Guildford’s Chapel Street Buzzes As People Join In The ‘Great Get Together’

Published on: 18 Jun, 2017
Updated on: 24 Jun, 2017

There was a real buzz in Chapel Street, Guildford, on Saturday (June 17), as people celebrated all things community as part of the UK-wide event The Great Get Together.

Having fun in the sun at The Great Get Together in Chapel Street, Guildford. Click to enlarge all photos in a new window.

Across the country there were more than 120,000 events over the weekend of June 16 to 18, to mark the first anniversary of the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox. In her first speech to Parliament she had said: “We are far more united and have far more in common that that which divides us.”

It was Mrs Cox’s family and friends who came up with the idea of encouraging people to get together and to stage events that would bring communities together and the one in Chapel Street was certainly a great success.

Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s own stand.

Organised by Voluntary Action South West Surrey, which has its office in Castle Street, it invited traders in adjacent Chapel Street to take part, as well as inviting a number of local organisations and charities it regularly works with to take part too.

The fabulous weather helped make it a special day as hundreds of people and passers by got into the swing of the street party with activities for all ages.

Face painting was very popular!

For children there was face painting, arts and crafts activities and games to play. Free refreshments and food tastings were on offer, information on local services, a chance to write to positive messages on post-it notes that were then displayed, live music from the Rhythm of Life Community Choir and the Ukeaholics, the Great Guildford Cake-off, free hand massages, and more.

Kerry Brown from Voluntary Action South West Surrey (left) with Kat from The Pilates Foundry.

Kerry Brown from Voluntary Action South West Surrey had worked hard in organising the event and said she was very pleased with the positive response from those who took part and the people who came along.

Jane de la Rosa from Catalyst, the drug and alcohol addictions service, said many people had been talking to her and were interested to hear about the work it does.

The Pilates Foundry has its gym in Chapel Street and had a stand manned by Kat. She said the day was fantastic and hopes these type of events can be repeated.

Guildford Museum was delighted with people telling them their favourite local history stories and memories.

Staff from Guildford Museum engaged with people asking them what makes Guildford Guildford? And what’s the biggest Guildford story that’s happened in your lifetime?

The Rhythm of Life community choir.

The Park Barn-based Rhythm of Life community choir, led by its musical director Karen Taylor with David Rose on guitar, played a selection of popular songs.

It was a hot afternoon and the Rhythm of Life community choir had a ball!

Afterwards, a man who had been listening told them that their rendition of the song Sloop John B had brought a tear to his eye as the last time he had heard it played was at the funeral of a friend of his who had been a seaman.

Free coffee anyone?

Nationally, The Great Get Together has been hailed as a wonderful way of bringing people together in the spirit of their communities. Jo Cox’s widower Brendan has been reported as saying he is “awed” by the way in which the UK has embraced his wish for communities to celebrate togetherness on the anniversary of his wife’s brutal killing.

Ian Ross from Voluntary Action South West Surrey on The Guildford Time Bank stand with a game for young people.

Elsewhere in Guildford events as part of The Great Get Together took place at Millmead and on Bannister’s Field. If readers have photos of these please email to drosedragon@gmail.com and we will publish them.

Art Venture invited people to get creative.

Like this!

Post-it notes with lots of positive comments.

The Ukeaolohics entertain at The Great Get Together.

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