Community pulls together to record lockdown song for foodbanks

Volunteers, many of whom had never sung before, used their time in lockdown to record a community song to raise money for the local

foodbanks in Hetton and Easington Lane.

The project, Sing For A Supper was the idea of Vicki and Howard Kennedy from V&H Creative. The couple, who live in Houghton and who manage a creative management business, were successful in receiving a grant from 3 Together Big Local to fulfil their idea.

An advert was put out to members of the community to take part in the community song.

Vicki Kennedy, project lead, said: “We were nervous that we wouldn’t get much interest at first, we thought that it may seem too daunting to many people, but within days we had kind volunteers coming forward to say they would like to be involved.”

Each participant had just two weeks to learn and record the song individually in their homes and then the final audio and video was edited in to one recording. The song Something Inside So Strong was chosen by the community to demonstrate solidarity and community spirit at an uncertain and unsettling time.

A Just Giving Page was set up to raise vital funds for the foodbank at Hetton New Dawn and Easington Lane Access point. Already surpassing their target, the community song has raised £620, which will go a long way to provide food for those most in need in the 3 Together Big Local area.

But the group would love more donations to help others during this time.

“We really have been blown away by the community spirit in this area. We were supported by so many people to make this project possible. “Our youngest participant was three years old, and our more ‘mature’ participant was 95 years old. Some had never sung in public before, it was a daunting and brave thing to do and we’re incredibly grateful. It’s going to make a massive difference,” said Vicki.

The song was made up of families and individuals with appearances from residents at Primrose Care home, Hetton Lyons Primary School, NHS staff and local councillors.

Kevin Clark, Manager at 3 Together Big Local, said: “It was very moving to see the completed video and song at a time when togetherness and community spirit are so needed. We wanted to do something to raise a smile and to help us start a community choir, hopefully this is a kick start to something amazing.

“The cherry on the cake has been the generosity of so many who have contributed to our local food bank through this song - a real response to hardship for those who use the service.”

V&H Creative has now successfully secured further funding from 3 Together Big Local, to run weekly community singing and music sessions during lockdown, leading up to a public performance when lockdown rules are eased.

If anyone from the Coalfields area, is interested in being part of the project, all are welcome. Email vicki at [email protected]

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