An Elvis fan at heart
Date of news/blog: 12th December 2025At the grand age of 92 Brockington House resident and ex-ballroom dancing champion Gill Sparks has made an exciting discovery – she’s an Elvis fan at heart!
Elvis (or a lookalike anyway) was the star attraction at a garden party held at Brockington over the summer and Gill found herself bopping along with the King of rock ‘n’ roll.
Gill’s daughter, Vicki Webb, says it is just one example of how mum has settled into her new life at Brockington.
“Mum was a ballroom dancing champion and really enjoys dance and watching Strictly but I don’t think she’d ever been an Elvis fan until the garden party,” said Vicki.
“The range of events and trips they put on at Brockington is amazing and helps the residents remain active and enjoying life.”
Gill moved into Brockington in March 2024 after breaking her hip in a fall and being hospitalised. Prior to that she’d lived an independent life including 15 years on her own supported through regular visits by family following the death of her husband Brian.
The move went smoothly and the breakthrough moment came when Gill had enjoyed a day out with family and referred to Brockington House as “home”.
“Mum has a beautiful room with en-suite and the whole place is so clean, smells lovely and is fresh looking. It was lovely to hear mum refer to it as home,” said Vicki. “She loves the food there and the hairdressing salon and the staff are all so friendly and kind.”
Gill, who also features in our Magical Musical Memories book having chosen Twist and Shout by The Beatles as her favourite song of all time, has always kept busy. In the 60s she set up a “Wednesday” club for mums to meet up and enjoy a host of different activities. It’s still going strong today with Gill only recently retiring from her role as President.
For Gill’s family, it is important that mum continues to remain active and at Brockington she enjoys a range of events including bingo, quizzes, seated exercises, celebration events like the garden party and trips to the theatre, garden centres, tea shops and other suitable accessible venues locally.
“When we were young, she was the coolest mum at the school gates because she had this wonderful purple MG sports car which all the other kids wanted a ride in,” said Vicki.
“We didn’t want her to lose that joy of life and we’ve found the staff at Brockington feel the same and are very good at encouraging residents to take part in events.”