LAST weekend I organised an event in Barry as part of the ‘Great Get Together’-a celebration of Jo Cox’s belief that we have more that unites us as fellow human beings, than that which divides us.

A year on from her tragic death, Jo’s words are an inspiration to us all and the ‘Great Get Together’ celebration is a fitting tribute to her.

Jo’s family came up with the initiative and wanted it to be a joyful event that celebrated Jo and the wonderful person she was. The sentiment behind the celebration is to bring communities and neighbours closer together-with people across the UK organising community picnics, coffee mornings, street parties and BBQs.

Our Barry ‘Great Get Together’ event was held at the Academy Espresso Bar in the Pump House and guests and members of the public were treated to performances from Barry Community Choir, Porthkerry Community Choir and Vale People First Real Lives Choir. (The Porthkerry Community Choir had a busy weekend as they also sang in Cardiff Bay as part of the Sing for Water event organised by the charity Water Aid.)

Songs sung included the civil rights anthem, ‘If I had a Hammer’ that was also sung by children from the school of Jo Cox’s young son at a memorial event held in Trafalgar Square last year.

Everyone also sang a new song. The words of Jo Cox’s maiden speech in which she said, we have far more in common with each other than things that divide us, has been set to music by Sue Harris.

It was wonderful to see so many people at this ‘Great Get Together’ event and also at other events held across the Vale of Glamorgan. There were get- togethers in Rhoose, Llantwit Major, Ewenny and many more-all wonderful examples of communities uniting together and celebrating the words of Jo Cox-‘More in Common.’

Funds raised at the Barry event will go towards helping those affected by the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower London. £275 was raised for the Grenfell Tower fire disaster and £60 will go towards the Jo Cox Foundation.