“COULD It Be Magic” for a Saltburn care home resident after her wish to see Barry Manilow in concert came true – 87-year-old Joyce Tibbett certainly thinks so.
Joyce, who lives at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, added her wish to the home’s wish tree over two years ago.
The pandemic put the American singer and songwriter’s tour on hold, however, and it was only when he finally played Newcastle upon Tyne’s Utilita Arena in June 2022 that her dream was fulfilled.
The octogenarian was dancing and waving a glowstick to classics including “Copacabana”, “Could It Be Magic”, and her personal favourite “Mandy” until past midnight on the day of the concert.
She said: “I’ve been a Barry Manilow fan since I was young – so about 50 years.
“I’ve never seen him live before but I always wanted to and had all his records.
“My favourite song is Mandy because my great granddaughter is called Mandy and it always brings a tear to my eye. And he sang it at the concert.
“It was a brilliant night. Barry was awesome. Excellent. Fantastic. I can’t remember the last time I danced until midnight. What a fabulous time.
“My daughter-in-law Jan was very envious as she hadn’t been able to get tickets to the show.”
“Thank you so much to the staff at Hazelgrove Court for making my wish come true.”
The wish tree was set up at Hazelgrove Court Care Home in 2020, with one care home resident wishing for a surprise, receiving an honorary lordship from Hougan Manor, in Coniston, later that year.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at the care home, helped make Joyce’s wish come true by organising the tickets.
She said: “Even a week after the show, Joyce was still telling everyone about the concert and how much fun she had.
“It was so lovely making her wish come true. It was definitely worth the wait to see Barry after two years.
“Seeing Joyce so happy on the day is a memory that will stay with me forever.”