2010
The time came for Margaret to leave the LMP but not to leave behind her passion for delivering music to the wider community:
In November 2010 Everyone Matters registered as a company limited by guarantee.
2011 - our first projects!
Workshops for children with special needs:
“I was with [child D] who was very engaged and enjoyed playing percussion throughout.”
St Giles School, South Croydon
Informal concerts in care homes, day centres and the wider community:
“Events of this kind have a huge impact on our group of older people, all with a dementia, giving a massive lift to their wellbeing. The performance engaged and enlivened our group many of whom remained in high spirits long after the concert.”
Amy Woodgate Day Centre, Chessington
In August, Everyone Matters registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales.
2012 - more new projects begin
Our much-loved lecture-recital series Music Matters, generously hosted by Whitgift House in its beautiful Chapel.
Intergenerational projects
“The music and instruments very amazing…we would love to have you again… It was outstanding, the boys were smartly presented and so polite.”
Prince George Duke of Kent Nursing Home, Chislehurst.
2013 - a new project collaboration with amateur musicians
A residential course at Benslow Music leads to performances in local care homes in a new initiative “Performing for Hitchin” that has become a regular part of Benslow’s engagement with its local community.
“…fantastic music and the musicians were good with the residents…organised perfectly and wonderful music delivered.”
Benslow Nursing Home, Hitchin.
2019 - an intergenerational project with a difference “Percussion Side-by-Side”:
Young musicians who had come together to perform in care homes for older people now joined forces once again with a team of professionals including two percussionists to involve children from disadvantaged backgrounds and on the autistic spectrum to rehearse and perform together in an exciting ensemble.
2020 - the Covid-19 lockdown
The Covid-19 lockdown brought cancellations of all our live events and the start of an online video series.
Young musicians recorded short music videos for us to send to the care homes we could no longer visit for live performances.
“…I was simply engrossed in the performances of the two young people. They were brilliant, and brought tears of happiness to my eyes, just to listen to them. Thank you so much for sending it to us - it’s made my day.”
A Friend of Everyone Matters
The launch of Music Links and our YouTube channel Everyone Matters Music where a catalogue of varied music videos remains freely available to everyone.
“Thank you for all your wonderful efforts in making music accessible and available for us.”
A resident of a sheltered housing association
“Just a quick email to thank you so much for the emails with links to lovely performances. They have helped keep me sane!”
A Friend of Everyone Matters
2022 - winning an arts grant
As Covid receded Everyone Matters was awarded an Arts Regeneration Grant.
Midsummer Music took the form of a major festival centred around St Mark’s Church, Bromley South, with music for everyone from children in pre-schools and playgroups to the residents of local care homes.
It included an intergenerational project with one of our partner secondary schools.