Ballynahinch singer performs at nursing homes

Ballynahinch singer performs at nursing homes

8 April 2020

A BALLYNAHINCH man is serenading residents in local nursing and residential homes through the COVID-19 crisis with hit songs to remind them of happier times.

The gesture from popular singer Wayne Rodgers is even more laudable as he lost all his work overnight in the lockdown as a driving instructor and a wedding band performer.

The 49 year-old performed outside four homes on Monday, delighting the residents and carers in Redburn Nursing Home, Oakridge Care Home, Spa Nursing Home and Fishbourne House Care Home.

Performing classic hits from artists such as Jim Reeves and Cliff Richards, Wayne believes his singing is helping strike a chord with the elderly residents who need to be kept apart from family members at this time.

“The singing helps the residents and it really helps me too as it passes the time for me as my work has had to stop due to the virus,” said Wayne, who now lives in Bellaghy.

“I’ve received photographs taken from the inside of the home showing residents enjoying my songs and it’s lovely to see. It can get really emotional as there are now family members turning up to wave and talk to their relatives through windows while I sing.

“It’s heartfelt to see their enjoyment at being able to connect with their parents or grandparents inside. It can be heart-breaking at times but it’s still nice to see it.

“I have been told by some of the carers that they have seen some patients with dementia sing along to the music and that’s also really good to know.”

A former soloist with St Patrick’s Church in Ballynahinch and ex-pupil of St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, Wayne ensures he keeps the residents and carers safe at all times.

A long extension power lead from the home is laid for him before he arrives so he can plug in his mixing desk, microphone and laptop.

Wayne said: “It’s sterilised before I get it and when I had it back it’s sterilised again so I have no direct contact with anyone in the home.

“I try not to sing beyond 40 minutes as the homes often open the windows to allow residents to hear better and I’m conscious of not wanting anyone to get too cold in the process.”

Wayne started off singing at a Magherafelt nursing home when a pub owner he’s friendly with was approached by the home asking for suggestions at how they could entertain the residents.

He added: “The residents in the home loved it and asked me to come back again so I did and then I got calls from other homes.”

He now has nine performances under his belt with the help of his brother-in-law, former Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin, and his sister, Michelle, who runs Paddy Kelly’s Bar in Ballynahinch.

Wayne, whose parents Maurice and Naveen still live in Ballynahinch, has been a show band singer for years and once performed with the legendary Sunshine.

Gigs for his wedding band, The All Stars, have been cancelled or postponed as couples were force to rebook their wedding dates.

Wayne is performing free of charge and says he is happy to as it gives him some focus in his life at this time.

“I don’t have much else to do as work has stopped, but I do feel a lot better knowing that I’m bringing some happiness to others,” he added.