Stories from a Hospital Volunteer - R... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

55,051 members65,842 posts

Stories from a Hospital Volunteer - Ring For The Butler

Greenthorn profile image
54 Replies

This is Part 2 of a story i posted recently and covers two visits to hospital on 23rd and 30th of January 2023. Warning - this is a long read but hopefully will bring a smile.

Its a story about a former butler to the Royal Family. We met David last week lying down in bed looking thin and frail at 86 years of age. One thing we noticed were his large ears which were not dissimilar to King Charles himself. This was David, though when we began talking with him he said that he was known as Michael. When he first gained employment as a young man at a posh London hotel, he was told that they had two or three employees named David so he would be known as Michael. Indeed, the name Michael was written above his bed.

Liz and I began asking questions about his career and so he told us all about the “Silver Service,” the way plates and cutlery would be laid out, table etiquette and all that. My colleague Lucy couldn’t but help but ask about members of the royal family. We even threw in Harry, but Harry wasn’t on Michael’s radar! Michael told us that he used to organise parties for the then Prince Charles at the Garrick Club in the heart of London’s West End.

I asked Michael if there was any particular genre of music he liked. He then said Tchaikovsky but as I was thinking how the hell do I spell that on Spotify he whispered Widor, and then “Widor’s Wedding March.” Michael was referring to Widor’s Organ No.5 toccata which I had known since my brother used to have a go at playing it whilst at school. Michael told us that is was played at his daughter’s wedding at Westminster Cathedral. Well, I guess the guy had connections!

I found the organ piece on Spotify and connected it to my Bluetooth speaker which I held near to where he lay in bed. As the music blared out, so Michael closed his eyes, and did so for the duration of the piece which lasts 6 minutes or so. It’s a magnificent piece of organ music and could equally be played as background music to the Grand National horse race, as it gallops along with huge bass pipes resounding whilst the right hand scurries along in waves and swells. At one point I had to turn the volume down a shade as the music was flooding the bay where 3 other patients lay. At the end of it all, Michael opened his eyes and simply said “thankyou.” I reckon he was transported back in time. I felt privileged to have facilitated this as it must have brought so many happy memories to his thoughts.

Lis and I wondered if he would be there the following week for Michael had expressed tiredness with life. But we felt good for we had allowed him to chat and reminisce a bit.

And so, on Monday of this week, we returned to the hospital to do our rounds over two wards. Of course, we were hoping to see Michael again, or learn that he had been discharged.

And then suddenly Liz pointed and exclaimed “There his is”. Michael was stretched out on the bed so that his head had rolled backwards over the back of the pillow. His mouth was wide open and such was his position, we could hardly see his forehead. (Above the bed his name had been correctly shown as David, written with a board marker. (Ah well, at last the hospital had got his name right.) But Michael was completely lifeless and still, and I would never ordinarily wake a patient up.

A patient opposite told us he (Michael) had been inactive most of the week; had never spoken and had hardly even moved. We were beginning to think that Michael might be dead. But he can’t be can he? The nurses would surely know! But there are so few nurses about.

Eureka! I had a thought. I looked up my Spotify playlist under “Service bell.” I had the idea that if I were to play a “Service bell” on my Bluetooth speaker, so Michael might wake up if he was alive.That he might respond to the sound of the service bell, imagining himself to be back at the Palace. I found the perfect “service bell” under a playlist called “Sound Effects Design Society.” But, and its an important but, did I have the nerve to do this? Would I be intruding onto his privacy? I could say that I was concerned that Michael may have passed.

And so, at a little distance away at first, I played the ‘service bell’. It had a bright clear ring, the replica of what you might expect to hear from an Edwardian household. The recording repeated the sound. “ring ring.”

Buy Michael never moved an inch. He lay motionless. I ventured a little nearer the bed and set the ring tone off again. No reaction. And a little nearer. Still no reaction. All was still, except for the ringing of the bell.

Lucy and I walked away a little upset. We neither knew whether Michael was alive or dead, although in truth we presumed he was alive. Better to think that than to believe we had tried to ring up the dead!

We walked slowly towards the next bay and saw two or three other patients, our spirits dampened. Then all of a sudden, Lucy took my arm and pointed to a patient lying on top of his bed. Liz said “look, it’s Michael.” Lucy was laughing her head off for she realised we had mistakenly believed the earlier patient to have been Michael the butler. We were ringing the bell for the wrong guy! Would you believe it? No wonder David hadn’t responded. The bell would have meant nothing to him. Certainly not a service bell.

Michael looked a little better than last week. His voice was stronger. He straightway remembered that I had played Widor’s toccata to him the previous week. (I could well have played it again to herald the fact that he was alive.) His name of Michael was still written up in broad tip black marking pen. It was the fact that he’d told us his real name was David, that Lucy jumped the gun when she saw David’s name up earlier and a man of similar age and weight laid out on the bed.

Michael told us he came from Stockport, which was where the British tennis player Fred Perry was from. One thing was clear with Michael; he did not like snobbery. He spoke of the occasion when the Duchess of Kent invited a 12 year old boy into the royal box at a Wimbledon tennis final, only to be later reprimanded by the Chairman. (The boy was the son of a murdered headmaster.) The Duchess never went into the royal box again.

Michael was hoping to be back at home soon. I asked if he had a garden. Yes, he said. The future was already looking brighter.

Written by
Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
54 Replies
sassy59 profile image
sassy59

I really enjoyed reading that David (that is your name?😀) I expect Lucy felt a little bit embarrassed but no harm done. So good to know Michael was alive and hopefully David too of course.

I remember the story of the young lad in the Royal Box at Wimbledon and I’m a great admirer of the Duchess of Kent.

Thank you for sharing what you do for others. You’re a star. Xxx👍❤️

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to sassy59

Thanks Carole, yes David IS my name. 😂

Michael was also telling us how the Duchess consoled a tearful Jana Novotna after losing the women;s final in 1993. Possibly the first time a member of the royal family had shown physical compassion to a member of the public. PS Lucy says she will dine on that story for the rest of her life!

sassy59 profile image
sassy59 in reply to Greenthorn

Yes I remember that story too. Such a lovely lady.

Good for you Lucy! Xx😂🥰

jillygirl profile image
jillygirl

Wonderful story thank you. 😊

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to jillygirl

Thanks jillygirl, it was fun to recount it!

Stratos20 profile image
Stratos20

Yes Mr G, I enjoyed part 2, thank you. But I feel somehow that’s not the end of the story? And did you find out if lifeless David was indeed alive? Keep ‘em coming. You and your colleagues do brilliant work 😊 Best wishes to you, Diane

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn

As for the end of the story? You never know! Whether we will see Michael again or his imposter, I wont know till next Monday, which is a day of the nurses strike. I might be asked to fulfill other duties but I'm gonna hold out as "Ward Musician." Watch this space!

PS I've been asked to go in on Valentines Day to play love songs etc and to help distribute chocolates and artificial roses to the nurses!

Morrison10 profile image
Morrison10

Thanks.for.good.update.hope.he.recovers.more.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Morrison10

Thanks Jean, I will check the two of them out next week.

Donald_1931 profile image
Donald_1931

You live dangerously doing your hospital jaunts, David, but I’m sure they are much appreciated. They certainly make good reading.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Donald_1931

Its one of two focus points in the week. The other is a piano playing spot at another hospital. Its when I turn on my entertainment button ha ha.

Donald_1931 profile image
Donald_1931 in reply to Greenthorn

Do you have you have your own instrument?

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Donald_1931

Don I play on a grand piano in the foyer of Queen Mary's hospital Roehampton, London on Thursday mornings. A medley of songs mainly from the American song book, Cole Porter, Gershwin, Rogers and Hart, all the standards from the 20's to the 50's plus music hall as well. At UCLH in central London I had my own portable keyboard but since Covid time and with the agreement of the doctors, that has been shelved and I rely on my Spotify app on my phone which I connect to my Logitech Blue Tooth speaker which is magic for I can bring Chopin, Sinatra and even whistles, dogs barking and Elvis to the bedside. One patient last year was a bell ringer so I played him a peel of bells which I found on Spotify and I swung the speaker over his bed as if it were a real church bell as the chimes came out! A special moment.

Donald_1931 profile image
Donald_1931 in reply to Greenthorn

That’s my kind of music. I used to play theatre organ before arthritis crippled my hands and I do miss it. I donated my Gulbransen Theatre organ to the local music society some 15 years ago. I bet you get a lot of satisfaction giving your Thursday morning recitals. 🤗

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Donald_1931

Wow Don! I just googled Gulbransen Theatre Organ to view some very tasty pictures. The piano is of course more percussive and better suited to me banging down the keys (I wear hearing aids). But even at my age I am learning to play with a lighter touch especially when the receptionist and outpatients can't hear each other (many of whom attend for audiology! What I most enjoy is discovering old songs, old ballads and then putting my stamp on them. I usually play from chord charts and that gives me room to scamper about in my right hand, probably like Stanley the dog might do whilst foraging! Let me know some of your favourite tunes/songs and I might be able to post something on the forum. David.

Donald_1931 profile image
Donald_1931 in reply to Greenthorn

That’s very kind of you David. Not many here will remember Sandy Macpherson who broadcast for many hours on the BBC owned monster theatre organ during WW2. I’d love to hear him playing anything jaunty again. 😀 On piano’Take Five’ was one of my favourites.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Donald_1931

And I chat to those who come to chat with me. Many people say "it makes a difference" or as one elderly guy said recently " you've made my visit a lot easier". So its those kind of comments that make it worthwhile. And you are right, i get a lot of fun out of it and try and keep my playing fresh, but occasionally play bum notes!

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply to Greenthorn

My Mum would have loved this and probably stayed after her appointment to listen x

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Izb1

It is nice to chat to outpatients. Not so many today. An Irishman with a young daughter asked for Twinkle Twinkle which I played, and the The Wheels on the bus go round and round! She was happy!

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply to Greenthorn

I am sure she was delighted , its great that you bring joy to people even little children x

djbctla profile image
djbctla

Interesting, amazing pictures in prose. Thank u David.

Bernardine 🤗🤗🤗🤗

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to djbctla

"Amazing pictures in prose." Wow, I'll remember that. Thanks Bernadine. 🙏

Karenanne61 profile image
Karenanne61

Thankyou for visiting the patients and sharing your stories. I do hope David went home to his garden.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Karenanne61

You mean Michael ha ha. I'll find out next Monday.

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

This brought a smile to my face, once I’d got over the fear that Michael was dead! Thank you.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to helenlw7

I'm glad you recovered helenw7 😊

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

🤗

Mrbojangles profile image
Mrbojangles

brilliant uplifting story,thank you…

👏👏

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Mrbojangles

Wow, Mr Bojangles, long time no hear! How are you? Have I been missing posts? Its true I have days when I never have the chance to look in on the forum. Its really good to see your name in print! I'm glad this story rang your bells!

Mrbojangles profile image
Mrbojangles in reply to Greenthorn

Still around but coughing for England.

Also still waiting for that elusive transplant call but eternally hopeful as always.

Keep up the good work Greenhorn, your country needs you.

🤪🤪👍👍👍👍

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Mrbojangles

All by best wishes in the coming months. It would be nice to get Spring under our belts.

Mrbojangles profile image
Mrbojangles in reply to Greenthorn

Ditto…

Not having much luck these days!

Phoned the Samaritans and they hung up.

🤪🤪🤪🤪

Threecats profile image
Threecats

You have a great writing style Greenthorn and some wonderful tales to tell. Thank goodness there are folk like you and your colleagues, able and willing to give such pleasure to the patients you meet. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Threecats

Thanks so much Threecats. Its very kind of you to say that. I do try and re-create the ward pictures into print, even if its only cartoon style!

Izb1 profile image
Izb1

Great to read part 2 David . I am sure you must get as much as the patients do from your visits x

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Izb1

Probably more!

Thepainterswife profile image
Thepainterswife

Another great tale David , and what a brilliant idea the bell was albeit tried with the wrong patient 😂 The best part of working with older patients I believe , is thinking outside the box to come up with ways of connecting , it’s a great feeling when it works . Long may you continue to make a difference 👏👏x

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Thepainterswife

When a song is being played, I do a lot of gestures, miming words and trying to prompt the patient into remembering a word or two!

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Thepainterswife

PS I saw a great comment from you about the lady who suddenly found herself playing the piano on a coach trip and saying to her "I didn't know you could play the piano" and she replying "nor did I". You told that story brilliantly but I cant find the comment now. Is it on another thread or post? 😂😂😂

Thepainterswife profile image
Thepainterswife in reply to Greenthorn

It was in reply to part one of this post about your hospital visit on the 23rd of January , you mentioned a lady who had been a concert pianist which brought the incident to mind . I was the Activity Coordinator and it never ceased to amaze me how strong a tool music was in the battle against dementia. I’ve known many residents who literally couldn’t put a sentence together but could sing and enjoy every word of the old time songs . I’ve helped scores of people up from chairs , people who couldn’t walk , but with support could dance through one of their favourite tunes then settle back into their chair exhausted but deliriously happy for a while . I only retired at 66 because my husband needed more care but I miss my job so much , the thrill of bringing a beaming smile to the face of someone who is confused and sad and seems lost in their own world , but actually just needs the right trigger to bring them back for awhile is the greatest feeling . I really envy you x

Nula2 profile image
Nula2

Ah brilliant story (parts 1 & 2). You take a ray of sunshine to all those people and then share the sunshine with us . Thank you 🙂👍xxx

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Nula2

Thanks Nula2 - as my colleague Lucy says to patients, we try to bring a little bit of outside, inside!

Nula2 profile image
Nula2 in reply to Greenthorn

Ah yes that's what you're doing - a bit like chatting and laughing with good friends. So beneficial. Takes you out of yourself - if only for a few minutes 🙂xxx

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Nula2

Yes Nula, well said. Its exactly like that, that's the kind of conversation we encourage; not the probing questions of doctors, but the everyday chat one might have on the bus with someone. I'll try and match my experiences with memories from the patient. And humour can be used as a key as well as music.

Nula2 profile image
Nula2 in reply to Greenthorn

👍🙂xxx

Alberta56 profile image
Alberta56

That's a lovely story. Gad it had a happy ending.

dunnellon profile image
dunnellon

Wonderful story! Drama and humor, with a sweet ending. Out of curiosity I had to look up 'Take Five' and as soon as it started to play, I recognized it as a Dave Brubeck Quartet piece. Wow! Forgot how smooth it was.

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to dunnellon

Paul Desmond on alto sax was dead smoooooth!

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Thank you for the story David. It was enjoyable and a lovely ending too. xx 🙂

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Caspiana

Thanks Cas, I'm glad you read it all. I'll be in again next Monday to see if either gentlemen is still there.

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46

Again apologies for being late with this. I seem to have a lot of writing to do and it is tiring me out…

Lovely tale, as always. You and Lucy bring so much joy and happiness to the patients. It is wonderful.

Love

Kate xxx

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Katinka46

Kate, what are you writing about? Work or play, or both?

Katinka46 profile image
Katinka46 in reply to Greenthorn

I will pm or email you…

Kxxx

Greenthorn profile image
Greenthorn in reply to Katinka46

Thanks.

You may also like...

Stories from a Hospital Volunteer (In reply to Garshe.)

In the graveyard or the crypt? Surely a rocket would do me good, Please send me off to Mars For...

Released from Hospital

was told i tested positve i felt like someone punched me in the stomach-particularly as ive had 5...

happy Xmas from a cozy Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

had sternum reconstruction yesterday so now looking for to Turkey with all the trimmings later today

Home from Hopsital after a second flare up/ Appointment at Sheffield hospital

scared -never had that sort of thing done before You wouldnt think the NHS was broken would...

Just returned from the Greek Islands

it. My 2nd day on holiday I notice I had an infected toe, we were on a small island with one...