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Her Majesty The Queen has been a wonderful supporter of Poetry Together and its aim of connecting generations through the joy of poetry since its inception five years ago. Gyles Brandreth says, “There is a lot of research on the benefits to young and old by reciting poetry but marry that with the value of intergenerational connection and it’s really quite special.”
Her Majesty talked with Colin and Avi about their Poetry Together experience before listening to them perform their poems. Colin commented, “I was struck by how gracious Queen Camilla was, she made sure everyone felt special.” Avi said, “It’s been the best day. Queen Camilla was so warm and welcoming, and the biscuits were really good.”
Colin and Avi met last year when Avi’s School, Buckingham Primary School took part in the Poetry Together Project. His class wrote their own poems based on last year’s theme of ‘happiness’ and connected with their local care home, Clarendon House Care Home, where Colin was staying at the time. Here, they shared their poems at a Poetry Together tea party.
Earlier this month, Poetry Together held a special event at Central Hall Westminster where 1,000 people, young and old joined together to celebrate all things poetry. Guests enjoyed workshops and performances from top poets such as former Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, Steven Camden aka polarbear and Laura Mucha.
The Poetry Society and the Forward Arts Foundation also joined to offer interactive activities. Guests representing schools and older people had the opportunity to perform in the Great Hall and attendees left feeling inspired and motivated, with a reinvigorated love of poetry.
The theme of this year’s Poetry Together competition is ‘friendship’ and younger and older communities are getting together all over the country to share their poems over tea and cake, with incredible outcomes and stories of connection.
Support of literacy is particularly prevalent following a recent report by the National Literacy Trust which noted a decline in children reading for pleasure at home. Jonathan Douglas, the charity’s Chief Executive commented, “the futures of a generation are at risk”. Promoting the benefits of literacy is a cause The Queen, Gyles and Dukes Education share and will continue to address though initiatives such as Poetry Together.
Studies have shown that learning poetry by heart improves performance academically at school, improving concentration, and even supporting better sleep.
For older people, evidence shows that learning poetry by heart can give you a happier and more successful life. It improves the ability to communicate and strengthen relationships, improves memory, increases brain capacity and can help keep dementia at bay. It’s amazing stuff really. Learning poetry together changes lives!
Poetry Together adds a further dimension – the well-documented benefit of younger and older generations working together. Gyles said, “There is something quite special about people from two ends of the generational spectrum, connecting and having a chat over a cup of tea. It is a wonderful way to being communities closer together.”
