Bus driver, jazz drummer and all-round good bloke is how Dennis Taylor has come to be known amongst his new mates at Enliven’s Kāpiti Day programme.
Living close by, Dennis rolls up to the programme twice a week for friendship and fun.
“It suits me quite well,” remarks Dennis. “I enjoy the company of the other visitors and the staff. And I do like the lunches.”
Kāpiti Day Programme was established by Enliven to enable Kāpiti elders with memory loss and other health conditions to socialise in a safe and stimulating environment while also giving their families or carers a break.
Waitara born and educated, Dennis, of Te Atiawa descent, left the cabinet making trade to become a bus driver. His career with Railway Road Services buses took him to New Plymouth, Gisborne and then Wellington. His ready wit and banter meant Dennis was extremely popular with customers, with one writing to the local paper singing his praises.
“I liked talking to the passengers, telling a few jokes,” Dennis says.
It wasn’t long before Dennis was promoted to inspector. Later for a change of pace he built up Paraparaumu Road Services from just one to 11 buses in 14 years. After selling his buses to Mana Transport he retired. Boredom quickly set in, and he went back to work for them – driving school and charter buses.
He met wife Miriam, also an avid golfer, at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Cub in 1985.
Music has always figured in Dennis’ life. He belonged to the Coast-to-Coast jazz band from 1989 – 2021 as the drummer and sometime singer. He still plays the drums at Paraparaumu’s Club Vista on the last Sunday of each month.
To learn more about Enliven’s Kapiti Day Programme, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 04 298 8060.
