B4RN Hosts Digital Discovery Day in Barrasford, Northumberland

BARRASFORD, Northumberland — Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) is running a Digital Discovery Day in Barrasford on Saturday, 15th April. The event aims to introduce residents to the benefits of full fiber broadband and drum up support for bringing the service to the village.

“Life-Changing” Broadband Speeds

B4RN, a community-led fiber broadband provider, offers symmetrical gigabit speeds that far surpass those of traditional broadband. “It’s been life-changing,” says Sarah Thompson, 42, who had B4RN installed at her farm last year. “I can now run my business smoothly, and my kids can do their schoolwork without constant buffering.”

The company has already connected dozens of rural communities across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Yorkshire. It is now expanding into Northumberland, with Barrasford among the first villages targeted.

Volunteers Driving the Rollout

Key to B4RN’s success is its army of volunteers who help lay the fiber cables. “We rely on local residents to get involved,” explains B4RN CEO Michael Lee. “They dig the trenches, lay the ducts, and even blow the fiber. It’s a real community effort.”

The approach keeps costs down, enabling B4RN to offer its service for just £30 per month. “That’s a bargain for gigabit speeds,” says Tom Jenkins, 35, a graphic designer who works from his home in nearby Chollerton. “I’m definitely signing up if they come to my village.”

Fiber for Farmers

B4RN is particularly popular with farmers, who often struggle with slow, unreliable connections. “Our old broadband was hopeless,” recalls David Wilson, 58, who runs a dairy farm outside Barrasford. “I couldn’t even check the weather forecast without the page crashing. With B4RN, I’ll be able to monitor my livestock remotely and access online markets.”

The company has connected over 90% of farms in some areas, a testament to the demand for better rural broadband.

Tackling the Digital Divide

Despite the government’s pledge to bring gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of UK premises by 2025, many rural communities remain underserved. “We can’t wait for the big providers to get around to us,” says Parish Council Chair Emma Richardson. “B4RN offers a way for villages like ours to take control of our digital future.”

The Digital Discovery Day will feature demonstrations of B4RN’s service, as well as talks by residents who have already benefited from it. Organizers hope to sign up at least 50% of Barrasford households to make the rollout viable.

Looking Ahead

As B4RN expands into Northumberland, other villages are watching closely. “If Barrasford can do it, why can’t we?” asks Julie Davis, 46, from nearby Simonburn. “I think this could be the start of something big for rural broadband in the region.”

The Digital Discovery Day runs from 10am to 4pm at Barrasford Village Hall. All residents are welcome, with refreshments provided by the Women’s Institute.