Sally A’Vard is a dedicated member of the Casey choir and loves performing at various local functions.
By Callan Date
CLIENTS who visit Sally A’Vard at her remedial massage clinic in Beaconsfield are generally treated to a relaxing body massage and, if they are lucky enough, a soothing rendition of a classic song.
The 49yearold masseuse and choir enthusiast was featured in the Gazette in July 1999 promoting the National Palliative Care Week and encouraging volunteers to help the organisation.
Sally spent two years with the South East Palliative Care agency and provided support and company to terminally ill people.
“It was both a difficult and rewarding experience and something I am grateful I took the time to volunteer for,” Sally said.
During that time, Sally recalls a special friendship she developed with a client who had breast cancer, but during treatment began to show vast improvement in her condition.
“We are still close friends to this day and we try to catch up as much as we can,” Sally said.
“It’s a great friendship that I would have never expected to have.”
Currently, Sally is involved in the Casey choir. She has been a member for a decade and although claiming she is “only a shower singer”, her performances tell a different story.
“I first got involved when the music director came in for a massage and heard me singing away,” she said.
“Ten years later and I have been president, a committee member and done nearly everything else involving the choir.
“I really enjoy the concert we perform around Christmas time and we also do some occasional singing at retirement homes and other local functions.”
With a clearly apparent zest for life, the mother of two has also been wearing the dancing shoes and hitting the floor with some friends.
“A group of us girlfriends has been going rock ’n’ roll dancing lately and I am really enjoying that at the moment as well.”
