their lives and who will appreciate the beautiful music which will enrich lives for years to come.
