Two generations, up to 91 years apart in age, are being brought together through intergenerational activities in an Aldershot day centre.

The elderly participants at the Shawfield Day Centre in Ash, were visited by five children between three and four years old on Tuesday (November 5) for Bonfire Night-themed painting and ball games with a parachute.

The idea sprung from community warden Lesley Telford who had seen the success of intergenerational activities elsewhere. She asked Jack and Jill Nursery, also based in Ash, if the children would like to participate.

Nursery manager Gillian Luck was keen to get the children involved having seen Channel 4’s hit show Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.

94-year-old Doris Hennaby with children from the Jack and Jill Nursery

Mrs Luck said the older generation are an “integral part” of the community and she was eager to “develop an understanding and respect between the generations”.

After their fourth session, held on November 5, the organisers aim to continue the meet-ups to encourage the young and old participants to form long-term relationships.

According to Shawfield Day Centre manager Jane Mapp both the children and the elderly benefit from the project. She said: “You put any age group of children in here and the two generations just gel immediately. Both say what is in their head at the same time. They are so open.

“It is tremendously special. The generation [at Shawfield Centre] have been there, seen it and done it all. The young ones take sheer joy from every moment of life. Nothing is as effervescent as those children walking in today.£

Ms Mapp noted both generations gain mental health and wellbeing benefits, particularly the adults who do not have much interaction with the outside world.

Participant Ann Bland, 86, mentioned she felt “more energised” following the children’s visit. The sessions are designed to suit both generations and appear to be a great success so far.