Singing in the winter sun

COMBATTING loneliness and creating friendships through music, laughter, and poetry was the aim of a community walk in Omagh, which saw participants raise their voices – and, quite literally, sing in the streets!

The ‘singing walk’, titled ‘Our Great Winter Get Together’, was organised by local ladies, Valerie Whitworth and Briege McElhatton, who were on a mission to bring colour, creativity and cheer back into the lives of local people who have lost their spirit and social circles due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The uplifting event, which moved at a relaxed pace, began at Omagh Community House, before heading off in the direction of the Omagh Leisure Complex, and then the breathtaking Arleston Park, bathed in the cloak of winter, before returning to the town.

Singing took place during rest stops to bring smiles to the walkers; lovely poetry was recited by Briege to help the imaginations soar; and the beauty of our landscapes, betwixt the sights and sounds of nature, was seen and enjoyed by participants during moments of quiet.

The event was inspired by ‘Jo Cox’s Great Winter Get Together’, hosted every year by the ‘Jo Cox Foundation’, to help reduce loneliness.