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Musical gift from the Bowe family to Maldon Hospital residents

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Kerry Cain,  Tarrangower Times

Music plays a vital role in promoting joy and well-being for residents in aged care, and recently, Maldon Hospital welcomed a meaningful gift that will enhance the musical experience for its residents. The family of nursing heroine Ethel Jessie Bowe has donated a beautiful Thalberg piano to the hospital, celebrating the legacy of the remarkable woman for whom Jessie Bowe House is named.

Ethel Jessie Bowe, a distinguished Australian Army Nursing Service Reserve member, served globally in Egypt and Morotai Island. Her contributions earned her prestigious accolades, including the Royal Red Cross, the Florence Nightingale Medal, and the United States Bronze Star Medal. She was honoured with a State Funeral, reflecting her significant impact.

Rod Bowe, Jessie’s nephew, proposed the donation of the piano after the hospital’s previous instrument reached the end of its musical life and could not be restored by a tuner. The timing of this donation could not have been better. The Bowe family not only transported the piano but also arranged for it to be tuned upon its arrival at the hospital.

Rod Bowe has deep roots in Maldon. Born in 1934 to Jim and Isabelle Bowe—Jessie’s younger brother—Rod attended Maldon Primary School and later Castlemaine High. At 15, he began his banking career at the State Savings Bank in Maldon, returning as manager in 1977. After a long banking career, he and his wife, Betty, retired to Bendigo.

The piano, originally purchased for Rod and Betty’s daughter Christine 50 years ago while they lived in Bendigo, has since travelled extensively with the family due to Rod’s work commitments. Christine reflected on her early lessons, saying, “I had lessons then but didn’t go much further. Life got in the way.” Over the years, the piano has journeyed through various towns, including Redcliffs, Echuca, Wangaratta, and Swan Hill before returning to Bendigo.

On Thursday 26 September, Rod Bowe and his daughter Christine, son Peter and daughter-in-law Leanne attended a piano recital featuring David Smith and soprano Elizabeth Barrow at the hospital. This event provided an opportunity for hospital staff, management, and residents to express their gratitude for the Bowe family’s generosity. Rod noted, “We have a strong family connection to both our Aunty Jess and Maldon, so the Hospital made a very fitting choice to donate the family piano.”

The addition of the Thalberg piano is expected to bring joy and enrich the musical atmosphere at Maldon Hospital for years to come.

Tarrangower Times 11 October 2024

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 11 October 2024.

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