A Kingston care home has gained a new performer after a busker in South West London caught the attention of a member of staff.
Archie McKeown was approached by Wellbeing Coordinator Lesley O’Driscoll while performing in Kingston Market Place.
Archie now sings regularly at Royal Star & Garter home in Surbiton. Royal Star & Garter is a charity providing care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia in homes.
Explaining how Archie came to sing at Royal Star & Garter, Lesley said: “I was shopping in Kingston and all of a sudden I saw this young man singing, and he had the most extraordinary voice.
“I was blown away. I quickly checked that I could invite him to sing at the Home, and then introduced myself to him.
“I told him where I worked and who we cared for, and asked if he’d sing for us.
“I’m delighted he said yes, the residents love listening to him, and so do the staff!”
Archie said: “It was a pleasant surprise when I was approached by Lesley. I was very flattered.”
Archie finds performing at Royal Star & Garter special, and said it differs from his other performances.
He said: “I love it. When I busk, people are on the go.
“When I sing at weddings, it’s kind of hectic.
“But at Royal Star & Garter I feel that I’m singing to people that are really listening and appreciate what I’m doing.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere at the Home, the residents are really friendly and I always feel very welcome.
“Some come up to me after I’ve finished and say they enjoyed the performance, which means the world to me.
“I’ll never take compliments for granted!”
Archie treats residents to a selection of classics, ranging from Broadway, to opera, to Elvis. Among the favourites sung at Royal Star & Garter are Bring Him Home, Edelweiss, Nessun Dorma, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Moon River.
Among his fans at Royal Star & Garter is Air Force veteran Vera, who said: “I think he’s superb.
“I would like to be his agent!”
