People of all ages and stages of life joined together for an afternoon of music, creativity, storytelling and community spirit in Bangalow on Saturday for the Connecting Generations event at the Heritage House & Museum.
The afternoon included bush dancing, two bands, cowboy and cowgirl dress-ups, damper making, arts and crafts, face-painting, and connections.
Connectiong three generations were Mish Songsmith, Tom Hoffman and Gaia, a musical trio who delighted the crowd with sing-alongable songs before Murray Hand, Ali Brennan and their bush band added another dimension of delight and dance for all ages.
Good connections being made
Connecting Generations founder Ruth Winton-Brown said there were lots of good connections being made in all generations. ‘We are much more than just a fun family day we have a great team and we have created so many supportive relationships between the generations.’
Alpha Gen youngster Gaia brought her saxaphone talent to the museum and really enjoyed her show with John and Mish. Gaia said what she loves about playing the saxophone is that you can make different sounds with only a couple of keys and she loved playing with
the older musicians. ‘They’ve had so much more experience and they can teach you different things, even if they don’t have the same instrument.’
A generational connecting trumpet
Seventy-eight-year-old, Boomer Gen trumpet player, John Hoffman said he’s been playing the trumpet for over 60 years. ‘I love the trumpet because my uncle was my hero, and he played the trumpet. He gave me his old trumpet when he got a new one. I was seven!
‘Every time I play it now, because he’s passed away, I’m with him.’
Mr Hoffman really loved the connecting event. ‘It’s beautiful. What Ruth has put together is something that I’ve not experienced anywhere else, and I’m always so happy to be part of it.’
Mr Hoffman said he felt it was important for the generations to spend time together.
‘I think it’s very important to do things like this for every community. Australian communities have lots and lots of love happening in the community, and this helps everybody get to know each other, get to care about each other, and that’s that’s what’s more important than anything. Loving and caring for people.’
Mrs Winton-Brown said the volunteers are making the best connection and have cemented friendships – ‘that warms me.’
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