A chance to share what I love

Retirement Living resident, Mrs Josephine ‘Josie’ Wilson, is happily sharing her talent with the community at Resthaven Bellevue Heights.

Having joined the Resthaven community back in 2014, Josie soon found an opportunity to not only bring joy to those around her, but to herself.

‘I have been a classical pianist since I was 5 years old. I remember living next door to my primary school music teacher, and she had a piano at her house. I would go over there after school to practice every day,’ says Josie.

‘My mum was very encouraging of me playing. She would say to me, “You have a gift there, don’t ever let it go”, and I sure didn’t.’

Soon, Josie’s parents bought her a piano of her own, and she started practicing at least twice a day.

When Josie was just 10-years-old, she won the Adelaide Eisteddfod Competition.

‘It was a proud award for me, and one that encouraged me to keep doing my craft. I have won First, Second, Third and Fourth Honourable Mentions.’

Josie went on to marry her late husband, Keith Wilson. The couple shared six children.

‘I have always been a busy woman, and Keith had his many endeavours as well, such as being elected the first Mayor of Whyalla in 1970, and starting up his newsagency there.’

Josie spent these years supporting Keith, and raising the children, but she didn’t stop there.

‘I was President of the Neighbourhood Watch, President of the Crippled Children’s Association of SA, honorary member of the local football club, and I modelled in the 60s.’

In 2014, Keith moved into residential care for a few years, before he passed away.

‘I wanted to stay close to him, and so we came across Resthaven Bellevue Heights, where I could live in the independent units on-site. It was perfect for us.’

‘I spent all those years with Keith, going back and forth, making sure he was alright. I didn’t know what to do with myself once he died.’

‘After conversations with staff, we realised that there was a musical space for me here.’

Now, Josie performs on the piano on the first Wednesday of every month, in the main hall.

‘Resthaven has given me a chance to share what I love again, and it has given me real joy to be able to play for an audience again.’

‘If a person has a particular interest or talent, go and see Resthaven, because there just may be a gap you can fill!’

Thank you for sharing your love of music with us, Josie.

If you are looking for retirement accommodation with opportunities for community involvement and stunning Sturt Gorge views, why not call to inspect a retirement unit at Resthaven Bellevue Heights?

For details, call 8373 9131 or visit Resthaven Bellevue Heights Retirement Living.