Fund facilitates 101-year-old WWII veteran’s dream of playing piano

RAF veteran Douglas Felgate, 101, was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Community Engagement Workers when they learned of his great wish to learn to play the piano.

Doug was a wireless technician in the RAF during the Second World War and travelled to Italy and Malta before moving into a career in the NHS after he was released from service.

After visiting Doug to wish him a happy 101st birthday, Fund Community Engagement Worker Nicola Russell discovered that it has always been Doug’s great wish to learn to play the piano. He had been given a keyboard but was keen for some help to master it. Nicola found a local retired music teacher, Paul Laughlin, who generously volunteered to teach Doug himself.

Paul was delighted to be able to help Doug. He said: “I play in a local wind band. A fellow who is involved with the Fund put my name forward. It was such an unexpected request; I absolutely had to meet Doug and give him a lesson. I thought we should try to play the “March of Dambusters” which he appreciated. Spending time with Doug was a wonderful experience."

Doug continued to practice after the lesson. He said: “I enjoyed the new challenge and was grateful to Paul for giving up his time in this way. I would like to thank the RAF Benevolent Fund for making the connection with Paul and facilitating the piano lesson.”

Doug played some of the March for the other residents at their VE Day celebration. Nicola added: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to watch the two gentlemen play together and to see Doug’s great wish come to life!”