Farmers Choir NI reflects on a year of camaraderie and celebration

Under the leadership of Musical Director, Barkley Thompson, the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland’s 55 members shared their love of singing across a wide range of events and settings.

As always, the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland continues to provide an important social outlet for people in rural communities who value the opportunity to come together, connect and sing in a welcoming environment.

The year of 2025 began with a social outing for choir members before they embarked on a series of rehearsals in preparation for their first concert in the beautiful setting of The Braid in Ballymena.

While practices were underway for this concert, several members signed up for the BBC ‘Big Sing’ event in the Ulster Hall, hosted by weatherman and keen chorister Geoff Maskell. This was a wonderful experience with the singing farmers joining a massed County Antrim choir, conducted by Una McCann, to perform the well-known Elvis Presley ballad, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.’

Meanwhile, back in Ballymena, The Braid was preparing for its first Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland event which proved to be very successful, with the choir singing to a full house at the end of April. This set the tone for a busy spring/summer which included singing in the beautiful garden at Garvagh Museum and performing on stage at the Ballymoney Show, both in June.

June also saw the choir take part in a deeply poignant service for Life Beyond, where music played a meaningful role in reflection and remembrance.

Before rehearsals began in the autumn, choir members enjoyed a day out in Portrush, where they had lunch together, shared summer stories from the farm and had a run on the ghost train in Curry’s!

Following a well-earned summer break, rehearsals resumed in the month of September, bringing a fresh energy and focus. However, the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland was saddened to say farewell to pianist Maurice Christie, who had been playing for the choir for several years.

NEW SEASON

Choir members presented Maurice with a leaving gift to mark his commitment to the choir. This left a vacancy at the ivories which was filled by Roseanna Hunter, ably assisted by Grace Dornan. Both young ladies have settled into choir life seamlessly, and they have brought talent and musicianship to this role.

The new season also saw the choir rebrand with an eye-catching, thought-provoking logo, created with great skill by designer William Drummond. Alongside this new logo, choir members were delighted with new ties and scarves, giving the choir a new, fresh look.

The N.I. Farming Awards took place in October and the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland was nominated in two categories, with a well-deserved runners-up award in the ‘Society of the Year’ section.

The year drew to a festive close with a concert in Larne, in support of the Larne Foodbank, which raised £2012. Seasonal events continued with a Carol Service and two well-received Christmas concerts. These events allowed the choir to share Christmas music, both sacred and secular, with local audiences.

A retiring collection at the choir’s Carol Service raised £2200 which will be divided between two local charities, Life Beyond and NI Hospice.

The choir also enjoyed being part of the Grassmen’s Christmas promotional video. A special recording of ‘Little Donkey’ with Gareth Gault and the team from ‘Grassmen’ brought fun and laughter to all involved. This recording was widely viewed on social media and members are certainly open to a future collaboration with this fast-paced well-known brand.

Amidst these numerous events, the choir hosted a ‘Nip it in the Bud’ evening. This is a UK-wide initiative led by the Farming Community Network in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The campaign encourages farmers and rural dwellers to address health issues at an early stage. The choir members found the evening very informative and beneficial.

Additionally, members featured on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Radio Ulster. A recent feature in the national farming magazine, The Farmers’ Guardian, saw a very meaningful and engaging interview with Musical Director, Barkley Thompson and demonstrated the interest the choir generates, both locally and further afield.

Fittingly, the year concluded on a note of great pride, with the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland founder, Yvonne Carson, being awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to tackling loneliness in rural communities.

The Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland continues to be supported by several local companies and businesses which provide generous sponsorship towards choir activities and events. For this support, the choir is most grateful.

As choir members reflect on a rich and rewarding year, they look forward with enthusiasm to another year of music-making and friendship.

Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland patron and and South Antrim MP, Robin Swann said: “It is obvious that the Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland brings so much to so many people in so many different ways, in all the different things it does that's it true value should not be underestimated."

Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland is a registered charity which promotes the health and wellbeing of the farming and rural communities. The choir brings farmers and rural dwellers together to enjoy singing and increase social opportunities.

To find out more information about Farmers’ Choir Northern Ireland, email [email protected] or call 07709 223111.