Two delightful newcomers to Bagni di Lucca have given a wonderful gift to the community. David Gebhart and Frederick Rayner, the new owners of Villa Elena have donated a grand piano, which will now be housed in the casino, where everyone will have the chance to see and hear it.

The mayor was at the casino to accept the gift on behalf of the community.

There is a lovely story attached to the piano. David’s grandmother, Lula Ethel Aubrey, wanted David to learn to play the piano, so she paid for lessons for him from the age of 5 to 16.

She also knew he would like a piano of his own, so she paid a large deposit for a grand piano for him 40 years ago. Soon after making the down payment she passed away and David had to continue. He did so within 2 years.

David and Frederick had planned to keep their Dallas apartment and the piano was to be left there. A change of mind meant the apartment was sold, and, as they already had a piano in the new house, something had to be done with David’s piano.

They generously decided to donate it to their new community and the casino was chosen as the best place for it to be, where it could be enjoyed by everyone.

David and Frederick have also contributed to the community with the amazing restoration of Villa Elena, one of Bagni di Lucca’s grand houses. I’m sure it looks better now than it ever did. The work has taken a couple of years, providing work for many local trades people and local suppliers. They are a welcome addition to Bagni di Lucca.

Thank you David and Frederick.