Our Silver Sunday celebration - held once again at Middlesex University - was our biggest ever, with over 800 people joining us throughout the day! This made it one of the largest Silver Sunday celebrations in the country and a true testament to Barnet’s vibrant, connected community.
Now in its third year, the event was delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet and Middlesex University, featuring over 45 information stalls run by local organisations and community groups.
The Silver Sunday initiative, now run nationally by Age UK, celebrates the contributions of older people while promoting social connection and helping to tackle loneliness.
Inspiring words and warm welcomes
The day was opened by Age UK Barnet CEO Helen Newman, who last year received a Middlesex Medal for her outstanding service to the community. She was joined by Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shân Wareing, Age UK CEO Paul Farmer, and the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Danny Rich, who all shared words of encouragement and celebration.
Celebrity Guests
We were thrilled to welcome Katya Jones, Strictly Come Dancing winner, who had everyone moving with an uplifting dance warm-up and stressed how important it is to keep moving as we get older.
Actor Carolyn Pickles (best known for her roles in Broadchurch, The Bill, Emmerdale and Harry Potter films) gave a warm and inspiring talk about ageing - what she loves about it and why sharing our stories matters. “When I was young, I was told my acting career would be over after 40,” she said with a smile. “But at 70, I’m still working!” A shining example of how staying positive about ageing really pays off.
We were also joined by David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, Barnet’s Ageing Well Champion Cllr Gill Sargeant, Council Leader Cllr Barry Rawlings, and many other community leaders who came to show their support.
Fun, connection, and discovery
Guests enjoyed a wide range of free activities, including creative workshops such as Indian crafts, health checks, massages, Dance for Joy sessions in our disco room, and free makeovers from Boots. Our art class and flower arrangning group put on a wonderful exhibition of their creations and we celebrated five years of our magazine Pigeon Post with a display of some of our favourite stories over the years.
Our advice team led a session on scams awareness, while local solicitors Fahri LLP ran popular talks on wills, power of attorney, and probate.
Other engaging talks included Professor Catherine Loveday on the link between memory and social connection and Dr Andrea Oski on the psychology of food.
Showtime!
The day was filled with fantastic live performances from the North London Rock Choir, Dare2Dance, Dance Barnet, the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community, and the N12 Choir. There were also tai chi, Bollywood dance, and seated yoga sessions - plus a standout performance from a talented 17-year-old crooner Brook William Charles with a very bright future ahead!
Heartfelt Feedback
We’ve been delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Dora wrote: “I just wanted to thank you and all the team at Age UK Barnet for organising such a wonderful event. It was entertaining, educational and informative. I had a great time, so a big thank you to all involved.”
And John told us: "It was a great opportunity to catch up with people."
Helen Newman, CEO of Age UK Barnet, said:
“We are truly grateful for the positive feedback - it’s a testament to how meaningful these moments are for everyone involved. Events like our Silver Sunday celebration bring people together, foster connections, and create a true sense of community. It was wonderful to see over 800 people join us for a day filled with joy, learning, and connection.”
THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to everyone who made the day such a success:
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Our Age-friendly Coordinator, Salima Jiwa, who pulled the whole event together. If you’d like to join the band of Age-friendly Champions - helping make Barnet an even better place to grow older - get in touch at agefriendly@ageukbarnet.org.uk.
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Our main sponsor: Barnet Grange – Avery Care Home
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Supporting sponsors: Medequip Connect, Your Choice Barnet, TLC Candlewood House, and Fahri LLP
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Middlesex University for being such generous hosts, and our partners Barnet Council and Age UK for their continued support.
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Our Age-friendly Champions and volunteers who make events like this possible all year round.
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And finally, to the performers, speakers, and community groups who brought the event to life, including artsdepot, BAWA, Barnet Walking Football team, U3A, The Finchley Charities, Dewa Trust Foundation, Barnet Carers, Inclusion Barnet, The Barnet Wellbeing and Prevention Team, Boost, Friary Park Bowls, Yaran Women's Club, The Centre of Excellence, Diwis Creations, UKHKer Neighbourhood CIC, UK Welcomes Refugees, Jewish Care, Barnet Multi Faith Forum, and The Flower Bank.
A few photos from the day!
From l to r: Age'friendly Barnet coordinator and Silver Sunday organiser Salima Jiwa, actor Carolyn Pickles, Age UK Barnet CEO Helen Newman, Strictly's Katya Jones and Age UK Barnet trustee and Sohini Boron, director of Home Instead Barnet
artsdepot dance group
Dare 2 Dance
Busy crowds!
From l to r: Vicky, Teresa and Chief Obi from Nigeria and Mohamed from Somalia - all in traditional dress
Just taking in the entertainment!
Strictly's Katya warming up the crowd!
A wonderful Nigerian outfit - made by Vicky from Diwis Creations
Pigeon Post columnists from l to r: Professor Catherine Loveday (Wellbeing), Kevin Green (What's growing on), Kato Lambrechts (Nutrition bites), Lee Janogly (Me and my very old friends), Ed Newman (Over to you interviews)
Art exhibition from our art class goers
Our sponsors: Barnet Grange care home - Avery, supported by TLC Candlewood House, Medequip and Your Choice Barnet
The team that made it all happen - thanks staff and volunteers!
