Special car park gig by Wigan singer at care home to spread a little joy amid crisis

Elderly residents had a brief respite from the monotony of self-isolating when a Wigan singer turned up to perform for them.

Residents at Ambleside Bank care home were treated to renditions of some of their favourite songs by Scholes artist Pat Masterson.

Like many singers across the country, she has been left unable to earn a living due to the nationwide lockdown measures on pubs, clubs and performance venues. But this hasn’t stopped her from still spreading a little joy through music.

Pat, whose mother lives at the care home, surprised all of the residents by turning up outside the building and launching into some nostalgia-inducing songs, to the delight of the residents who gathered in front of the windows on a bright, sunny day.

Pat, 58, said: “It was absolutely brilliant, I’ve never seen them so happy.

“My mum was in there so it gave me a chance to see her. They were all dancing and singing, they loved it.

“We’ve lost our work for months, it’s mad, so this has just kept me busy. I did everything from 40s music to the 60s and 70s.”

She added: “It was a complete surprise for them, they didn’t know it was happening, so it was a good surprise.

“All the songs they liked, they were all singing. I saw the managers crying, they thought it was brilliant.”

Although Pat had a personal reason to choose Ambleside Bank, she said she was ready and willing to perform for residents at any care home in Wigan.

“If anyone else wants me, I don’t mind at all,” she said.

“I also like to cook for them. I take food around and I’ve been making pies for everyone and delivering them. I’m just a big softy!”

A manager at the care home said: “They thought it was fabulous. It was nice because we’re all on lockdown, so they needed it. I think Pat did as well. It was good for morale, for the staff as well as the residents, and our neighbours! It’s been lovely, it showed great community spirit.”