‘Having a Yarn’ Leads to Connection

When Resthaven Marion resident, D’Arcy Hancock, turned 106 last year, making him Australia’s oldest ham radio operator, his story generated a lot of local interest.

Not least of which with volunteer, Joan Barra, who wondered if he could possibly be the same D’Arcy who had played in a band in Kadina along with her late father, Rex, in the 20s and 30s.

Resthaven Marion Lifestyle Coordinator, Karen Neighbour, says, "Joan went home and went through her father’s memorabilia, including photos of the band and old letters."

"In her searching, she found a handwritten card to her father from D’Arcy, containing D’Arcy’s radio call sign. That’s when she knew he was the same D’Arcy!"

Armed with all this memorabilia, along with her dad’s old radio equipment, Joan paid D’Arcy a visit, where a yarn or two were shared as the two took a trip down memory lane.

D’Arcy had clear memories of playing in the dance band. He recalled how Rex would drive up from Port Wakefield, meet D’Arcy, and they would travel to the dance halls together.

When Rex moved to Adelaide, the two gents kept in touch via their ham radios, talking regularly and sharing news.

Joan and D’Arcy have formed a real connection through sharing these memories, with Joan visiting D’Arcy regularly.

"Most recently, she brought in her dad’s saxophone. D’Arcy was thrilled to see it again," said Karen.

Joan has volunteered at Resthaven Marion for thirty years, visiting the site twice a week to assist with craft, visiting and pastoral support.

She is just one of the 470 volunteers who support Resthaven residents at residential and community services locations across South Australia.

Find out more about Resthaven.