A new weekly singing group for adults in Alness starts next week after the success of a one-off workshop which took place in the Unexpected Garden in The Field last year.
The Place Youth Club in Alness took on the lease of a disused field in Teaninich Industrial Estate during the pandemic to allow them to continue to work with young people outdoors. The Place have been working with many organisations and partners to develop the site and provide opportunities for children, young people and the wider community to enjoy this outdoor space.
Throughout 2022, Dingwall-based arts organisation, Fèis Rois, collaborated with The Place, Seeds of Scotland and Col Gordon to create an Unexpected Garden in The Field as part of the national Dandelion project. After programming a number of successful events in the Unexpected Garden last year, Fèis Rois has recently been awarded funds from the Highland Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, managed by Highland Third Sector Interface, to establish a new weekly group for adults to come together and sing in Alness; Voices in Bloom will start on the 18th April at The Perrins Centre, Alness.
Fiona Dalgetty, Chief Executive, Fèis Rois, commented: “After last year’s Unexpected Garden singing workshop with Corrina Hewat, those who took part were really keen to meet up again for something similar so we are delighted to be able to offer Voices in Bloom to the wider community, thanks to funding from the Highland Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
“The health and wellbeing benefits of communal singing are well known and we would invite anyone in the community to join in. This is a fun, informal group and a chance to get to know other folk in the community. You do not need to have any musical experience and it is free to attend so come with a friend or on your own, everyone is welcome!”
The sessions, which will take place every Tuesday, from 11am – 1pm at The Perrins Centre, Alness, will be led by musician and experienced choir leader, Jess Bates. Jess, a former Fèis Rois participant, studied for a degree in Folk Music at Newcastle University and has now returned to the Highlands to work as a freelance musician and now regularly teaches for Fèis Rois.
Jess Bates added: “There is nothing that brings me more joy and happiness than singing with others! I often have people who come to me doubting themselves about their ability to sing. The only thing that matters is how it makes you feel. I am so excited to be able to bring this to Alness and welcome new friends to laugh, sing and have a lovely time together.”
To find out more about Voices in Bloom and to sign up, please visit www.feisrois.org or email Tj Bawden, Fèis Rois Community Engagement Officer, tj.bawden@feisrois.org.