Wellington Manor retirement village in Birkdale, Queensland is home to many interesting stories, though none quite as joyful to the ears as that of resident Betty Geise.

Betty had a musical childhood, a testament to her piccolo-playing father and violinist/pianist mother, and brings this life-long knowledge of entertainment and music into her home at Wellington Manor with the addition of a 100-year-old Wertheim piano which has been in her family for decades.

After being bought by her mother and kept in the family home in Jackson on the Roma railway line, the piano then traversed the state with Betty and her family, only to finally settle in Wynnum North, finding a place for more celebratory times.

“We spent around 40 years at Wynnum North, where the rumpus room was very good for dancing, parties and sing-alongs,” Betty said.

“It was wonderful for Christmas, New Year, birthday parties and charity functions.”

Betty, now 87, has lived at Wellington Manor with her husband Eric for ten years, and still has a deep love of music. “It’s a wonderful thing and can give so much pleasure to people: sick, old, unhappy or otherwise,” she said.

Much like Betty, the piano is still going strong and is always ready for a party.

“We’ve had a few get-togethers here, and the piano still has a lovely tone,” she said. “I’ve tried playing for dances in my time but I’d much rather dance than play!”