Crime & Safety
Hawkstone Farmers Choir make major move after golden buzzer
Originally founded by Jeremy Clarkson in the Cotswolds to advertise his alcohol brand, the group is a collective of real British farmers.
The choir appeared on Britain’s Got Talent over the weekend (Saturday, March 21), and secured a golden buzzer from Amanda Holden during their audition.
This rare honour, which sends the 32-strong collective straight through to the live semi-finals, was given following a performance of the Elbow anthem “One Day Like This” at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson revamps Cotswolds farm shop with major changes
Mr Clarkson was left visibly emotional by the performance as he took to the social media site Instagram to share a raw clip with his instant reaction.
“I watched Britain’s Got Talent tonight for the first time because the Hawkstone Choir were on and they were just fantastic,” he said, appearing to be close to tears.
“These guys are all farmers, and they work incredibly hard for really incredibly small rewards, and to see them all on that stage with all that love in the room made my heart sing. I actually welled up.
“It shows that people quite like farmers. They were very, very good, well done, all of you. I’m a very happy man tonight.”
Now, in a move to build powerful momentum ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the BGT fame is being channelled into direct action for the farming community.
READ MORE: Cosy Cotswolds pub visited by King Charles for sale at almost £1m
Hawkstone has today (Thursday, March 26) announced the release of a limited-edition vinyl record, with 100 per cent of profits being donated to the mental health charity, Shout.
This release is timed to rally support and amplify the conversation around mental well-being in farming communities across the UK, ensuring the topic is at the forefront of the national consciousness leading into May.
The limited-edition vinyl includes ‘F**k Me It’s Good’, ‘It’s The Dog’s Nuts’, ‘Apples’, and ‘The Stout National Anthem’.
Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director of Shout, said: “The Hawkstone Farmers Choir has given an incredible voice to the mental health challenges faced by so many in the agricultural community.
“We are immensely grateful to be the charity partner for this project. The funds raised from this vinyl will be vital, enabling us to train more volunteers and be there for anyone in the farming community who is struggling to cope. It will save lives.”
READ MORE: Princess Anne heckled over Andrew during Oxford University visit
Recent statistics show that 95 per cent of farmers under 40 identify poor mental health as a significant issue in the industry.
Hawkstone’s partnership with Shout provides a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service.
By texting the word ‘HAWKSTONE’ to 85258, farmers in need can have a conversation with a trained volunteer at any time of day or night.
The limited-edition vinyl is available for pre-order now, exclusively from the Hawkstone website
Cotswold Wildlife Park was established by John Heyworth on the Bradwell Grove Estate and opened on Good Friday, March 27, 1970.
It began with 341 animals and has since grown to house more than 1,500 animals across 250 species.
A spokesperson for Cotswold Wildlife Park said: “We hope you’ll join us in celebrating 56 wonderful years of Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens and we’d like to thank our visitors for their loyal support over the years.
“We must thank them for all their support for more than half a century.”
From its early days on a shoestring budget, the park has expanded to include giraffes, which arrived in 2010 for its 40th anniversary, and rhinos such as D’ora, named during its golden jubilee year in 2020.
George the Aldabra giant tortoise is the park’s oldest and only original resident.
To mark the 50th anniversary, keepers made him a special cake during the lockdown.
The Wantage Orchestra Spring Concert at the Old Mill Hall in Grove was celebrated as “an inspired afternoon” with the highlight being a recital by 17-year-old Katherine Payne.
The young violinist has been described as a “virtuosic performer” and is in her final year at the Yehudi School of Music.
READ MORE: Ticket confusion as football legends event at local club cancelled
She will go on to study violin further once she turns 18 and is the recipient of many prizes including the Celia Walker overall prize.
Ms Payne was the leader of the Thames Valley Youth Orchestra and was playing on a Castagneri violin and a Morizot bow, sponsored by the Cherubim Trust.
Typically these violins sell at auction for between £5,000 and £15,000.
At the performance on Saturday, March 21 there was standing room only with Beethoven’s Symphony no.7 and Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie being played.
Conductor Christopher Fletcher Campbell called it “an inspired afternoon”, with home made cakes made available at the interval
One audience member said: “We enjoyed the Wantage Orchestra concert yesterday.
“Lovely programme, and Katherine was very accomplished. Good to see it so well supported.”
READ MORE: Michelin recommended village pub up for £545,000 sale amid major price drop
Another added: “What a wonderful afternoon performance, beautiful sunshine outside and amazing performance inside.
“The choice of pieces brought out the best from everyone and they bought enjoyment to us all. Thank you I look forward to future concerts.”
The group’s next concert will be on Sunday, July 5 at 7pm at The Wantage Parish Church, with more information available on its website.
Originally scheduled to close on April 10, Blueprints of Power at Blenheim Palace will now remain open until May 31.
The decision marks 300 years since the death of Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Heather Carter, managing director of the visitor attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “Blueprints of Power has sparked remarkable momentum, opening conversations across generations.
“The response has been excellent, so we’re pleased to be extending the exhibition to give visitors more time to explore Sir John Vanburgh’s remarkable life.
“From his architectural brilliance to his larger-than-life character, never-before-seen items, interactive experiences and an immersive finale in the Long Library make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture fans and anyone curious about the fascinating story behind Blenheim Palace.”
The exhibition offers an immersive journey through Vanbrugh’s diverse career, from playwright to architect, and sheds light on his complex relationship with the First Duchess of Marlborough, Sarah Churchill.
Visitors begin in the Great Hall, where models, plans, and letters introduce Vanbrugh’s work, before moving through other rooms that explore his influences and connections.
A highlight of the exhibition is the finale in the Long Library, featuring a projection experience with light, sound, and motion.
This segment tells the story of Blenheim Palace’s construction.
Admission to the Blueprints of Power exhibition is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic