Timperley residents love Nevil’s sax appeal

At the age of 79 Nevil Lee decided it is was not too late to rekindle his passion for the saxophone.   Despite having only played briefly before, as a 20-year-old, he bought a second-hand instrument and picked up where he had left off.   Nearly three years later, Mr. Lee, of Cheadle Hulme, is targeting his level two music exam under tutor Saira Hall – and entertaining pensioners with his music at Timperley Nursing Home, in Mainwood Road, Timperley.  

Mr. Lee, who lost his wife Joyce to vascular dementia two years ago, said it gave him great satisfaction seeing the warm response of the residents, many of whom are living with dementia.   “Giving them pleasure gives me pleasure too,” said Mr Lee, who worked as a laboratory technician at Cheadle Hulme School for 49 years. “I could knock out a tune as soon as I started playing again and have progressed quite well since then,” he said. Estelle Felstead, activities coordinator at Timperley Nursing Home, discovered Mr. Lee’s passion for music at Sale Salvation Army Church where they are both members. She said: “Nevil felt he wanted to share his new found hobby with others, so he volunteered to play to residents at our home. “What joy he brings to our residents. On his last visit he inspired George Nuttall to get out his harmonica. They played alongside each other. This ignited a greater love of singing from others in the group.” 

For residents who are bed-bound, Mr. Lee went and played in their rooms – and was rewarded with big smiles.   “Dignity in Care is about inclusion, no one being left out,” said Mrs Felstead.   “Nevil made a big impact on our residents and we have now booked him in for monthly visits. In July, his tutor, Saira Hall will also be entertaining our residents. “Variety is the spice of life at Timperley. Each day we endeavour to entertain our residents with different activities collectively and independently.”