Eve Jeffery
‘Ahoy m’hearties’ was the catchcry at Bangalow Parklands on Saturday afternoon during the Connecting Generations Pirate Party.
Organiser Ruth Winton-Brown said the event was a particularly fun day for young families to mix with all generations on the theme of pirates and treasure chests. ‘All ages joined in donning pirate scarves and eye patches and earrings, making treasure chests and pirate puppets,’ said Ruth. ‘The dads were extraordinary in their willingness to participate!’
Connecting Generations is a group of Possum Creek elders (all with Working With Children Checks) who are bringing together people of all generations to share in the joys of each generation, offering support and enriching each other’s lives.
Opportunities for young families to meet different generations
‘We run picnics in the Bangalow Parklands (near the weir) once a month to provide opportunities for young families to meet different generations either with the aim of connecting for long term mutual support or just having fun in the park. Long time resident, the talented trumpet player, John Hoffman serenades us with a wide variety of music from Bob the Builder to Miles Davis.’
Ruth said that John sounded his horn to assemble everyone, young and old to begin the hunt for jewels along the ground to lead to the treasure chest. ‘It was spilling with jewels and pearls and magical gold coins and most of all precious books where parents or older folk could read to the book the child chose.
Duck – Duck – Goose!
‘The day was topped off with a strenuous game of musical statues and Duck – Duck – Goose.
‘The most valuable result was young families making connections with and older community member for mutual support.’
Ruth said the experience of life in a multi-generational and complex community teaches us how to be human. ‘Intergenerational bonding is good for everyone.
‘We are not a babysitting service, however, in the busy lives we all lead we can offer support for a doctor’s appointment, or we can come into your home to read stories, or we can play with the children while you make dinner etcetera.’
The plan is to run these events in the Bangalow Parklands on the last Saturday of the month. For more information on the Connecting Generations group and their activities, email Ruth: [email protected].
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