‘Truly Inspiring’ Musical Event Brings Generations Together

Published on: 31 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 1 Jan, 2025

At the back Lord Kamall (left) and the High Sheriff joining the children from St Nicolas Infant School accompanied by Charlotte and Kamila from IMM. Photo Andy Newbold

A Guildford Hub musical event, held in the lead up to Christmas on December 13, was described as “truly inspiring” by the Shadow Minister of Health and Social Care. Lord Kamall of Edmonton.

Also attended by the High Sheriff of Surrey, Shahid Azeem DL, the event was part of a programme organised by the Guildford Hub and Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), who are a pioneering national charitable organisation to bring people of all ages together through music and creativity, addressing loneliness and isolation while enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Musical members of GURC Jean & Peter from the “senior generation”. Photo Andy Newbold

The “Intergenerational Guildford Hub” is a collaborative programme between Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) and the Guildford United Reformed Church. It brings people of all ages together through music and creativity. The hub is an initiative created and facilitated by IMM, a pioneering national charity, focuses on reducing loneliness and isolation while enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Teacher Ali McClure leading the young singers from St Nicolas Infant School music group. Photo Andy Newbold

With over a decade of experience, IMM says it has impacted the lives of more than 78,000 participants across the UK. Its work has earned recognition at the highest level, including the Prime Minister’s Community Champion Award. IMM’s vision is “to foster a society where meaningful intergenerational connections are fundamental to thriving, inclusive communities”.

The Guildford Hub: Connecting Communities Through Music was established in 2019, and has been at the heart of IMM’s efforts to bring people of all ages together through music. Initially hosted at The Electric Theatre, the hub has since found its home at Guildford United Reformed Church, where it continues to grow as a vital space for community connection.

Each session is intended to be a dynamic celebration of intergenerational collaboration, with participants ranging from individuals living with dementia, those experiencing social isolation and loneliness, and members of the local church community, to children from early-years nurseries, local school groups, and organisations like HALOW.

Children from Child’s Play Pre-School and young adults from the Halow Project joined the older visitors – a true mix of ages from 10 months to 101! Photo Andy Newbold

Sharing his thoughts on the session Lord Kamall said: “It was truly inspiring to see how the Guildford Hub brings generations together through music and connectivity in such a meaningful and impactful way. This is intergenerational work at its best building bridges, breaking down barriers, and creating a sense of belonging for everyone involved. My thanks to IMM and its incredible team for leading this transformative work.”

And High Sheriff Shahid Azeem added: “There were some lovely moments as the energy and enthusiasm of the young children in the room lit up the faces of the many older retired people, themselves clapping and singing along as were several participants who had other challenges – a great example of organisations, including a local school and members of the church, all working together to make a warm happy and very inclusive occasion”.

Christmas Tree Festival

Guildford’s Street Angels decorated a tree – and received £1,000 in donations from visitors to the Festival. Photo Andy Newbold

Another event at the United Reformed Church was the Christmas Tree Festival, first held in 2015.

The aim is to provide an opportunity to bring together the 35 community groups which meet regularly in the church building ranging from the Little GURKINS Toddler Group to the Sunflower Café Dementia Support Group. Activities include yoga, Pilates and choral singing.

The church also provides a venue for a dozen “12-Steps” groups catering for addictions including alcohol, narcotics, and gambling.

A spokesperson for the church said: “Our guiding principle here is to extend a warm and unconditional welcome to all in a progressive safe environment. This includes hosting Guildford Muslim Society’s thriving Friday Prayers.

“Many of these groups have contributed the trees, with cleverly themed decorations. The result was a very Christmassy indoor forest which attracted visitors and raised funds for two charities that the church support, Street Angels and Cherry Trees.

“It is incredible what can be achieved when the community comes together in such a positive and creative way.”