Music, friendship and a BEM: Farmers’ Choir reflects on an extraordinary year

Farmers’ Choir members who participated in the Life Beyond Service.

The past year has proved to be both memorable and deeply fulfilling for the Farmers’ Choir, as its 55 members came together through music, friendship and a shared commitment to supporting rural communities across Northern Ireland.

Under the leadership of Musical Director Barkley Thompson, the choir enjoyed a packed programme of concerts, community events and media appearances, reinforcing its role as an important social outlet for people living and working in rural areas.

For many members, the opportunity to connect, rehearse and perform in a welcoming environment remains just as valuable as the music itself.

A year that began with song

The year began with a social outing for choir members before rehearsals commenced in earnest for their first concert of the year, held in the beautiful surroundings of The Braid in Ballymena. During this rehearsal period, several members also took part in the BBC ‘Big Sing’ at the Ulster Hall, hosted by BBC weatherman and keen chorister Geoff Maskell.

Farmers’ Choir members who participated in the BBCs "Big Sing"

The event brought together a massed County Antrim choir, conducted by Una McCann, with the Farmers’ Choir joining in a memorable performance of Elvis Presley’s classic ballad Can’t Help Falling in Love With You — an experience described by participants as both uplifting and inspiring.

Back in Ballymena, anticipation was building for the choir’s debut performance at The Braid. The concert, held at the end of April, played to a full house and proved a resounding success, setting the tone for a busy and rewarding spring and summer season.

Music in meaningful places

June saw the Farmers’ Choir perform in a variety of settings, including the picturesque gardens of Garvagh Museum and on stage at the Ballymoney Show. The same month also brought a deeply poignant moment as the choir took part in a service for Life Beyond, where music played a central role in reflection and remembrance.

Before the autumn rehearsals resumed, choir members enjoyed a well-earned summer break, marked by a day trip to Portrush. Over lunch, stories from the farming summer were shared, along with a lighter moment on the ghost train at Curry’s — a reminder that camaraderie lies at the heart of the choir’s success.

Change, renewal and recognition

Rehearsals resumed in September with renewed focus, though the choir marked a sad farewell to long-serving pianist Maurice Christie. Choir members presented him with a leaving gift in recognition of his years of commitment and musicianship.

The vacancy at the piano was soon filled by Roseanna Hunter, supported by Grace Dornan. Both quickly became valued members of the choir, bringing fresh talent and energy to rehearsals and performances.

The new season also brought a striking rebrand, with an eye-catching and thought-provoking logo designed by William Drummond. New ties and scarves completed the refreshed look, giving the choir a renewed visual identity to match its evolving profile.

In October, the Farmers’ Choir received further recognition when it was nominated in two categories at the NI Farming Awards, securing a well-deserved runners-up position in the ‘Society of the Year’ category.

Giving back at Christmas

Farmers’ Choir Musical Director Barkley Thompson 

The year drew to a festive close with a concert in Larne in support of Larne Foodbank, raising £2,012. This was followed by a Carol Service and two well-attended Christmas concerts, where the choir shared a mix of sacred and secular seasonal music with appreciative local audiences.

A retiring collection at the Carol Service raised a further £2,200, which will be divided between Life Beyond and NI Hospice — charities with deep resonance for many within the farming community.

The choir also enjoyed a lighter festive moment through its involvement in ‘Grassmen’s’ Christmas promotional video. A special recording of Little Donkey with Gareth Gault and the Grassmen team proved hugely popular online, bringing laughter and warmth to viewers and participants alike, and opening the door to potential future collaborations.

Promoting health and raising awareness

Beyond performance, the Farmers’ Choir continued to play an important role in promoting wellbeing within rural communities.

Members hosted a ‘Nip it in the Bud’ evening, part of 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 concerns at an early stage, with choir members describing the event as both informative and beneficial.

The choir’s growing profile has also seen members featured on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Ulster. A recent feature in The Farmers’ Guardian magazine included a wide-ranging interview with Musical Director Barkley Thompson, highlighting the choir’s reach and relevance well beyond Northern Ireland.

A fitting honour

Yvonne Carson ( center) founding member of Farmers’ Choir who was awarded a BEM in the King’s New Year Honours.

The year concluded on a note of great pride with the announcement that the choir’s founder, Yvonne Carson, had been awarded a 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 also continues to benefit from the generous support of several local companies and businesses, whose sponsorship helps sustain rehearsals, events and outreach work.

Reflecting on the year, Robin Swann, Choir Patron and South Antrim MP, said:

“it is obvious that the choir 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.”

As members look back on a year rich in music, friendship and purpose, the Farmers’ Choir now looks ahead with enthusiasm to another year of singing, connection and community impact.