Funding for Farmers' Choir 'will bring communities together'

FARMERS’ Choir NI is celebrating an award of £19,600 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The funding will help the choir strengthen community networks, develop social activities and support concerts that bring people together from across Northern Ireland.

Farmers’ Choir NI is a registered charity established to bring people together through song, friendship and a shared connection to farming and their local communities.

The choir brings together farmers, people working in agriculture and those living in rural communities, with members travelling from across Northern Ireland to attend weekly rehearsals, concerts and social events.

Many of the members are local - and they perform regularly in the Ballymena area.

While singing is at the heart of the choir, its impact goes far beyond music.

It provides opportunities for people to make friends, enjoy new experiences and build connections with others who share similar experiences and understand the challenges of farming and living in the countryside.

The funding will help the choir develop its community networks, organise more social activities, support concerts that bring people together to enjoy music and celebrate the people and communities that make Northern Ireland special.

These activities will help strengthen friendships, reduce isolation and provide opportunities for people to feel part of a wider community.

Barkley Thompson, Musical Director of Farmers’ Choir NI, said the funding will help them extend their reach.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive £19,600 from The National Lottery Community Fund.,” said Barkley.

“This funding will help us build on the work we are already doing and create more opportunities for people to come together through music and friendship.”

Johnston Adams, Chairperson of Farmers’ Choir NI, said the choir was a valuable outlet for the farming community.

“Farmers’ Choir NI is about much more than singing. It’s about friendship, having a laugh and knowing there are people around you who understand your way of life,” he said.

“Farming can be isolating, and our choir gives people the opportunity to get out, meet others and enjoy being part of something special.”

Pamela Duddy, Treasurer of Farmers’ Choir NI, agreed that it was a welcome boost for the choir.

“We are very grateful to National Lottery players for making this funding possible,” she said.

“It will help us continue bringing people together and strengthening friendships across our farming and rural communities.”

For more information about their work, contact [email protected]