Elvis tribute Martin Fox brought an authentic belt from the King to show residents Picture: Colten Care

Elvis tribute makes 81-year-old’s wish come true in Blandford

Tait ap EllisOctober 31, 20250 Comment0

THERE was a little less conversation, and a lot more rockin’ ‘n’ rolling at a Blandford care home as a top Elvis tribute helped make a resident’s heartfelt wish come true.

Catherine Curtis, 81, told staff at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House that she would have loved to see Presley sing live.

While they couldn’t quite bring back the King himself, the home’s companionship team did the next best thing by inviting professional impersonator Martin Batten to perform.

Companionship team leader Sarah Vane said: “Martin arrived with all the charm and flair of Elvis. Before his performance, he took time to visit the residents and proudly showed them an authentic Elvis belt, a piece of memorabilia from one of the legend’s real shows.

Catherine enjoying the show Picture: Colten Care

“That touch immediately sparked excitement and set the tone for a memorable afternoon.”

The show, which included a change of costume, wowed Catherine and fellow residents who tapped their feet, clapped hands and sang along.

Home manager Emma Williams said: “After a lively 45-minute first half, Martin took a short break. It gave Catherine the chance to meet him in person, get a photo and even sneak a little kiss, much to her delight. The joy was infectious, with smiles around the entire room.”

Picture: Colten Care

Catherine, who moved to Whitecliffe House in June, said: “The show really made my day, seeing him sing in person. And I very much liked the cheeky kiss.”

Renowned as one of Britain’s leading Elvis impersonators, Shaftesbury-based Martin makes regular appearances at parties, festivals and events across the country, performing songs from all stages of Presley’s career.

Reflecting on his visit to Whitecliffe House, Martin said: “There was lots of interaction and I think the residents enjoyed it. Catherine certainly did. She is such a fan. I gave her one of the scarves I wear on stage.

“Elvis is the right era for those of her age. The set ranged from Heartbreak Hotel, recorded in 1956, right through to the power ballads of his Vegas years in the 1970s.”