Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

The Script

The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall

Listen Live

Acclaimed pianist performs at Harrogate care home

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 14:10

Harecourt Gardens

Care UK’s Harcourt Gardens, on Harcourt Road, opened its doors to live music from Channel 4’s The Piano finalist Duncan Goodwin.

The care home welcomed the community and the event was part of the residential care provider’s ongoing commitment to helping people better understand dementia and learn how to support loved ones living with the condition.

Research from Care UK found that two-thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age.

Many people are also unaware of the ways older people with the condition can lead meaningful lives.

Guests were invited to tour the home's dedicated dementia floor and attend informative talks led by Fiona Andrews, Dementia Forward’s Community Education Coordinator.

Attendees also enjoyed complimentary refreshments prepared by the home’s Head Chef, before gathering to enjoy a moving piano performance by Duncan, a pianist who appeared on TV show The Piano last year and is living with dementia himself.

The home raised money for local charity Dementia Forward’s initiative ‘Don’t Keep Dementia Under Your Hat’, which encourages open conversations about the condition.

In honour of this, the home held a hat competition where team members wore their most creative hats to show support, with prizes awarded for the best designs.

Jillian Pollard, Home Manager at Harcourt Gardens, said:

“Our event was a huge success!

"It was wonderful to see the community come together in support of dementia awareness, and we were honoured to welcome Duncan to perform for our guests.

“We'd like to say a big thank you to Duncan for his performance, and to everyone who joined us.”

For more information, contact Customer Relations Manager Jillian Shearer on 01423 205 870, email Jillian.Shearer@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/harcourt-gardens.

More from Local News

Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.