ACH Group

17 hours ago

Special guests surprise Bessie on her 92nd birthday! 🎂🥳

A late-night phone call to a commercial talkback show has seen the start of an unlikely friendship between a radio host and an aged care resident.

That friendship grew this morning when Leith Forrest - Nights, the host of FIVEAA's evening talkback show paid Milpara resident Bessie Dickins a visit to celebrate her 92nd birthday.

He didn't come alone either, he brought some friends of the program.

Mark Hanel, State Manager of The Cheesecake Shop came bearing a custom birthday cake, and longtime talkback collaborator FiveAA Health Expert Tracey Yeend delivered Bessie a bunch of flowers. Show Producer Blake Flanagan brought his winning personality.

Bessie has been a regular caller on the show where she talks about the art classes offered at ACH Group's Milpara residential care home, which she actively participates in. 🎨

During the visit, Bessie gave the group a tour of Milpara's Art Room showing off her favorite pieces of art, gave a demonstration of her work and artistic process and shared a slice of cake in the cafe.

Leith said Bessie was a brilliant radio guest and had gained a great following among FiveAA staff and listeners over the years. 📻

"Bessie is welcome on FiveAA anytime, she is always engaging and has great stories to tell," Leith said.

"Over the years she hasn't just bonded with us she has really connected with our audience as well.

"Bessie is now Bessie from Rostrevor. When you call in and you are someone from somewhere - you know you've made it on our show," he laughed.

Bessie said she never expected to become someone to call into a radio station and only did it on a whim.

"Leith and his guest were talking about older people and their secrets to longevity so I just called in one night," she said.

"During the interview they asked if I had ever been to a radio station. I said I hadn't and they invited me to come into the studio.

"I've been talking with Leith and Blake ever since."

Bessie said she was delighted that they paid her a visit on her birthday.

🎉 Happy birthday Bessie! 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less