Musical Conversations with Colin Bennett

94-year-old Colin Bennett, a resident at Silvermere Care Home in Cobham, Surrey, has been taking part in IMM’s Musical Conversations Programme. The Intergenerational Music Making Charity (IMM), works, “To bridge the gap between generations, tackling loneliness, and isolation whilst creating stronger, artistically-driven intergenerational communities.”

Working in collaboration with The Chineke! Foundation, the UK Wide Musical Conversation Programme meant residents from care homes could post their favourite songs and connect with others in a community forum created on Facebook. Colin has always been a fan of music, and thoroughly enjoys visits from local primary schools who come to sing to residents, but due to restrictions, this could not take place this year.

In place of the physical visits, members of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra have been sending in their recordings of Colin’s favourite songs they found on the forum for him to enjoy in the comfort of his own home.

The touching moment Colin hears a virtual rendition of one of his favourite songs, ‘You Make Me Feel So Young’, by 11-year-old Nayan, was captured during an interview with ITV News on Monday evening. Charlotte Miller, Director at IMM, said, “The power of music can unite people. It can bring joy and hope, and it can support the old and young alike.”