Choir raises voices, donations and community spirit at Barnsley College

Barnsley Community Choir runs as part of the part-time course provision at Barnsley College and is made up of members of the public of all ages and abilities, led by University Campus Barnsley Music Pathway Leader, Susan Donnelly. The Choir is invited to play at many private and community events and holds its own showcases regularly throughout the year. Its busiest time is within the weeks leading up to Christmas, with this in mind Susan and the Choir members decided they would help raise funds and food supplies for those less fortunate and give the gift of support for Christmas.

Instead of charging a fee for its appearance at Christmas events the Choir asked for the event organisers to donate to the Trussell Trust and for those in attendance at the events to bring in any unwanted food items to be donated. The Choir also raised a further £100 for the Trust at its own Christmas Concert held at Barnsley Sixth Form College.

The Trussell Trust partners with local communities to help stop UK hunger. The Trust’s foodbanks provide a minimum of three days of emergency food and support to people in crisis. Donations are vital to ensure the Trust is able to supply for those in need.

Susan Donnelly said: “Barnsley Community Choir has continuously helped to support the community in many different ways from singing in care homes to raising money at concerts, this year was no exception. There is a real sense of community within the choir and we are always happy to invite new members to be part of that.”

After the hard work over the Christmas period, the Choir are now ready to start a new term and is looking for new singers to join the troupe.