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21st April 2024
New Recordings
If you would like to rehearse at home, recordings can be found in the 'Soprano / Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. Sam has kindly recorded 'Edelweiss', which has been uploaded for you to use.
New Recordings
If you would like to rehearse at home, recordings can be found in the 'Soprano / Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. Sam has kindly recorded 'Edelweiss', which has been uploaded for you to use.
18th April 2024
An Evening of Music - Saturday 18th May 2024
Over the next few weeks, we will preparing for our performance at a joint concert with Sunderland Jubilate Choir. This will take place at St John's Church, Birtley on Saturday 18th May 2024 at 7pm and will form a part of the church's 175th Anniversary celebrations. Please see below for more information regarding ticket sales.
Over the next few weeks, we will preparing for our performance at a joint concert with Sunderland Jubilate Choir. This will take place at St John's Church, Birtley on Saturday 18th May 2024 at 7pm and will form a part of the church's 175th Anniversary celebrations. Please see below for more information regarding ticket sales.
14th April 2024
Chester-le-Street Civic Choir Concert
Chester-le-Street Civic Choir are having a concert on Saturday 20th April 2024 starting at 3pm at St Mary and St Cuthbert's Parish Centre, Church Chare. Free tickets are available for the event, which is a part of the choir's 60th Anniversary celebrations.
If you would like to attend this concert, please contact Julie L before Tuesday. Thank you.
(Please note: Messages sent via the 'Contact' page of this website will be forwarded to Julie L if you do not have her contact details).
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
We are continuing to collect money for April's Bonus Ball Fundraiser. If you would like to enter, please pass your £1 to Marjorie next week. The fundraiser costs £1 per month and the winning member will receive half of the amount raised, with the remaining half contributing to choir funds. This is purely voluntary and you are not obliged to enter every month.
New Choir Members
We are always keen to welcome new members to our choir. If you know anyone that might be interested in coming along for a trial session, the advert below may be useful:
We are always keen to welcome new members to our choir. If you know anyone that might be interested in coming along for a trial session, the advert below may be useful:
13th April 2024
Joint Concert 13th April 2024
Our joint concert with Sunderland Jubilate Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village was a huge success. It was a very entertaining afternoon, which was enjoyed by everyone. (Photos to follow).
12th April 2024
Concert 13th April 2024
We are looking forward to our concert at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village on Saturday 13th April 2024. Please arrive before 1.30pm so that we can arrange seating etc. You should wear your black uniform with your red scarf and music should be placed in your black concert folder. Please ensure that your music is hole-punched and place directly in the folder, not in poly-pockets. Thank you.
The music order for the concert is as follows:
-Our Boy (with Jubilate)
-Look At Us Now
-The Rose
-Rhythm of Life
-Siyahamba
-Can't Help Falling in Love
(Jubilate)
Break
(Jubilate)
-Mary Poppins Medley
-Habanera
-Love Divine
-Doh a Deer
-Let There Be Peace On Earth
-One Voice (with Jubilate)
-Hold On Tight (with Jubilate)
We look forward to seeing everyone there.
21st March 2024
Concert 13th April 2024
The concert programme for 13th April is as follows:
-Our Boy (with Jubilate)
-Look At Us Now
-The Rose
-Rhythm of Life
-Siyahamba
-Can't Help Falling in Love
(Jubilate)
Break
(Jubilate)
-Mary Poppins Medley
-Habanera
-Love Divine
-Doh a Deer
-Let There Be Peace On Earth
-One Voice (with Jubilate)
-Hold On Tight (with Jubilate)
Concert 13th April 2024
The concert programme for 13th April is as follows:
-Our Boy (with Jubilate)
-Look At Us Now
-The Rose
-Rhythm of Life
-Siyahamba
-Can't Help Falling in Love
(Jubilate)
Break
(Jubilate)
-Mary Poppins Medley
-Habanera
-Love Divine
-Doh a Deer
-Let There Be Peace On Earth
-One Voice (with Jubilate)
-Hold On Tight (with Jubilate)
14th March 2024
Music Recordings Available
If you would like to rehearse your lines at home, Sam has kindly produced recordings for the following pieces of music:
'Can't Help Falling in Love', 'Mary Poppins Medley' and 'Our Boy'.
You can find these by accessing the website menu under 'Soprano Lines - Current' and 'Alto Lines - Current'. Thank you.
Music Recordings Available
If you would like to rehearse your lines at home, Sam has kindly produced recordings for the following pieces of music:
'Can't Help Falling in Love', 'Mary Poppins Medley' and 'Our Boy'.
You can find these by accessing the website menu under 'Soprano Lines - Current' and 'Alto Lines - Current'. Thank you.
Fancy a Cuppa?
As well as getting together to sing each week from 10am, we enjoy meeting before our rehearsal from 9.30am to enjoy a catch-up with our friends over a cup of tea or coffee. If you would like to join us, we serve tea, coffee and biscuits at a cost of 50p per week. The profits raised from serving refreshments is placed into choir funds, which helps us to pay for various outgoings including hall hire, transport and music. Please remember to bring along your own cup. Thank you.
As well as getting together to sing each week from 10am, we enjoy meeting before our rehearsal from 9.30am to enjoy a catch-up with our friends over a cup of tea or coffee. If you would like to join us, we serve tea, coffee and biscuits at a cost of 50p per week. The profits raised from serving refreshments is placed into choir funds, which helps us to pay for various outgoings including hall hire, transport and music. Please remember to bring along your own cup. Thank you.
6th March 2024
Music Recordings Available
If you would like to rehearse your lines at home, Sam has kindly produced recordings for the following pieces of music:
'Love Divine', 'One Voice', 'Rhythm of Life' and 'Siyahamba'.
You can find these by accessing the website menu under 'Soprano Lines - Current' and 'Alto Lines - Current'. Thank you.
Music Recordings Available
If you would like to rehearse your lines at home, Sam has kindly produced recordings for the following pieces of music:
'Love Divine', 'One Voice', 'Rhythm of Life' and 'Siyahamba'.
You can find these by accessing the website menu under 'Soprano Lines - Current' and 'Alto Lines - Current'. Thank you.
22nd February 2024
New Music
If you have not been able to attend choir recently, please collect any new music that you may need from the box near the stage. We would be grateful if you could ensure that you only take the copy with your member number written on. In preparation for concerts, please holepunch your copy and write your choir number in the top corner if it is a brand new piece of music. Thank you.
Choir Noticeboard
We are pleased to announce that we have a new noticeboard on display in the church hall. You can use this noticeboard to view photographs and relevant information relating to Inspire Ladies' Choir. The noticeboard may also encourage new members to join our choir as it serves as an advertisement for our group. We are always happy to welcome new members so if you know any ladies that would like to come along for a trial session, please spread the word.
Rehearsing for Performances
We are hoping to have the music available shortly for you to practise at home in preparation for our forthcoming concerts. Sam was pleased with the progress made this week, which can be built upon further with additional practise at home.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Thursday 29th February will be the last day to enter February's Bonus Ball Fundraiser. If you would like to enter, please pass your £1 to Marjorie next week. The fundraiser costs £1 per month and the winning member will receive half of the amount raised, with the remaining half contributing to choir funds. This is purely voluntary and you are not obliged to enter every month.
Our Next Concert
Our next performance will be a joint concert with Jubilate Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Washington on Saturday 13th April 2024. More details to follow in due course.
New Music
If you have not been able to attend choir recently, please collect any new music that you may need from the box near the stage. We would be grateful if you could ensure that you only take the copy with your member number written on. In preparation for concerts, please holepunch your copy and write your choir number in the top corner if it is a brand new piece of music. Thank you.
Choir Noticeboard
We are pleased to announce that we have a new noticeboard on display in the church hall. You can use this noticeboard to view photographs and relevant information relating to Inspire Ladies' Choir. The noticeboard may also encourage new members to join our choir as it serves as an advertisement for our group. We are always happy to welcome new members so if you know any ladies that would like to come along for a trial session, please spread the word.
Rehearsing for Performances
We are hoping to have the music available shortly for you to practise at home in preparation for our forthcoming concerts. Sam was pleased with the progress made this week, which can be built upon further with additional practise at home.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Thursday 29th February will be the last day to enter February's Bonus Ball Fundraiser. If you would like to enter, please pass your £1 to Marjorie next week. The fundraiser costs £1 per month and the winning member will receive half of the amount raised, with the remaining half contributing to choir funds. This is purely voluntary and you are not obliged to enter every month.
Our Next Concert
Our next performance will be a joint concert with Jubilate Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Washington on Saturday 13th April 2024. More details to follow in due course.
8th February 2024
Rehearsal 8th February 2024
Choir rehearsal will resume as normal on Thursday 8th February. Last week, we joined with family and friends at the funeral of one of our long-serving choir members, Sally. We were all saddened by the sudden passing of our lovely friend, who played an important role in our choir community. We will miss her beautiful voice and will remember her dancing in the front row at concerts with a smile on her face. Our thoughts are with Sally's family at this sad time.
Rehearsal 8th February 2024
Choir rehearsal will resume as normal on Thursday 8th February. Last week, we joined with family and friends at the funeral of one of our long-serving choir members, Sally. We were all saddened by the sudden passing of our lovely friend, who played an important role in our choir community. We will miss her beautiful voice and will remember her dancing in the front row at concerts with a smile on her face. Our thoughts are with Sally's family at this sad time.
25th January 2024
No Rehearsal on 1st February 2024
Please note that there will be no rehearsal on Thursday 1st February 2024. Should you require further details, please see our WhatsApp chat. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the committee or a friend from the choir for more details.
Our First Wedding!
We were delighted to be asked to sing at a wedding service in a local church last weekend. It was very well-received by the wedding party and the congregation. We were happy to be a part of the family's special day and hope that we will have other similar opportunities in the future.
No Rehearsal on 1st February 2024
Please note that there will be no rehearsal on Thursday 1st February 2024. Should you require further details, please see our WhatsApp chat. Alternatively, you can contact a member of the committee or a friend from the choir for more details.
Our First Wedding!
We were delighted to be asked to sing at a wedding service in a local church last weekend. It was very well-received by the wedding party and the congregation. We were happy to be a part of the family's special day and hope that we will have other similar opportunities in the future.
Music Recordings
Sam informed the choir that he is planning to do some recordings of our music for practising purposes. We will provide more information in due course but we hope that being able to practice with this music will be beneficial for all choir members and help us to go from strength to strength.
New Music
Please collect your numbered copy of 'Rhythm of Life' from the box of music if you have not already done so. We would be grateful if you could ensure that you only take your personal numbered copy and inform a member of the committee if your piece of music is missing. This will help us to keep track of the music that we own. Thank you.
Wanted: New Recruits
Inspire Ladies' Choir is looking for new members to join our group. If you know anyone that might like to join our group, please encourage them to come along for a trial session any Thursday (except 01/02/2024). They can also contact committee members via the 'Contact' page of this website if they would like more details. They will be made most welcome.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
We will be collecting February's Bonus Ball Fundraiser money at our next rehearsal on Thursday 8th February 2024. Participation is purely voluntary and you do not have to enter every month if you do not wish to do so. It costs £1 per month and the choir member number randomly drawn out will receive half of the money collected. The other half goes directly in to choir funds.
Concert on Saturday 13th April 2024
We are looking forward to our next event, which is a joint event with Jubilate Choir, due to take place on Saturday 13th April at 2pm at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. We are looking forward to performing again in public and will enjoy rehearsing the music for this over the course of the next few weeks. If you are unable to attend any of our rehearsals, please check the following week to see if you have missed any new music that may have been distributed.
4th January 2024
Happy New Year!
Best wishes to all of our Choir members for the year ahead. We are looking forward to another year singing together amongst friends and performing at a range of venues around the North East. We are always keen to invite new members to our Choir so please spread the word and let other ladies know that they will be made to feel very welcome.
Happy New Year!
Best wishes to all of our Choir members for the year ahead. We are looking forward to another year singing together amongst friends and performing at a range of venues around the North East. We are always keen to invite new members to our Choir so please spread the word and let other ladies know that they will be made to feel very welcome.
AGM on Thursday 11th January at 10am
We will be having our AGM before the rehearsal on Thursday 11th January 2024. Please arrive on time so that we can start the meeting promptly at 10am.
We will be having our AGM before the rehearsal on Thursday 11th January 2024. Please arrive on time so that we can start the meeting promptly at 10am.
New Music
If you were not at the rehearsal today, please collect your numbered copy of 'The Rose' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You'. These are the two songs that we will be singing at the wedding on 20th January at 11.30am. The words for the two hymns will be given to everyone on Thursday 11th.
If you were not at the rehearsal today, please collect your numbered copy of 'The Rose' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love with You'. These are the two songs that we will be singing at the wedding on 20th January at 11.30am. The words for the two hymns will be given to everyone on Thursday 11th.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for January's draw will continue on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
The collection for January's draw will continue on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
23rd December 2023
Merry Christmas One and All!
Best wishes for the festive season and 2024! We look forward to welcoming you back to our next rehearsal on Thursday 4th January 2024 after our Christmas break..
Merry Christmas One and All!
Best wishes for the festive season and 2024! We look forward to welcoming you back to our next rehearsal on Thursday 4th January 2024 after our Christmas break..
21st December 2023
Surprise Carol Concert
We were pleased to attend Peacehaven Court to surprise a special long-standing member of our choir with a Christmas Carol Concert. We were made to feel very welcome and the residents thoroughly enjoyed listening to their favourite Christmas Carols.
Surprise Carol Concert
We were pleased to attend Peacehaven Court to surprise a special long-standing member of our choir with a Christmas Carol Concert. We were made to feel very welcome and the residents thoroughly enjoyed listening to their favourite Christmas Carols.
18th December 2023
Music List for Thursday
Please bring the following music on Thursday:
- Ding Dong
-Gesu Bambino
-Light the Candles
-A Bit of Holiday Cheer
-One Little Angel
-Somewhere in my Memory
-Carol sheet booklet
Music List for Thursday
Please bring the following music on Thursday:
- Ding Dong
-Gesu Bambino
-Light the Candles
-A Bit of Holiday Cheer
-One Little Angel
-Somewhere in my Memory
-Carol sheet booklet
17th December 2023
St Andrew's Church, Stanley: Carol Service
We enjoyed participating in the Carol Service at Stanley this afternoon. It went very well and we received a warm welcome once again from the church members. (See 'Gallery' for more photographs).
St Andrew's Church, Stanley: Carol Service
We enjoyed participating in the Carol Service at Stanley this afternoon. It went very well and we received a warm welcome once again from the church members. (See 'Gallery' for more photographs).
14th December 2023
Important: Stanley Carol Service Bus Arrangements
For those people going on the mini bus to the Stanley Carol Service on Sunday 17th December, please be aware that the bus will leave promptly at 3pm. We usually have a whip-around for the bus driver so we would be grateful if you could pop some change in your pocket for the return journey. Thank you to Christine for organising the bus. Please note that the service starts at 4pm.
Inspire Ladies' Choir Christmas Meal - The Victoria, Washington
Following a later rehearsal, we enjoyed our Christmas meal at The Victoria. Many thanks to Jennifer for organising this event.
Important: Stanley Carol Service Bus Arrangements
For those people going on the mini bus to the Stanley Carol Service on Sunday 17th December, please be aware that the bus will leave promptly at 3pm. We usually have a whip-around for the bus driver so we would be grateful if you could pop some change in your pocket for the return journey. Thank you to Christine for organising the bus. Please note that the service starts at 4pm.
Inspire Ladies' Choir Christmas Meal - The Victoria, Washington
Following a later rehearsal, we enjoyed our Christmas meal at The Victoria. Many thanks to Jennifer for organising this event.
11th December 2023
Holy Trinity Church, Washington- Monday 11th December 2023
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village. Our Choir sang three pieces independently and supported the congregation to sing a selection of carols. We were then kindly invited to stay for refreshments after the service.
7th December 2023
Holy Trinity Church, Washington- Monday 11th December 2023, (Meet 1.10pm)
The music for this service will be the same three songs as we are using for the Southwick concert. Please wear our usual concert uniform.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for December's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
Christmas Lunch - Thursday 14th December 2023, (1pm Start)
Our rehearsal on this day will start later at 10.30am and run until 12 noon so that we can go straight to The Vic after rehearsal. there will also be a short Committee Meeting at 10am. If anyone has any issues that they would like to raise, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to add this to the agenda.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick - Tuesday 5th December 2023
We were delighted to be invited to sing at the Mothers' Union Carol Service on Tuesday. Our Choir sang three pieces independently and supported the congregation to sing a selection of carols.
Holy Trinity Church, Washington- Monday 11th December 2023, (Meet 1.10pm)
The music for this service will be the same three songs as we are using for the Southwick concert. Please wear our usual concert uniform.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for December's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
Christmas Lunch - Thursday 14th December 2023, (1pm Start)
Our rehearsal on this day will start later at 10.30am and run until 12 noon so that we can go straight to The Vic after rehearsal. there will also be a short Committee Meeting at 10am. If anyone has any issues that they would like to raise, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to add this to the agenda.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick - Tuesday 5th December 2023
We were delighted to be invited to sing at the Mothers' Union Carol Service on Tuesday. Our Choir sang three pieces independently and supported the congregation to sing a selection of carols.
23rd November 2023
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick - Tuesday 5th December 2023, (Meet 1.40pm)
Our next event is at 2pm on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick. This concert will form a part of the Mothers' Union Carol Service. Please meet at 1.40pm wearing your black uniform with red scarf and red fleeces.
In your black concert folders you should have:
-Ding Dong Ring Out the Carillon
-Gesu Bambino
-Light the Candles
We shall be using the church hymn books for the carols to ensure we are singing the same words at the congregation. Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served after the carol service, to which we are all welcome.
Holy Trinity Church, Washington- Monday 11th December 2023, (Meet 1.10pm)
The music for this service will be the same three songs as we are using for the Southwick concert. Please wear our usual concert uniform.
Christmas Lunch - Thursday 14th December 2023, (1pm Start)
Our rehearsal on this day will start later at 10.30am and run until 12 noon so that we can go straight to The Vic after rehearsal. there will also be a short Committee Meeting at 10am. If anyone has any issues that they would like to raise, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to add this to the agenda.
St Andrew's Church, Stanley- Sunday 17th December 2023, (3pm Bus / 4pm Start)
For those people that have booked, the bus leaves at 3pm. We will be using the same three songs that we are singing at the other carol services and will wear the usual concert uniform. The brass band will be playing before the service and refreshments are available after the concert ends.
Peacehaven - Thursday 21st December 2023, (Meet 10.45am)
There will be no rehearsal on this day as we are singing at Peacehaven at 11am (Postcode: NE37 2HS). The uniform for this event will be Christmas or sparkly jumpers. Our programme for this event will be announced nearer the time.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for December's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
Future Diary Dates
Thursday 28th December 2023 - No rehearsal.
Thursday 4th January 2024 - Rehearsals restart.
Saturday 20th January 2024 - Wedding at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick, Sunderland.
(Congregational hymns and singing during the signing of the register).
Saturday 13th April 2024 - Joint concert with Jubilate Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Washington
Saturday 18th May 2024 - 175th Anniversary of St John's Birtley. Celebration Concert starting at 7pm.
Saturday 20th July 2024 - Joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Washington.
23rd November 2023
Payment for Christmas Lunch - 14th December 2023, 1pm
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
The final balance for our Christmas lunch is due by 30th November 2023. Please pay Jennifer as soon as possible. Thank you.
Changes to Diary Dates
Please see the 'Diary Dates' section of our website to view slight changes to our proposed concerts for December as some venues have been removed from the schedule. Thank you.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick - 5th December 2023, 2pm
Our next event is at 2pm on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick. This concert will form a part of the Mothers' Union Carol Service. More details will be given next week with regards to arrangements.
Choir Whatsapp Group
If you would like to be added to our Choir's WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
Local Concert - All Invited
Please find below the information regarding a local Christmas concert that you may wish to attend. For more information, please speak to Teresa.
Payment for Christmas Lunch - 14th December 2023, 1pm
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
The final balance for our Christmas lunch is due by 30th November 2023. Please pay Jennifer as soon as possible. Thank you.
Changes to Diary Dates
Please see the 'Diary Dates' section of our website to view slight changes to our proposed concerts for December as some venues have been removed from the schedule. Thank you.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick - 5th December 2023, 2pm
Our next event is at 2pm on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick. This concert will form a part of the Mothers' Union Carol Service. More details will be given next week with regards to arrangements.
Choir Whatsapp Group
If you would like to be added to our Choir's WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
Local Concert - All Invited
Please find below the information regarding a local Christmas concert that you may wish to attend. For more information, please speak to Teresa.
16th November 2023
Payment for Christmas Lunch - 14th December 2023, 1pm
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
The final balance for our Christmas lunch is due by 30th November 2023. Please pay Jennifer as soon as possible. Thank you.
St Andrew's, Stanley - 17th December 2023
The bus for St Andrew's needs to be paid to Christine on 23rd November.
At this event we shall be singing:
- Ding Dong, Ding Dong, Ring out the Carillon
- Gesu Bambino
- Light the Candles
As usual, please ensure that your music is removed from the poly-pocket, hole-punched and placed in your black concert folder.
Sam has requested that you try to learn the words for 'Ding Dong' so that you can look up as much as possible.
The brass band will be playing carols outside as we arrive and refreshments are to be served afterwards, to which we are all welcome.
Holy Trinity, Southwick - 5th December 2023, 2pm
At Holy Trinity, Southwick for the Mothers' Union Carol Service, we shall be singing the following carols:
- Once in Royal David's City (First verse on our own)
- Ding Dong
- Gesu Bambino
- Light the Candles
Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served afterwards and everyone is invited to stay to enjoy the hospitality.
Payment for Christmas Lunch - 14th December 2023, 1pm
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
The final balance for our Christmas lunch is due by 30th November 2023. Please pay Jennifer as soon as possible. Thank you.
St Andrew's, Stanley - 17th December 2023
The bus for St Andrew's needs to be paid to Christine on 23rd November.
At this event we shall be singing:
- Ding Dong, Ding Dong, Ring out the Carillon
- Gesu Bambino
- Light the Candles
As usual, please ensure that your music is removed from the poly-pocket, hole-punched and placed in your black concert folder.
Sam has requested that you try to learn the words for 'Ding Dong' so that you can look up as much as possible.
The brass band will be playing carols outside as we arrive and refreshments are to be served afterwards, to which we are all welcome.
Holy Trinity, Southwick - 5th December 2023, 2pm
At Holy Trinity, Southwick for the Mothers' Union Carol Service, we shall be singing the following carols:
- Once in Royal David's City (First verse on our own)
- Ding Dong
- Gesu Bambino
- Light the Candles
Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served afterwards and everyone is invited to stay to enjoy the hospitality.
2nd November 2023
Christmas Lunch
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
If you are going, please collect a slip of paper from Jennifer, complete the information then hand it back along with the £5 non-refundable deposit. The slip and deposit must be returned to Jennifer at the same time please. On the slip, you will need to state your name, if you are having one, two or three courses and your chosen food.
Please pay your £5 deposits as soon as possible. The remaining balance should be paid no later than 30TH NOVEMBER as the venue needs to be paid in advance.
In order to cover tips and to make collecting money easier, please round up to the following amounts when paying your balance:
1 course- £15
2 courses- £17
3 courses- £21
Please see WhatsApp or our website (26th October post) for the menu. Thank you.
St Andrew's Church Carol Service
17th December- If you would like a place on the bus, please add your name to the list as soon as possible as there are only limited spaces remaining.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for November's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
Christmas Music
If you haven't done so already, please collect your Christmas music from the box on the stage at the next rehearsal. Please ensure that you only take the copy with your choir number in the corner. If your number is not there, please take one of the un-numbered pieces. We would be very grateful if you could please check your music to ensure that you have taken the correct numbered copy and that you have not mistakenly taken someone else's music. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch
14th December at The Victoria, Biddick, 1pm.
If you are going, please collect a slip of paper from Jennifer, complete the information then hand it back along with the £5 non-refundable deposit. The slip and deposit must be returned to Jennifer at the same time please. On the slip, you will need to state your name, if you are having one, two or three courses and your chosen food.
Please pay your £5 deposits as soon as possible. The remaining balance should be paid no later than 30TH NOVEMBER as the venue needs to be paid in advance.
In order to cover tips and to make collecting money easier, please round up to the following amounts when paying your balance:
1 course- £15
2 courses- £17
3 courses- £21
Please see WhatsApp or our website (26th October post) for the menu. Thank you.
St Andrew's Church Carol Service
17th December- If you would like a place on the bus, please add your name to the list as soon as possible as there are only limited spaces remaining.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for November's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
Christmas Music
If you haven't done so already, please collect your Christmas music from the box on the stage at the next rehearsal. Please ensure that you only take the copy with your choir number in the corner. If your number is not there, please take one of the un-numbered pieces. We would be very grateful if you could please check your music to ensure that you have taken the correct numbered copy and that you have not mistakenly taken someone else's music. Thank you.
26th October 2023
Christmas Lunch
We are pleased to say that we have booked our Christmas Lunch at The Victoria, Biddick. This will take place on Thursday 14th December 2023 at 1pm. If you would like to attend, please add your name to the list as soon as possible. Please note, a non-refundable deposit of £5 per person is required.
The prices are as follows:
3 courses £19.50
2 courses £15.95
1 course £13.95
On the day, we will have a short rehearsal, which will start later (time to be confirmed) and we will go to The Vic straight afterwards. We would be grateful if anyone travelling by car could offer spare seats to those who do not have transport. Thank you to Jennifer for making the initial enquiry.
Christmas Lunch
We are pleased to say that we have booked our Christmas Lunch at The Victoria, Biddick. This will take place on Thursday 14th December 2023 at 1pm. If you would like to attend, please add your name to the list as soon as possible. Please note, a non-refundable deposit of £5 per person is required.
The prices are as follows:
3 courses £19.50
2 courses £15.95
1 course £13.95
On the day, we will have a short rehearsal, which will start later (time to be confirmed) and we will go to The Vic straight afterwards. We would be grateful if anyone travelling by car could offer spare seats to those who do not have transport. Thank you to Jennifer for making the initial enquiry.
Stanley Carol Service
A bus is to be provided to transport Choir members to the St. Andrews' Carol Service at Stanley on Sunday 17th December 2023. Please let Christine know if you would like a space reserved. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for November's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
The collection for November's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
19th October 2023
Christmas Lunch
As the festive season approaches, we are looking for a suitable venue for our Christmas Lunch on Thursday 14th December. If you are out and about this week, please request a menu and ask if they could accommodate approximately 30 people. Please also ask how much this would cost and if they are able to cater for vegetarian and gluten-free customers. We would be grateful if you could bring any information with you to the next meeting. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch
As the festive season approaches, we are looking for a suitable venue for our Christmas Lunch on Thursday 14th December. If you are out and about this week, please request a menu and ask if they could accommodate approximately 30 people. Please also ask how much this would cost and if they are able to cater for vegetarian and gluten-free customers. We would be grateful if you could bring any information with you to the next meeting. Thank you.
12th October 2023
New Music
Please pick up your copies of 'Follow Your Star' and 'Those Wise Men' if you haven't already collected them. Please mark the copies with your personal choir number. Thank you.
New Music
Please pick up your copies of 'Follow Your Star' and 'Those Wise Men' if you haven't already collected them. Please mark the copies with your personal choir number. Thank you.
5th October 2023
New Diary Date
We are pleased to announce a forthcoming concert. On Saturday 18th May 2024, we will be performing a concert at St John's Church, Birtley, starting at 7pm. This is to celebrate the church's 175th anniversary. More details to follow closer to the time.
New Diary Date
We are pleased to announce a forthcoming concert. On Saturday 18th May 2024, we will be performing a concert at St John's Church, Birtley, starting at 7pm. This is to celebrate the church's 175th anniversary. More details to follow closer to the time.
28th September 2023
Gareth Malone Sing Along
Gareth Malone will be appearing at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle on Saturday 4th November 2023 at 7.30pm for 'Sing-Along-a-Gareth-2'. As well as entertaining the audience, Gareth will encourage audience participation throughout in what has been described as 'a celebration of community and song'. It appears that there are a few spare tickets available online.
Please Return Music
We would be very grateful if you could return all music to the session on Thursday, with the exception of the following pieces:
-Christmas pieces
-Love Divine
-Morte Christe
-How Great Thou Art
-Our Boy
Please ensure that each individual piece is stapled to make it quicker and easier to organise and for storage purposes. Thank you.
Gareth Malone Sing Along
Gareth Malone will be appearing at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle on Saturday 4th November 2023 at 7.30pm for 'Sing-Along-a-Gareth-2'. As well as entertaining the audience, Gareth will encourage audience participation throughout in what has been described as 'a celebration of community and song'. It appears that there are a few spare tickets available online.
Please Return Music
We would be very grateful if you could return all music to the session on Thursday, with the exception of the following pieces:
-Christmas pieces
-Love Divine
-Morte Christe
-How Great Thou Art
-Our Boy
Please ensure that each individual piece is stapled to make it quicker and easier to organise and for storage purposes. Thank you.
21st September 2023
A Superb Performance!
Sam congratulated everyone today for their performance at St Nicholas' Church last Saturday. He commented on how well the choir members watched him and how professionally we entered and exited the stage. We are hoping to perform in another joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir next year.
Choir WhatsApp Group
Our WhatsApp group is a great way to keep up to date and communicate with other members of the choir. If you know any members of our choir who are not currently in the group but would like to be added, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to invite you.
Christmas Music
Christmas music is ready to be collected as we prepare to rehearse for our Christmas concerts (see 'Diary Dates' section of this website for details). Please ensure that you only take the music with your own choir member number in the corner. If your number is not there, please complete the form on the table as you come into the hall so that extra copies can be printed.
Please Return Old Music
We would appreciate it if you could return all music on Thursday with the exception of the following pieces:
-Love Divine
-Morti Christie
-How Great Thou Art
-Our Boy
These pieces should be kept in your rehearsal folders as we are intending to sing those pieces in the near future. Thank you.
A Superb Performance!
Sam congratulated everyone today for their performance at St Nicholas' Church last Saturday. He commented on how well the choir members watched him and how professionally we entered and exited the stage. We are hoping to perform in another joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir next year.
Choir WhatsApp Group
Our WhatsApp group is a great way to keep up to date and communicate with other members of the choir. If you know any members of our choir who are not currently in the group but would like to be added, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to invite you.
Christmas Music
Christmas music is ready to be collected as we prepare to rehearse for our Christmas concerts (see 'Diary Dates' section of this website for details). Please ensure that you only take the music with your own choir member number in the corner. If your number is not there, please complete the form on the table as you come into the hall so that extra copies can be printed.
Please Return Old Music
We would appreciate it if you could return all music on Thursday with the exception of the following pieces:
-Love Divine
-Morti Christie
-How Great Thou Art
-Our Boy
These pieces should be kept in your rehearsal folders as we are intending to sing those pieces in the near future. Thank you.
17th September 2023
St Nicholas' Concert, Sunderland: Saturday 16th September
Last night's joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir was a huge success! Both choirs sang very well and the audience enjoyed a wide range of songs, culminating in a joint performance at the end. We look forward to performing again together in the future. Many thanks to all involved in the organisation of this event and to everyone who participated.
Please visit our Facebook page (link on the title page of this website) to view videos from this event.
Please note that more photographs from the evening can be found in the 'Gallery' section of this website.
St Nicholas' Concert, Sunderland: Saturday 16th September
Last night's joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir was a huge success! Both choirs sang very well and the audience enjoyed a wide range of songs, culminating in a joint performance at the end. We look forward to performing again together in the future. Many thanks to all involved in the organisation of this event and to everyone who participated.
Please visit our Facebook page (link on the title page of this website) to view videos from this event.
Please note that more photographs from the evening can be found in the 'Gallery' section of this website.
14th September 2023
St Nicholas' Concert: Saturday 16th September
For those people travelling by minibus, please note that the bus LEAVES at 6pm. Please be prompt to enable the bus to leave on time. Those making their own way there should meet at St Nicholas for 6.30pm. Please ensure that you arrive by this time as we need to sort out seating arrangements before the concert begins.
Please wear your black uniform, black shoes and red scarf and have your black folders with your music in order. Please also have the Carly Simon intro words written down and put them in your folder before 'Let the River Run'. The Carly Simon words are available on WhatsApp in Sam's message from last Friday.
Guests who do not have tickets will be able to pay £10 on the door.
We had a great rehearsal this morning and you all sounded amazing! Don't forget to watch Sam, smile and enjoy yourselves!
10th September 2023
Carly Simon Intros
Thank you to Sam for sending the Carly Simon intros via WhatsApp. If you would like to join our WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
Carly Simon Intros
Thank you to Sam for sending the Carly Simon intros via WhatsApp. If you would like to join our WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
7th September 2023
St Nicholas Concert: 16th September
Our joint song at the end of the concert with Felling Male Voice Choir will be 'American Trilogy', which Sam will rehearse again next week. Sam will also send us the words for the Carly Simon intros that we will do before 'Let the River Run'. If you weren't at practice on Thursday, please don't worry as it's very simple.
Maureen is selling tickets for the concert, priced at £10 each or you can pay on the door. Please purchase these as soon as possible if you know anyone that would like to attend.
Rehearsing at Home
If you would like to rehearse the music in preparation for our forthcoming concert, some of the music is available on the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. These can be found by clicking on the menu bars in the top right corner and selecting the required page.
Peacehaven Macmillan Coffee Morning
On Thursday 28th September, Irene is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Peacehaven. If you would like to attend from 11.30am after choir, please let Doreen know so that Peacehaven can cater for the number of guests expected. This is due to finish around 2pm. If anyone will be travelling to Peacehaven by car and would be able to give other choir members a lift, this would be much-appreciated. Thank you.
St Nicholas Concert: 16th September
Our joint song at the end of the concert with Felling Male Voice Choir will be 'American Trilogy', which Sam will rehearse again next week. Sam will also send us the words for the Carly Simon intros that we will do before 'Let the River Run'. If you weren't at practice on Thursday, please don't worry as it's very simple.
Maureen is selling tickets for the concert, priced at £10 each or you can pay on the door. Please purchase these as soon as possible if you know anyone that would like to attend.
Rehearsing at Home
If you would like to rehearse the music in preparation for our forthcoming concert, some of the music is available on the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. These can be found by clicking on the menu bars in the top right corner and selecting the required page.
Peacehaven Macmillan Coffee Morning
On Thursday 28th September, Irene is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Peacehaven. If you would like to attend from 11.30am after choir, please let Doreen know so that Peacehaven can cater for the number of guests expected. This is due to finish around 2pm. If anyone will be travelling to Peacehaven by car and would be able to give other choir members a lift, this would be much-appreciated. Thank you.
31st August 2023
St Nicholas Concert
As of yesterday, there was only one space remaining on the bus for our concert at St Nicholas on 16th September 2023. If you would like this space, please speak to Maureen P to see if it still available. Maureen is also selling tickets for the concert, priced at £10 each. Please purchase these as soon as possible if you know anyone that would like to attend.
Rehearsing at Home
If you would like to rehearse the music in preparation for our forthcoming concert, some of the music is available on the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. These can be found by clicking on the menu bars in the top right corner and selecting the required page.
Peacehaven Macmillan Coffee Morning
On Thursday 28th September, Irene is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Peacehaven. If you would like to attend from 11.30am after choir, please let Maureen know so that Peacehaven can cater for the number of guests expected. This is due to finish around 2pm. If anyone will be travelling to Peacehaven by car and would be able to give other choir members a lift, this would be much-appreciated. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winning ball for August's draw was number 17. The collection for September's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
St Nicholas Concert
As of yesterday, there was only one space remaining on the bus for our concert at St Nicholas on 16th September 2023. If you would like this space, please speak to Maureen P to see if it still available. Maureen is also selling tickets for the concert, priced at £10 each. Please purchase these as soon as possible if you know anyone that would like to attend.
Rehearsing at Home
If you would like to rehearse the music in preparation for our forthcoming concert, some of the music is available on the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of this website. These can be found by clicking on the menu bars in the top right corner and selecting the required page.
Peacehaven Macmillan Coffee Morning
On Thursday 28th September, Irene is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Peacehaven. If you would like to attend from 11.30am after choir, please let Maureen know so that Peacehaven can cater for the number of guests expected. This is due to finish around 2pm. If anyone will be travelling to Peacehaven by car and would be able to give other choir members a lift, this would be much-appreciated. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winning ball for August's draw was number 17. The collection for September's draw will start on Thursday. This costs £1 per month for anyone that may be interested. It is optional and you don't need to enter every month.
24th August 2023
St Nicholas Concert
If you are going to our concert at St Nicholas (16th September) on the bus, please pay £6 as soon as possible. As of Thursday there were two spaces left. Please see Christine if you wish to use the bus.
If you would like to buy tickets (£10 each) for the St Nicholas concert, please speak to Maureen P.
Love Divine
Please ensure you have a MUSIC copy of Love Divine. Copies are available from the black choir box at rehearsal.
Forthcoming Concert
We have been asked to provide a concert at St John's Church, Birtley, to celebrate the church's 175th Anniversary. This will be next year (possibly May). Date to be confirmed.
Christmas Lunch
We are hoping to have a Choir Christmas lunch (venue to be decided). This will be after our last practice before Christmas on Thursday 14th December.
St Nicholas Concert
If you are going to our concert at St Nicholas (16th September) on the bus, please pay £6 as soon as possible. As of Thursday there were two spaces left. Please see Christine if you wish to use the bus.
If you would like to buy tickets (£10 each) for the St Nicholas concert, please speak to Maureen P.
Love Divine
Please ensure you have a MUSIC copy of Love Divine. Copies are available from the black choir box at rehearsal.
Forthcoming Concert
We have been asked to provide a concert at St John's Church, Birtley, to celebrate the church's 175th Anniversary. This will be next year (possibly May). Date to be confirmed.
Christmas Lunch
We are hoping to have a Choir Christmas lunch (venue to be decided). This will be after our last practice before Christmas on Thursday 14th December.
17th August 2023
Committee Meeting
The next meeting will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 24th August. Please speak to Maureen if you would like any item to be added to the agenda.
St Cuthbert's Church, Redhouse
Thanks to everyone who took part at St Cuthbert's on Sunday. Despite the small audience, the church raised £200 towards their new window fund and we have received complimentary comments on Facebook.
Felling Male Voice Choir Joint Concert
Our next concert is a joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir at St Nicholas Church, Sunderland on 16th September 2023. Tickets are available to purchase from Maureen P at a cost of £10 each.
Joint Concert Music Order
Please arrange your music in the following order for the St Nicholas Church concert:
- Look at us Now
- Pure Imagination
- Puttin' on the Ritz
- Mamma Mia
- Sister Act Medley
- Let the River Run
- Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
- The Lord Bless You and Keep You
- Love Divine (music copy)
- How Great Thou Art (music copy)
- Hold on Tight
- Let There be Peace on Earth (word copy)
(Please change the word 'brothers' to 'sisters'. It should read:
"With God as our father,
Sisters all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
In perfect harmony").
Committee Meeting
The next meeting will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 24th August. Please speak to Maureen if you would like any item to be added to the agenda.
St Cuthbert's Church, Redhouse
Thanks to everyone who took part at St Cuthbert's on Sunday. Despite the small audience, the church raised £200 towards their new window fund and we have received complimentary comments on Facebook.
Felling Male Voice Choir Joint Concert
Our next concert is a joint concert with Felling Male Voice Choir at St Nicholas Church, Sunderland on 16th September 2023. Tickets are available to purchase from Maureen P at a cost of £10 each.
Joint Concert Music Order
Please arrange your music in the following order for the St Nicholas Church concert:
- Look at us Now
- Pure Imagination
- Puttin' on the Ritz
- Mamma Mia
- Sister Act Medley
- Let the River Run
- Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
- The Lord Bless You and Keep You
- Love Divine (music copy)
- How Great Thou Art (music copy)
- Hold on Tight
- Let There be Peace on Earth (word copy)
(Please change the word 'brothers' to 'sisters'. It should read:
"With God as our father,
Sisters all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
In perfect harmony").
13th August 2023
St Cuthbert's Church, Redhouse
We were delighted to perform at St Cuthbert's Church fundraising event this afternoon. The church is currently raising funds for a variety of projects within the building, including purchasing new windows. During the morning, the congregation participated in a range of activities (which included a lot of singing!). During the afternoon session, members of St Cuthbert's Church manned stalls selling homemade food, crafts and clothing and Inspire Ladies' Choir provided the music. (For more photographs, please see the 'Gallery' section of the website).
St Cuthbert's Church, Redhouse
We were delighted to perform at St Cuthbert's Church fundraising event this afternoon. The church is currently raising funds for a variety of projects within the building, including purchasing new windows. During the morning, the congregation participated in a range of activities (which included a lot of singing!). During the afternoon session, members of St Cuthbert's Church manned stalls selling homemade food, crafts and clothing and Inspire Ladies' Choir provided the music. (For more photographs, please see the 'Gallery' section of the website).
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will take place at 11.30am on Thursday 24th August 2023. If you would like an item adding to the agenda, please contact Maureen. Thank you.
10th August 2023
St Cuthbert's Concert: Sunday 13th August
We will be performing at a community event on Sunday 13th August at St Cuthbert's Church, Redhouse, Sunderland. The church is on Rotherham Road (postcode SR5 5QS). Please meet no later than 2.30pm wearing your choir uniform (black outfit, red scarf and red fleece).
We will be singing from 3pm - 3.30pm and again from 3.45pm until 4.15pm. Friends can attend the event and will be able to pay at the door. The cost is £5 per visitor, which includes refreshments.
Please bring your hole-punched music (not in poly-pockets) in your black concert folder in the following order:
First Half
- Look at us Now
- How Great Thou Art
- Pie Jesu
- Mamma Mia
- Pure Imagination
- Puttin' on the Ritz
- Gonna Rise Up Singin'
Second Half
- Hand me Down my Silver Trumpet
- Let the River Run
- Love Divine
- The Rose
- One Song
- You Raise Me Up
- Hold on Tight
- Let There be Peace on Earth
Joint Concert With Felling Male Voice Choir
Inspire Ladies' Choir will perform with Felling Male Voice Choir on September 16th 2023 at 7pm. This will take place at St Nicholas' Church, Dunelm South, SR2 7QY. More details to follow.
22nd July 2023
Performance of Hymns at Beamish Museum Chapel, Pit Village
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to have the opportunity to perform in the chapel in the Pit Village at Beamish Museum, The Living Museum of the North. We performed a selection of hymns during two time slots (11am - 11.45am and 1pm - 1,45pm). The chosen hymns were selected specifically to the reflect the appropriate era for the Pit Village area of the museum.
The terrible, wet weather outside failed to dampen our spirits and we enjoyed performing to the museum's visitors, who managed to shelter from the rain. Many of the visitors joined in with the well-known hymns and we received a lot of positive feedback. Thank you to Beamish Museum for welcoming us and for providing refreshments in the Band Hall during lunchtime.
If you would like to listen to one of our hymns, please see our Facebook page. (Link available on the 'Home' page of this website),
(For more photographs, please see the 'Gallery' section of the website).
Performance of Hymns at Beamish Museum Chapel, Pit Village
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to have the opportunity to perform in the chapel in the Pit Village at Beamish Museum, The Living Museum of the North. We performed a selection of hymns during two time slots (11am - 11.45am and 1pm - 1,45pm). The chosen hymns were selected specifically to the reflect the appropriate era for the Pit Village area of the museum.
The terrible, wet weather outside failed to dampen our spirits and we enjoyed performing to the museum's visitors, who managed to shelter from the rain. Many of the visitors joined in with the well-known hymns and we received a lot of positive feedback. Thank you to Beamish Museum for welcoming us and for providing refreshments in the Band Hall during lunchtime.
If you would like to listen to one of our hymns, please see our Facebook page. (Link available on the 'Home' page of this website),
(For more photographs, please see the 'Gallery' section of the website).
20th July 2023
Afternoon Tea
We all enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Once again, the food didn't disappoint! Thank you to Marjorie for organising this social event.
Afternoon Tea
We all enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Once again, the food didn't disappoint! Thank you to Marjorie for organising this social event.
20th July 2023
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday 27th July 2023 at 11.30am. If you have anything that you would like the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to add the item to the agenda.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
If you would like to enter the draw for July's fundraiser, please pay £1 to Marjorie. The July draw will take place on Thursday 3rd August. You've got to be in it to win it!
Beamish Concert: Saturday 22nd July 2023
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday 27th July 2023 at 11.30am. If you have anything that you would like the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to add the item to the agenda.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
If you would like to enter the draw for July's fundraiser, please pay £1 to Marjorie. The July draw will take place on Thursday 3rd August. You've got to be in it to win it!
Beamish Concert: Saturday 22nd July 2023
13th July 2023
Joint Concert
We have received a lot of positive feedback from our joint concert at Holy Trinity Church, Washington. This was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by everyone. Today at our Choir session, Sam congratulated everyone who participated in our concert and praised members for singing so well and foe watching him throughout.
Sister Act
If you haven't done so already, please collect your Sister Act Medley at the next session.
Mini Bus
For our forthcoming concerts at St Cuthbert's Church at Redhouse (13th August, 3pm) and St Nicholas Church (16th September, 7pm), we will be organising a mini bus. The price will be £6. If you would like a place on the bus, please write 'bus' next to your name on the list, which can be found on the table as you come into rehearsal. Please do this as soon as possible as places are on a first-come first-served basis. The bus will collect from our rehearsal church, St Andrew's, and will drop back off at the same place.
Afternoon Tea
We are looking forward to a social afternoon at Chester-le-Street Golf Club on Thursday 20th July 2023.
Beamish Concert
On Saturday 22nd July, we will meet at 10.15am in the Beamish Museum reception area and will sing in the chapel from 11am-11.45am and 1pm-1.45pm. Every Choir member is allocated one free entry pass for a guest to accompany them, who must be with them as we meet at 10.15am. We will have access to a locked room where we will be able to store our belongings. Please ensure that you wear your black uniform and red scarf and bring your hymn word sheets with you. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraising
Marjorie is continuing to collect £1 entries for our monthly Bonus Ball Fundraiser. The draw for July will take place on the first Thursday in August.
8th July 2023
Joint Concert
Members of Inspire Ladies' Choir enjoyed a musical afternoon participating in a joint concert with Wessington Primary School Choir and Pieces of Eight from Felling Male Voice Choir. The concert, which took place at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, was well-attended and raised funds for the choirs, nominated charities and Holy Trinity Church.
We would like to thank everyone involved in making the afternoon a huge success.
Joint Concert
Members of Inspire Ladies' Choir enjoyed a musical afternoon participating in a joint concert with Wessington Primary School Choir and Pieces of Eight from Felling Male Voice Choir. The concert, which took place at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, was well-attended and raised funds for the choirs, nominated charities and Holy Trinity Church.
We would like to thank everyone involved in making the afternoon a huge success.
5th July 2023
Community Fair and Concert
Please note the change of venue for the Community Fair and Concert on Sunday 13th August 2023, 3pm.
29th June 2023
New Music Tracks Available
The new music tracks produced by Sam are now available in Soprano Lines (Current) and Alto Lines (Current). These are: The Rose', 'Pie Jesu', 'Look At Us Now' and 'Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet'.
Next Week's Rehearsal
Please try to attend the session next week as this will be our final rehearsal before the joint concert on Saturday. We are intending to trial seating arrangements so it would be helpful if as many people as possible could be present. For more information regarding the arrangements for the concert, please refer to previous posts. We anticipate that the concert will finish around 4pm. Thank you.
Tickets For Sale
Please try to sell more tickets for our concert on Saturday 8th July 2023. Tickets are priced at £7 each (Under 12s are free).
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Next week, we will make the draw for June's Bonus Ball and will begin to collect for July's fundraiser should you wish to enter.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick
We have been asked to sing at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick for a fundraising afternoon tea event on Sunday 13th August at 3pm. We will have more information soon regarding tickets and arrangements if you'd like to bring someone along for what will be a lovely afternoon. This invitation was in response to our performance at the Mothers' Union event in May.
St Nicholas Church, The Barnes
Felling Male Voice Choir have asked our Choir to sing with them at a joint concert at St Nicholas Church, High Barnes, Sunderland on Saturday 16th September at 7pm. St Nicholas is a lovely church to sing in with wonderful acoustics and should be an enjoyable evening for everyone.
Afternoon Tea - 20th July 2023
Anyone who is going to the afternoon tea at Chester le Street Golf Club on Thursday 20th July will need to pay the balance to Marjorie before 13th July please. Thank you.
Charity Fundraising
The members of Inspire Ladies Choir are always keen to support local charities through their fundraising concerts, as well as fundraising for the Choir itself to allow it to continue to function as a community group.
Our Joint Concert on 8th July will help to fundraise for the Quilting Group who create quilts for the Children's Cancer Ward at the RVI. It has also been decided that the next charity that we will raise funds for will be the Stroke Ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital. This is in recognition of the excellent treatment provided to the loved one of one of our members.
22nd June 2023
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 29th June 2023 at 11.30am straight after rehearsal. If you have anything that you would like the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen before next week in order to have the item added to the agenda. Thank you.
8th July Concert
We are looking forward to our joint concert on Saturday 8th July 2023. Please take note of the following information:
-Please meet at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, no later than 1.30pm. It is important that we arrive early in order to sort out seating arrangements in preparation for the concert to begin promptly at 2pm.
-Please wear your black uniform with your red chiffon scarf and red fleece.
-Please bring your hole-punched music in your black concert file in the order stated below (see 15th June). Remember to remove any plastic poly-pockets beforehand.
-We will be selling raffle tickets on the day, with the proceeds being split between the three choirs and the church.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 29th June 2023 at 11.30am straight after rehearsal. If you have anything that you would like the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen before next week in order to have the item added to the agenda. Thank you.
8th July Concert
We are looking forward to our joint concert on Saturday 8th July 2023. Please take note of the following information:
-Please meet at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village, no later than 1.30pm. It is important that we arrive early in order to sort out seating arrangements in preparation for the concert to begin promptly at 2pm.
-Please wear your black uniform with your red chiffon scarf and red fleece.
-Please bring your hole-punched music in your black concert file in the order stated below (see 15th June). Remember to remove any plastic poly-pockets beforehand.
-We will be selling raffle tickets on the day, with the proceeds being split between the three choirs and the church.
19th June 2023
Rehearsal Tracks
The rehearsal songs are now available to listen to under the heading 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. Please read the small writing above where it says 'Download File' to see more details about whether it is eg Soprano 1/Soprano 2/ Soprano left 2 lines/ Soprano 2 and Alto etc. Thank you.
Rehearsal Tracks
The rehearsal songs are now available to listen to under the heading 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. Please read the small writing above where it says 'Download File' to see more details about whether it is eg Soprano 1/Soprano 2/ Soprano left 2 lines/ Soprano 2 and Alto etc. Thank you.
15th June 2023
Abide With Me
We began today's session by singing 'Abide With Me' as a tribute to our two members who lost loved ones last week. Our thoughts are with the members and their families.
Rehearsal Tracks
Thank you to Sam for making MP3 rehearsal tracks, which will be available on this website over the next couple of days. In the meantime, these can be found on our group's WhatsApp page. Please make use of this valuable resource.
Choir WhatsApp Group
If you would like to join our WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
Concert Tickets
Tickets for our concert (8th July 2023, 2pm) are available to purchase from Maureen. These are priced at £7 (under 12s are free). We also have some posters to promote the event. Please only take one if you are able to display it in a public place. Thank you.
Music File Preparation
In preparation for our concert on Saturday 8th July, please organise your music in your black concert file in the following order:
-Look at us Now
-Pie Jesu
-Mamma Mia
-Pure Imagination
-Puttin' on the Ritz
-Gonna Rise Up Singing
-Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
-Let the River Run
-The Rose
-One Song
-You Raise Me Up
-Hold on Tight
-God Only Knows
Useful Concert Info For New Members
If you are a new member, you might find the following information useful:
-We use red music files at rehearsals and black concert files for performances.
-Music should be placed in order.
-All music should be hole-punched and placed directly in the file (not in plastic poly-pockets).
-Some people find it useful to place a strong elastic band around the file to use as a slot for their hand, making it easier to hold whilst singing.
-We are often given a seating plan on the day of a performance so that we know where to sit. This also helps us to move from our seats to our performance position in an orderly manner. Please let a committee member know if you are unable to stand during a performance as we can arrange for you to have a seat placed in the correct position on the stage.
-Unless otherwise instructed, we usually wear our uniform consisting of black trousers, black top, red chiffon scarf, red fleece and black shoes. Sometimes, we wear our fleece during the performance but we are advised on the day as to what is appropriate.
-Remember to have fun and please don't worry if you make a mistake during the performance. Just carry on singing or join in where you can, as it's very unlikely that anyone has even noticed.
Abide With Me
We began today's session by singing 'Abide With Me' as a tribute to our two members who lost loved ones last week. Our thoughts are with the members and their families.
Rehearsal Tracks
Thank you to Sam for making MP3 rehearsal tracks, which will be available on this website over the next couple of days. In the meantime, these can be found on our group's WhatsApp page. Please make use of this valuable resource.
Choir WhatsApp Group
If you would like to join our WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to help.
Concert Tickets
Tickets for our concert (8th July 2023, 2pm) are available to purchase from Maureen. These are priced at £7 (under 12s are free). We also have some posters to promote the event. Please only take one if you are able to display it in a public place. Thank you.
Music File Preparation
In preparation for our concert on Saturday 8th July, please organise your music in your black concert file in the following order:
-Look at us Now
-Pie Jesu
-Mamma Mia
-Pure Imagination
-Puttin' on the Ritz
-Gonna Rise Up Singing
-Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
-Let the River Run
-The Rose
-One Song
-You Raise Me Up
-Hold on Tight
-God Only Knows
Useful Concert Info For New Members
If you are a new member, you might find the following information useful:
-We use red music files at rehearsals and black concert files for performances.
-Music should be placed in order.
-All music should be hole-punched and placed directly in the file (not in plastic poly-pockets).
-Some people find it useful to place a strong elastic band around the file to use as a slot for their hand, making it easier to hold whilst singing.
-We are often given a seating plan on the day of a performance so that we know where to sit. This also helps us to move from our seats to our performance position in an orderly manner. Please let a committee member know if you are unable to stand during a performance as we can arrange for you to have a seat placed in the correct position on the stage.
-Unless otherwise instructed, we usually wear our uniform consisting of black trousers, black top, red chiffon scarf, red fleece and black shoes. Sometimes, we wear our fleece during the performance but we are advised on the day as to what is appropriate.
-Remember to have fun and please don't worry if you make a mistake during the performance. Just carry on singing or join in where you can, as it's very unlikely that anyone has even noticed.
8th June 2023
Updated Joint Concert Information
Please note that the venue for our 8th July concert has been confirmed. Our joint concert with Pieces of Eight (from Felling Male Voice Choir) and Wessington Primary School will now take place at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, NE38 7LE.
Posters and tickets for the joint concert will be available from next week at a cost of £7 per ticket (under 12s are free). The start time will also be confirmed next week. We hope to sell as many tickets as possible as this provides the perfect fundraising opportunity for all involved, as well as ensuring that there is a large audience and a great atmosphere.
Please see our 'Diary Dates' page for an update with regards to times for our December concerts. Thank you.
Teaching Tracks
Over the course of this week, we are hoping that teaching tracks will be available for you to access via our website. This will allow you to rehearse your lines at home with a musical accompaniment. In the past, some of our members have even enjoyed meeting socially in their own time to rehearse with friends. Thank you to Sam for organising the production of the teaching tracks.
Please note that recent teaching tracks can be found in our website's menu bar under the headings 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. If you would like to access teaching tracks that we have sung in the past, these can be found in the 'Archive' section under the headings 'Archive Soprano Lines' and 'Archive Alto Lines'.
Fancy a Cuppa?
Please remember to bring your own cup to Choir if you would like to purchase tea or coffee. This remains at a cost of 50p for a hot drink and a biscuit. We always enjoy the time set aside for refreshments prior to our rehearsal as it allows us to get together for a natter and a catch-up before we begin to sing. Thank you to Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments and to other Choir members who help to clear away each week.
Updated Joint Concert Information
Please note that the venue for our 8th July concert has been confirmed. Our joint concert with Pieces of Eight (from Felling Male Voice Choir) and Wessington Primary School will now take place at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, NE38 7LE.
Posters and tickets for the joint concert will be available from next week at a cost of £7 per ticket (under 12s are free). The start time will also be confirmed next week. We hope to sell as many tickets as possible as this provides the perfect fundraising opportunity for all involved, as well as ensuring that there is a large audience and a great atmosphere.
Please see our 'Diary Dates' page for an update with regards to times for our December concerts. Thank you.
Teaching Tracks
Over the course of this week, we are hoping that teaching tracks will be available for you to access via our website. This will allow you to rehearse your lines at home with a musical accompaniment. In the past, some of our members have even enjoyed meeting socially in their own time to rehearse with friends. Thank you to Sam for organising the production of the teaching tracks.
Please note that recent teaching tracks can be found in our website's menu bar under the headings 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. If you would like to access teaching tracks that we have sung in the past, these can be found in the 'Archive' section under the headings 'Archive Soprano Lines' and 'Archive Alto Lines'.
Fancy a Cuppa?
Please remember to bring your own cup to Choir if you would like to purchase tea or coffee. This remains at a cost of 50p for a hot drink and a biscuit. We always enjoy the time set aside for refreshments prior to our rehearsal as it allows us to get together for a natter and a catch-up before we begin to sing. Thank you to Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments and to other Choir members who help to clear away each week.
1st June 2023
Welcome
We would like to welcome Sam Jordan as our new Musical Director. The Choir members are looking forward to working with Sam in preparation for our forthcoming concerts.
Welcome
We would like to welcome Sam Jordan as our new Musical Director. The Choir members are looking forward to working with Sam in preparation for our forthcoming concerts.
New Music
We would appreciate it if you could check all of your music to see if you have the correct number written in the top corner, which corresponds with your member number. We seem to be missing a few pieces of music and would like to locate it if possible. Please speak to Maureen if you do not have any of the new music that has been distributed as we need to make sure that everyone has the correct pieces of music to allow us to prepare for our concerts. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the Bonus Ball fundraiser for June has started. This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
We would appreciate it if you could check all of your music to see if you have the correct number written in the top corner, which corresponds with your member number. We seem to be missing a few pieces of music and would like to locate it if possible. Please speak to Maureen if you do not have any of the new music that has been distributed as we need to make sure that everyone has the correct pieces of music to allow us to prepare for our concerts. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the Bonus Ball fundraiser for June has started. This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
25th May 2023
Diary Date
We have confirmed that we will perform at Holy Trinity Washington's Mothers' Union Carol Service on Monday 11th December 2023 at 1.30pm. Please see the 'Diary Dates' section of our website for information regarding our forthcoming events.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea has been booked for 20th July 2023 at Chester-le-Street Golf Club at a cost of £16. If you are interested in attending, please see Marjorie to pay £5 deposit and add your name to the list. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the Bonus Ball fundraiser for June will begin next Thursday (1st June). This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
Diary Date
We have confirmed that we will perform at Holy Trinity Washington's Mothers' Union Carol Service on Monday 11th December 2023 at 1.30pm. Please see the 'Diary Dates' section of our website for information regarding our forthcoming events.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea has been booked for 20th July 2023 at Chester-le-Street Golf Club at a cost of £16. If you are interested in attending, please see Marjorie to pay £5 deposit and add your name to the list. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the Bonus Ball fundraiser for June will begin next Thursday (1st June). This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
18th May 2023
Reintroduction of Music
We are reintroducing the following pieces of music to the Choir:
- Gonna Rise Up Singing
- Let the River Run
- The Lord Bless You and Keep You
We will also be learning 'One Song', which is a new piece.
Please collect your numbered copy of music at the next session if you have not already done so. If you are unsure about what your member number is, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to help.
Backing Tracks
Over the course of the next few weeks, we are hoping to add more backing tracks to our website to help you learn your lines. These backing tracks can be found in the website's menu under the heading 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. In the past, some members have enjoyed meeting up with friends from the Choir in their spare time to rehearse some of the songs in preparation for concerts. The backing tracks can also be helpful for individuals to go over any lines that they may find tricky.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee Meeting will be held after the rehearsal on Thursday 25th May 2023 at 11.30am. If anyone has an issue that they wish the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen who will be able to add this to the agenda. Thank you.
Holy Trinity's Thank You Message
We have received a lovely letter and a card from Holy Trinity's Mothers' Union thanking us for our contribution to their 100th anniversary celebrations. They said our music was emotional and inspirational and have kindly invited us to sing at their Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday 5th December at 2pm.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the last opportunity to participate in the Bonus Ball fundraiser for this month will be on 25th May as the draw will take place at the session on 1st June 2023. This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
Reintroduction of Music
We are reintroducing the following pieces of music to the Choir:
- Gonna Rise Up Singing
- Let the River Run
- The Lord Bless You and Keep You
We will also be learning 'One Song', which is a new piece.
Please collect your numbered copy of music at the next session if you have not already done so. If you are unsure about what your member number is, please speak to Maureen who will be happy to help.
Backing Tracks
Over the course of the next few weeks, we are hoping to add more backing tracks to our website to help you learn your lines. These backing tracks can be found in the website's menu under the heading 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'. In the past, some members have enjoyed meeting up with friends from the Choir in their spare time to rehearse some of the songs in preparation for concerts. The backing tracks can also be helpful for individuals to go over any lines that they may find tricky.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee Meeting will be held after the rehearsal on Thursday 25th May 2023 at 11.30am. If anyone has an issue that they wish the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen who will be able to add this to the agenda. Thank you.
Holy Trinity's Thank You Message
We have received a lovely letter and a card from Holy Trinity's Mothers' Union thanking us for our contribution to their 100th anniversary celebrations. They said our music was emotional and inspirational and have kindly invited us to sing at their Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday 5th December at 2pm.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Just a little reminder that the last opportunity to participate in the Bonus Ball fundraiser for this month will be on 25th May as the draw will take place at the session on 1st June 2023. This costs £1 per month. It is purely voluntary and you do not have to participate every month. The winner receives half of the amount raised, with the other half contributing towards Choir funds. You've got to be in it to win it!
11th May 2023
The Music Makers
We are always keen to promote concerts presented by other choirs in the local area. If you would like to attend a concert in aid of Crisis Relief (Turkey/Syria/Ukraine appeal), tickets are available on the door.
The Music Makers
We are always keen to promote concerts presented by other choirs in the local area. If you would like to attend a concert in aid of Crisis Relief (Turkey/Syria/Ukraine appeal), tickets are available on the door.
The Durham 'Big Sing'
Although the Inspire Ladies' Choir is not directly involved, you may be interested to find out more about the Durham 'Big Sing' event taking place on 20th and 21st May. (Please see our post below from 23rd March or visit www.durhambigsing.co.uk to find out more).
9th May 2023
Holy Trinity Church
The Choir were pleased to be able to help the Mothers' Union of Holy Trinity Church, Southwick, celebrate their 100th Anniversary. As part of the celebrations, we performed 'Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet', 'Pie Jesu' and 'The Rose'. The afternoon was a huge success and was also attended by Lucy Winskill, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear. We would like to thank Kath Wilson and the Mothers' Union for their hospitality. (Please see our Facebook page for more photographs. The link is available on the title page of our website).
Unfortunately, we are unable to upload the videos on to our website. However, if you are a member of our Choir, please speak to Teresa who will be happy to add you to our WhatsApp group where you will be able to view the Choir singing at this event (well worth a watch!) Thank you.
27th April 2023
Charity Donation
The Choir have donated £100 to the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal from the sale of coffee jars generously donated by Nescafe.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is provisionally booked at Chester le Street Golf Club on Thursday 20th July at 2pm. The price is to be confirmed next week. Anyone interested in attending should sign the sheet on the Treasurer's table at the next session. We will let you know if a deposit is required from members attending the event once we have confirmed the booking.
Holy Trinity Church
The Choir will be singing at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick as part of the Mothers' Union 100th Anniversary celebrations. This will take place on Tuesday 9th May, starting at 2pm. Choir members should arrive no later than 1.30pm as we must be seated before the congregation arrives.
Please...
- Arrive at 1.30pm
- Wear black uniform and red scarf
- Bring your black concert folder
- Bring the hymn words, Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet, Pie Jesu and The Rose.
(Please note: music should be hole-punched and placed inside the folder. Music should remain in the folder during the concert).
Thank you.
Beamish Museum Concert
Singing at Beamish Museum is now confirmed for Saturday 22nd July 2023. We will be singing in the Pit Chapel from 11.00 -11.45am and from 1.00 - 1.45pm. Everyone who is singing is able to bring one person with them who will be admitted to the museum free of charge. Further details to follow.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Next week, the draw for April's Bonus Ball Fundraiser will take place. Marjorie will begin to collect the money for May's draw. This costs £1 per month for anyone interested in taking part (optional). If you have entered the draw and your member number is generated, you will receive half of the money raised. The remaining half contributes to Choir funds.
13th April 2023
Choir Arrangements
The new time for Choir is 9.30-11.30am. Refreshments will be served from 9.30am, with singing commencing promptly at 10am. Please note that there will be no break during the session. Therefore, if anyone is available to help with washing ups and clearing away afterwards, this would be greatly appreciated.
Concerts
The following concerts have been arranged:
Committee Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 27th April at 11.30am following the Choir session. If you would like anything to be discussed at this meeting, please contact Maureen. Thank you.
Choir Arrangements
The new time for Choir is 9.30-11.30am. Refreshments will be served from 9.30am, with singing commencing promptly at 10am. Please note that there will be no break during the session. Therefore, if anyone is available to help with washing ups and clearing away afterwards, this would be greatly appreciated.
Concerts
The following concerts have been arranged:
- Tuesday 9th May (2pm) - Mothers' Union 100th Anniversary at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick.
- Saturday 8th July (2pm) - With Pieces of Eight and St Joseph's RC Primary School at Our Ladies' RC Church, Washington Village.
- Saturday 22nd July - Beamish Museum Chapel (time to be confirmed).
- Sunday 17th December (4pm) - Carol Service at St Andrew's Church, Stanley.
- December - Christmas Singing at Washington Galleries (Details to follow).
Committee Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 27th April at 11.30am following the Choir session. If you would like anything to be discussed at this meeting, please contact Maureen. Thank you.
6th April 2023
Potential Date for Beamish
The potential date for a concert in the chapel at Beamish is Saturday 22nd July 2023. If you were unable to attend the session today, please let Teresa know next week if you think you might be able to participate in the concert. We are only able to go ahead with the proposed date if we have enough members available. Thank you.
Bonus Ball
Marjorie is now collecting the Bonus Ball money for the month of April. This costs £1 per week and the winning member each month receives half of the money raised, with the other half of the prize money that has been collected being donated to Choir funds. The winning number for March was member number 11. Please note that participation in the Bonus Ball Fundraiser is purely voluntary and you are not obliged to enter every month.
Potential Date for Beamish
The potential date for a concert in the chapel at Beamish is Saturday 22nd July 2023. If you were unable to attend the session today, please let Teresa know next week if you think you might be able to participate in the concert. We are only able to go ahead with the proposed date if we have enough members available. Thank you.
Bonus Ball
Marjorie is now collecting the Bonus Ball money for the month of April. This costs £1 per week and the winning member each month receives half of the money raised, with the other half of the prize money that has been collected being donated to Choir funds. The winning number for March was member number 11. Please note that participation in the Bonus Ball Fundraiser is purely voluntary and you are not obliged to enter every month.
30th March 2023
Joint Concert
On Saturday 8th July 2023, we will be holding a joint concert with St Joseph's Primary School and Pieces of Eight at Our Lady Catholic Church, Washington Village. This event will start at 2pm (more details to follow).
Afternoon Tea
We are looking forward to meeting socially for afternoon tea on 20th July 2023. This is in the early planning stages but we will provide you with more information closer to the time. We will be able to ask the venue to cater for specific dietary requirements and will take details from Choir members in due course.
Coffee for Sale
There are four jars of caffeinated Nescafe coffee remaining, which are available to buy at a cost of £5 each. All proceeds from the sale of this coffee will be donated to the Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal. We are hoping to donate the money as soon as possible so would be very grateful if you could bring cash next week if you would like to purchase a jar. Thank you.
Dare We Say...Christmas?!
We are pleased to announce that we will once again be singing at St Andrew's Church, Stanley as part of their annual Carol Service. This event will start at 4pm on Sunday 17th December 2023. More details will follow closer to the time.
Joint Concert
On Saturday 8th July 2023, we will be holding a joint concert with St Joseph's Primary School and Pieces of Eight at Our Lady Catholic Church, Washington Village. This event will start at 2pm (more details to follow).
Afternoon Tea
We are looking forward to meeting socially for afternoon tea on 20th July 2023. This is in the early planning stages but we will provide you with more information closer to the time. We will be able to ask the venue to cater for specific dietary requirements and will take details from Choir members in due course.
Coffee for Sale
There are four jars of caffeinated Nescafe coffee remaining, which are available to buy at a cost of £5 each. All proceeds from the sale of this coffee will be donated to the Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal. We are hoping to donate the money as soon as possible so would be very grateful if you could bring cash next week if you would like to purchase a jar. Thank you.
Dare We Say...Christmas?!
We are pleased to announce that we will once again be singing at St Andrew's Church, Stanley as part of their annual Carol Service. This event will start at 4pm on Sunday 17th December 2023. More details will follow closer to the time.
23rd March 2023
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 30th March 2023 at 9.30am. Please note that this replaces the meeting originally scheduled for 13th April. If you have any issues that you would like the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen who will add the item to the agenda. Thank you.
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 30th March 2023 at 9.30am. Please note that this replaces the meeting originally scheduled for 13th April. If you have any issues that you would like the Committee to discuss, please contact Maureen who will add the item to the agenda. Thank you.
Durham 'Big Sing' 2023
16th March 2023
Concert Postponement
Unfortunately, our joint concert with Larkhall Men's Choir has had to be postponed for the time being. Hopefully we will be able to arrange a date later in the year.
Christmas at The Galleries
We have been asked to sing carols in The Galleries, Washington in December 2023. The exact date will be confirmed closer to the time. Unfortunately, due to regulations at the centre, we will only be able to have a choir of fifteen members. We will confirm the date and ask for volunteers in due course.
Beamish Performance
We are still awaiting confirmation of the date to sing at Beamish Museum. Hopefully, this will be on a Saturday afternoon, although this could potentially be a Sunday if a Saturday slot is not available.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick
We will be singing at the Mothers' Union 100th anniversary celebration at Holy Trinity Church, Southwick on 9th May at 2pm. We will be singing 'Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet' during the service and also 'Pie Jesu' and 'The Rose' at Communion. This service will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.
Kathleen Wilson from the Mothers' Union contacted the choir this week to say how much they are looking forward to our contribution to the service. Choir members are welcome to partake in tea/coffee and light refreshments after the service.
9th March 2023
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who turned up to Choir practice today despite the bad weather. Unfortunately, Duncan couldn't be with us due to the snow making traveling conditions hazardous.
Mothers' Union Concert
We are currently rehearsing for our performance at the Mothers' Union 100th anniversary celebrations. The three pieces that we will sing are:
Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
The Rose
Pie Jesu
The Mothers' Union are looking forward to the Choir attending this very special service in May.
Beamish Performance
We have been asked to sing at Beamish Museum this spring/summer. Further details about this event will be forwarded to the Choir as soon as possible.
Music for a Royal Occasion
Lynn has advertised a performance involving several community choirs. This takes place on 26th March 2023 at St Cuthbert's Chapel, Ushaw, DH7 7DW (6.30pm - 8.30pm). Tickets are available from www.ushaw.org (£8 adults, £6 under 16, £6 full-time education).
Fundraising Coffee Sale
We still have a few jars of coffee to sell in aid of the Turkey/Syria Earthquake appeal. So far, we have managed to raise just over £70 but would really like to raise £100 before we donate the money to this worthy cause.
Bonus Ball
Marjorie is continuing to collect Bonus Ball money for this month's draw if you would like to participate.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who turned up to Choir practice today despite the bad weather. Unfortunately, Duncan couldn't be with us due to the snow making traveling conditions hazardous.
Mothers' Union Concert
We are currently rehearsing for our performance at the Mothers' Union 100th anniversary celebrations. The three pieces that we will sing are:
Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
The Rose
Pie Jesu
The Mothers' Union are looking forward to the Choir attending this very special service in May.
Beamish Performance
We have been asked to sing at Beamish Museum this spring/summer. Further details about this event will be forwarded to the Choir as soon as possible.
Music for a Royal Occasion
Lynn has advertised a performance involving several community choirs. This takes place on 26th March 2023 at St Cuthbert's Chapel, Ushaw, DH7 7DW (6.30pm - 8.30pm). Tickets are available from www.ushaw.org (£8 adults, £6 under 16, £6 full-time education).
Fundraising Coffee Sale
We still have a few jars of coffee to sell in aid of the Turkey/Syria Earthquake appeal. So far, we have managed to raise just over £70 but would really like to raise £100 before we donate the money to this worthy cause.
Bonus Ball
Marjorie is continuing to collect Bonus Ball money for this month's draw if you would like to participate.
23rd February 2023
Ukraine Concert Invitation: Saturday 25th February
Lynn has invited everyone to attend a fundraising concert in aid of Ukraine on Saturday at 7pm. This will take place at St. John's Church, Neville's Cross, Durham.
The audience will be able to enjoy listening to a wide range of music, including some traditional Ukrainian folk songs and some well-known contemporary tunes. The audience are also invited to participate during some of the pieces.
On-street parking is available for those people who will be travelling by car. It promises to be an entertaining evening whilst raising funds for this worthy cause.
Seating Plan
We have introduced a new seating plan for Choir rehearsals, which can be found on the Treasurer's table next week. Please note that this plan is for rehearsals only as a new plan will be issued for concerts.
Earthquake Appeal Fundraising
We have a few jars of Nescafe caffeinated coffee left over from our fundraising sale today. If you would like to buy one, they will be on sale next week at a price of £5. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal.
New Music
If you were unable to attend Choir today, please collect your new music next week. If you were at the session today, we would be grateful if you could check your copy of 'The Rose' to see if you have accidentally picked up the piece belonging to member number 12 as this is missing. Thank you.
Concert Preparation
We have been working on the pieces of music that we will be singing at one of our forthcoming concerts: 'Look at us Now', 'Mamma Mia' and 'Your Raise Me Up'. Please find some notes below that may help you with these pieces.
Look at us Now
-Come in loudly and take notice of f, which tells us to sing loudly. (See 'Reading Music' page of this website for more details).
-Later in the piece, take notice of mf (moderately loud).
-Take notice of the repeat sign.
-At the end, this should be a short note so don't hold on to it. (It should be 1 and 1/2 beats). Everyone should be off the note by the time the last note is played by the piano at the very bottom right hand side of the last page.
1,2,3,4 (off) Look at us now (off) Final piano note.
Mamma Mia
-Page 5: Sing the first time bar. At the repeat sign, sing it through again and then sing the second time bar.
-Page 2: At the split, the Sopranos should sing higher and the Altos stay on the same note.
-Remember to take a breath on the rest (the squiggle!).
-Take notice of the dynamics (loud/quiet). Look at whether there is a letter p, mf or f.
-Bar 37: Alto change to f.
-Bar 46: The missing note on the Soprano line is a b.
-Bar 47: Go back to the start then sing the second time bar.
-At the end of the song, don't hold on to the word 'go'.
You Raise Me Up
-Remember to look vertically at the music to see when you should be singing in relation to other sections of the Choir. This often helps you to know when to come in if you are not sure.
-Alto and 2nd Soprano sing the first line together then 2nd Soprano join in with the 1st Sopranos.
-Sing pages 1 to 4 then at bar 26 when you see the repeat signs, go back to the beginning on page 1.
- Sing the second verse to page 4 then sing the second time bar.
- Remember to follow the dynamics markings (loud/quiet).
- Take notice of the rests on page 5. Where you see //, this means silence and everything stops at this point before you continue. This is a good place to take a breath in preparation for the long note at the end.
Remember that if you are struggling with any aspects of the music, please don't hesitate to ask anyone as we are all happy to help.
Ukraine Concert Invitation: Saturday 25th February
Lynn has invited everyone to attend a fundraising concert in aid of Ukraine on Saturday at 7pm. This will take place at St. John's Church, Neville's Cross, Durham.
The audience will be able to enjoy listening to a wide range of music, including some traditional Ukrainian folk songs and some well-known contemporary tunes. The audience are also invited to participate during some of the pieces.
On-street parking is available for those people who will be travelling by car. It promises to be an entertaining evening whilst raising funds for this worthy cause.
Seating Plan
We have introduced a new seating plan for Choir rehearsals, which can be found on the Treasurer's table next week. Please note that this plan is for rehearsals only as a new plan will be issued for concerts.
Earthquake Appeal Fundraising
We have a few jars of Nescafe caffeinated coffee left over from our fundraising sale today. If you would like to buy one, they will be on sale next week at a price of £5. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal.
New Music
If you were unable to attend Choir today, please collect your new music next week. If you were at the session today, we would be grateful if you could check your copy of 'The Rose' to see if you have accidentally picked up the piece belonging to member number 12 as this is missing. Thank you.
Concert Preparation
We have been working on the pieces of music that we will be singing at one of our forthcoming concerts: 'Look at us Now', 'Mamma Mia' and 'Your Raise Me Up'. Please find some notes below that may help you with these pieces.
Look at us Now
-Come in loudly and take notice of f, which tells us to sing loudly. (See 'Reading Music' page of this website for more details).
-Later in the piece, take notice of mf (moderately loud).
-Take notice of the repeat sign.
-At the end, this should be a short note so don't hold on to it. (It should be 1 and 1/2 beats). Everyone should be off the note by the time the last note is played by the piano at the very bottom right hand side of the last page.
1,2,3,4 (off) Look at us now (off) Final piano note.
Mamma Mia
-Page 5: Sing the first time bar. At the repeat sign, sing it through again and then sing the second time bar.
-Page 2: At the split, the Sopranos should sing higher and the Altos stay on the same note.
-Remember to take a breath on the rest (the squiggle!).
-Take notice of the dynamics (loud/quiet). Look at whether there is a letter p, mf or f.
-Bar 37: Alto change to f.
-Bar 46: The missing note on the Soprano line is a b.
-Bar 47: Go back to the start then sing the second time bar.
-At the end of the song, don't hold on to the word 'go'.
You Raise Me Up
-Remember to look vertically at the music to see when you should be singing in relation to other sections of the Choir. This often helps you to know when to come in if you are not sure.
-Alto and 2nd Soprano sing the first line together then 2nd Soprano join in with the 1st Sopranos.
-Sing pages 1 to 4 then at bar 26 when you see the repeat signs, go back to the beginning on page 1.
- Sing the second verse to page 4 then sing the second time bar.
- Remember to follow the dynamics markings (loud/quiet).
- Take notice of the rests on page 5. Where you see //, this means silence and everything stops at this point before you continue. This is a good place to take a breath in preparation for the long note at the end.
Remember that if you are struggling with any aspects of the music, please don't hesitate to ask anyone as we are all happy to help.
16th February 2023
Earthquake Fundraising
The Choir still has some jars of coffee left from the generous donation from Nescafe. These would normally retail at around £6 or £7 each. We have decided to sell the remaining jars at £5 each on a first come-first served basis. The proceeds from the sale of the coffee will be donated to the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal.
'Look at us Now' Paper Copy
If you have a paper copy of 'Look at us Now', we would be grateful if you could bring it to the session on Thursday. We are several copies short of this piece. Thank you.
Earthquake Fundraising
The Choir still has some jars of coffee left from the generous donation from Nescafe. These would normally retail at around £6 or £7 each. We have decided to sell the remaining jars at £5 each on a first come-first served basis. The proceeds from the sale of the coffee will be donated to the Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal.
'Look at us Now' Paper Copy
If you have a paper copy of 'Look at us Now', we would be grateful if you could bring it to the session on Thursday. We are several copies short of this piece. Thank you.
9th February 2023
Refreshments Request
Due to new rules and regulations in the kitchen at church, we have been asked to bring our own cup each week and take it home for washing. Tea and coffee will continue to be provided as usual. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Joint Concert 29th April
Our concert with the Scottish Male Voice Choir from Larkhall is 99% certain to take place on Saturday 29th April 2023. This will take place at St. Chad's Church, Durham Road, Sunderland starting at 7pm. We are looking forward to this event and will provide further information nearer the time with regards to tickets and arrangements.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick
We have been asked to sing at the 100th birthday celebrations of Holy Trinity Church's Mothers' Union on 9th May 2023 at 2pm. The Mayor and Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear have been invited. We will be singing two or three songs of our own and helping with congregational singing. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Refreshments Request
Due to new rules and regulations in the kitchen at church, we have been asked to bring our own cup each week and take it home for washing. Tea and coffee will continue to be provided as usual. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Joint Concert 29th April
Our concert with the Scottish Male Voice Choir from Larkhall is 99% certain to take place on Saturday 29th April 2023. This will take place at St. Chad's Church, Durham Road, Sunderland starting at 7pm. We are looking forward to this event and will provide further information nearer the time with regards to tickets and arrangements.
Holy Trinity Church, Southwick
We have been asked to sing at the 100th birthday celebrations of Holy Trinity Church's Mothers' Union on 9th May 2023 at 2pm. The Mayor and Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear have been invited. We will be singing two or three songs of our own and helping with congregational singing. Refreshments will be served after the service.
2nd February 2023
Welcome
Today, we were delighted to welcome Joan to our Choir as a Second Soprano. If you know of anyone who would like to join Choir, please let them know that they are welcome to come along to St Andrew's Church any Thursday at 10am.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 9th February. If you would like to add anything to the agenda, please contact Maureen P before 9th. Thank you.
New Music
We enjoyed learning two new pieces of music today: Toreador Song and Habenera from the opera Carmen. Please collect your new music next week if there are any pieces missing from your folder. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winner of January's Bonus Ball Fundraiser is number 35. Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of February.
Welcome
Today, we were delighted to welcome Joan to our Choir as a Second Soprano. If you know of anyone who would like to join Choir, please let them know that they are welcome to come along to St Andrew's Church any Thursday at 10am.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 9th February. If you would like to add anything to the agenda, please contact Maureen P before 9th. Thank you.
New Music
We enjoyed learning two new pieces of music today: Toreador Song and Habenera from the opera Carmen. Please collect your new music next week if there are any pieces missing from your folder. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winner of January's Bonus Ball Fundraiser is number 35. Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of February.
12th January 2023
New Music
We thoroughly enjoyed singing two new pieces of music this morning. If you weren't able to attend Choir today, please collect your numbered copy of 'Pie Jesu' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love' next week. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
New Music
We thoroughly enjoyed singing two new pieces of music this morning. If you weren't able to attend Choir today, please collect your numbered copy of 'Pie Jesu' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love' next week. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
10th January 2023
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee meeting is due to take place on Thursday 12th January 2023 at 9.30am. If there is anything that you would like the Committee to raise at this meeting, please contact Maureen who will be happy to add it to the agenda. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
Lifting Our Spirits
We have recently received some lovely, positive feedback from members of our Choir and we are delighted to hear how much people are enjoying the weekly rehearsals and concerts. New members will always receive a warm, friendly welcome and are encouraged to come along for a trial session any Thursday morning. We meet at 10am for refreshments and begin singing at 10.30am.
Committee Meeting
Our next Committee meeting is due to take place on Thursday 12th January 2023 at 9.30am. If there is anything that you would like the Committee to raise at this meeting, please contact Maureen who will be happy to add it to the agenda. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
Lifting Our Spirits
We have recently received some lovely, positive feedback from members of our Choir and we are delighted to hear how much people are enjoying the weekly rehearsals and concerts. New members will always receive a warm, friendly welcome and are encouraged to come along for a trial session any Thursday morning. We meet at 10am for refreshments and begin singing at 10.30am.
4th January 2023
Happy New Year!
We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023! We hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break and we look forward to welcoming you back to Choir tomorrow (Thursday 5th January).
There has been a slight change to the planned start time for our Annual General Meeting. This was originally due to begin at 10am but will now start at 10.30am instead. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023! We hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break and we look forward to welcoming you back to Choir tomorrow (Thursday 5th January).
There has been a slight change to the planned start time for our Annual General Meeting. This was originally due to begin at 10am but will now start at 10.30am instead. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
Marjorie will be collecting £1 Bonus Ball money for those wishing to take part in the fundraiser for the month of January.
15th December 2022
Christmas Singalong
Today, the Choir held their end of term singalong to round off the pre-Christmas festivities. Following last week's sit down lunch at the K9 Cafe, the members enjoyed bacon butties, a cuppa and a festive biscuit. Alas some were missing but we still thought of them and wished them good cheer.
Christmas Singalong
Today, the Choir held their end of term singalong to round off the pre-Christmas festivities. Following last week's sit down lunch at the K9 Cafe, the members enjoyed bacon butties, a cuppa and a festive biscuit. Alas some were missing but we still thought of them and wished them good cheer.
Choir's 2023 Start Date
The next Choir session will resume at 10.00am on Thursday 5th January. We would be grateful if everyone could please arrive for the earlier start time of 10am in order for the AGM to take place.
The next Choir session will resume at 10.00am on Thursday 5th January. We would be grateful if everyone could please arrive for the earlier start time of 10am in order for the AGM to take place.
Merry Christmas!
Best wishes to everyone for the festive season. Take care, enjoy the Christmas Season and save your voices for the start of 2023.
Best wishes to everyone for the festive season. Take care, enjoy the Christmas Season and save your voices for the start of 2023.
11th December 2022
St Andrew's Church, Stanley
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to be invited back to St Andrew's Church at Stanley to participate in their annual Christmas Carol Service. Despite the snow, there was a great turn out and and everyone enjoyed singing carols, with the Choir also performing three carols independently. Following the service, the Choir and congregation were treated to hot drinks and food.
St Andrew's Church, Stanley
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to be invited back to St Andrew's Church at Stanley to participate in their annual Christmas Carol Service. Despite the snow, there was a great turn out and and everyone enjoyed singing carols, with the Choir also performing three carols independently. Following the service, the Choir and congregation were treated to hot drinks and food.
4th December 2022
St Benedict's Hospice Light up a Life Service
Inspire Ladies' Choir were honoured to perform at St Benedict's Hospice's 'Light up a Life' service at The Beacon of Light. We performed a selection of carols at the beginning and end of the service and sang with the congregation, accompanied by Sunderland Monkwearmouth Salvation Army Band, throughout the service.
1st December 2022
Beacon of Light Service 4th December
We are taking part in St Benedict's Hospice's service on Sunday 4th December 2o22. Please meet at the Beacon of Light building 2.15pm wearing your uniform of black trousers, black top, black shoes, red scarf and red fleece. The building is open from 1pm and there will be stalls for you to browse if you arrive early.
The Beacon of Light is the large square building next to the Aquatic Centre / Hilton Hotel directly in front of the Stadium of Light. We think that there have been recent changes to parking at the Stadium and you may now have to pay in certain areas of the car park. We think that it is possibly free to park in the blue and green car park but we are advising our members to check when they arrive at the car park.
Please bring your concert folders with the following music:
Fum, Fum, Fum
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Carol sheets
Rehearsal 8th December
We are having a normal rehearsal on 8th December before going for our Christmas Lunch at K9 Cafe. Please return your carol sheets to Maureen at this rehearsal as we will not need these for our service on 11th. Thank you.
Rehearsal 15th December
This will be our final rehearsal before Christmas. We shall be having bacon / sausage / egg sandwiches delivered from K9 Cafe and will be serving tea and coffee. Please let Kath (Second Soprano) know which sandwich you would like to order. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winning ball for November's draw is number 10. Marjorie is now collecting £1 for December's draw if you would like to participate.
Beacon of Light Service 4th December
We are taking part in St Benedict's Hospice's service on Sunday 4th December 2o22. Please meet at the Beacon of Light building 2.15pm wearing your uniform of black trousers, black top, black shoes, red scarf and red fleece. The building is open from 1pm and there will be stalls for you to browse if you arrive early.
The Beacon of Light is the large square building next to the Aquatic Centre / Hilton Hotel directly in front of the Stadium of Light. We think that there have been recent changes to parking at the Stadium and you may now have to pay in certain areas of the car park. We think that it is possibly free to park in the blue and green car park but we are advising our members to check when they arrive at the car park.
Please bring your concert folders with the following music:
Fum, Fum, Fum
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Carol sheets
Rehearsal 8th December
We are having a normal rehearsal on 8th December before going for our Christmas Lunch at K9 Cafe. Please return your carol sheets to Maureen at this rehearsal as we will not need these for our service on 11th. Thank you.
Rehearsal 15th December
This will be our final rehearsal before Christmas. We shall be having bacon / sausage / egg sandwiches delivered from K9 Cafe and will be serving tea and coffee. Please let Kath (Second Soprano) know which sandwich you would like to order. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winning ball for November's draw is number 10. Marjorie is now collecting £1 for December's draw if you would like to participate.
24th November 2022
Christmas Lunch
We are looking forward to our Christmas lunch on Thursday 8th December 2022. We will be having a rehearsal as normal on that day before going for lunch at K9 Cafe.
Beacon of Light Service 4th December
We are taking part in St Benedict's Hospice's service on Sunday 4th December 2o22. As we are singing from 2.40pm, please arrive by 2.30pm AT THE VERY LATEST in order for us to take our positions. The building is open from 1pm and there will be stalls for you to browse if you arrive early.
Please bring your concert folders with the following music:
Fum, Fum, Fum
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Carol sheets
St Andrew's Church, Stanley, 11th December
The service at St. Andrew's Church, Stanley, begins at 4pm. Please arrive by 3.45pm to take your seats at the front.
Please bring the following music with you in your black concert folders:
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Away in a Manger
(You do not need to bring your carol sheet)
On arrival at the church, please ensure that you collect an order of service and hymn book for the congregational carols. Thank you.
Rehearsal 15th December 2022
We are to have a relaxed sing-song for our last rehearsal before Christmas. We will also be getting bacon or sausage sandwiches delivered by K9 Cafe. Please let Kath (Second Soprano) know as soon as possible if you would like to place an order for a sandwich. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch
We are looking forward to our Christmas lunch on Thursday 8th December 2022. We will be having a rehearsal as normal on that day before going for lunch at K9 Cafe.
Beacon of Light Service 4th December
We are taking part in St Benedict's Hospice's service on Sunday 4th December 2o22. As we are singing from 2.40pm, please arrive by 2.30pm AT THE VERY LATEST in order for us to take our positions. The building is open from 1pm and there will be stalls for you to browse if you arrive early.
Please bring your concert folders with the following music:
Fum, Fum, Fum
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Carol sheets
St Andrew's Church, Stanley, 11th December
The service at St. Andrew's Church, Stanley, begins at 4pm. Please arrive by 3.45pm to take your seats at the front.
Please bring the following music with you in your black concert folders:
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Still a Bach Christmas
Away in a Manger
(You do not need to bring your carol sheet)
On arrival at the church, please ensure that you collect an order of service and hymn book for the congregational carols. Thank you.
Rehearsal 15th December 2022
We are to have a relaxed sing-song for our last rehearsal before Christmas. We will also be getting bacon or sausage sandwiches delivered by K9 Cafe. Please let Kath (Second Soprano) know as soon as possible if you would like to place an order for a sandwich. Thank you.
17th November 2022
Christmas Lunch Payment Reminder
We are looking forward to our Christmas lunch at K9 Cafe on Thursday 8th December 2022. If you have not done so already, please pay £18 as soon as possible, thank you. Please let Teresa know if you have any dietary requirements as we need to inform the staff at the cafe in advance to allow them to make the necessary arrangements. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch Payment Reminder
We are looking forward to our Christmas lunch at K9 Cafe on Thursday 8th December 2022. If you have not done so already, please pay £18 as soon as possible, thank you. Please let Teresa know if you have any dietary requirements as we need to inform the staff at the cafe in advance to allow them to make the necessary arrangements. Thank you.
7th November 2022
Java Jive
Please click on the button below to watch the video of Inspire Ladies' Choir singing 'Java Jive'.
Java Jive
Please click on the button below to watch the video of Inspire Ladies' Choir singing 'Java Jive'.
3rd November 2022
Durham Cathedral
Duncan has asked if the Choir would be interested in singing at an event in Durham Cathedral (provisionally on Wednesday 21st June 2023.) This is in conjunction with possibly up to ten other choirs. The choir seemed extremely keen on attending and Duncan will provide more details in the new year.
Stonehaven Male Voice Choir
Stonehaven Male Voice Choir from Scotland are hoping to come on a three day exchange visit to Inspire Ladies' Choir around 1st April 2023. However this is dependent on their choir finding suitable local accommodation. Watch this space!
Stonehaven Male Voice Choir
Our last rehearsal before Christmas will be Thursday 15th December 2022. We plan to order bacon/sausage butties from K9 Cafe (as we did last year) to have with tea/coffee and a relaxed Christmas sing song.
AGM
Our Annual Genereal Meeting will be held on 5th January 2023. More information will be added in due course.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The winner of October's Bonus Ball Fundraiser was number 5. Marjorie is collecting the £1 entry for November's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it! (Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
Caffeinated Coffee
We have recently received two cases of caffeinated coffee from Nescafe, in addition to the decaffeinated coffee received previously. We have contacted the team at Nescafe to thank them for their donation and have informed them about how we have distributed the coffee and how this has benefitted the community.
2nd November 2022
Coffee Donations to Worthy Causes
Coffee Donations to Worthy Causes
Following our successful nomination for a Nescafe Community prize, Inspire Ladies' Choir have been able to donate several jars of coffee to worthy causes. Today, we donated a case of coffee to Hope4All in Sunderland.
(Please see 27th October's post for earlier donations. Also 'Gallery' section of the website).
Hope4All is a community project that houses a co-operative shop and a cafe. The project is committed to eradicating poverty, waste and isolation. We are pleased to have been able to donate twelve jars of coffee to their Foodbank in St Thomas' Church, Pennywell.
More Coffee!
We were delighted to receive more coffee from Nescafe today. This time, they sent us twenty 200g jars of caffeinated coffee. Thank you to Nescafe for this generous donation.
We were delighted to receive more coffee from Nescafe today. This time, they sent us twenty 200g jars of caffeinated coffee. Thank you to Nescafe for this generous donation.
'Java Jive' Video
Thank you to Duncan and Kevin for arranging to video us singing 'Java Jive'. Unfortunately, the video is too large to publish on our website. However, you can access this via our Inspire Choir Whatsapp group. Please speak to Teresa to find out how to join the group. Thank you.
We will send all of our news to Nescafe so that they can see how their coffee has benefitted people within our community.
Thank you to Duncan and Kevin for arranging to video us singing 'Java Jive'. Unfortunately, the video is too large to publish on our website. However, you can access this via our Inspire Choir Whatsapp group. Please speak to Teresa to find out how to join the group. Thank you.
We will send all of our news to Nescafe so that they can see how their coffee has benefitted people within our community.
27th October 2022
New Music
If you were unable to attend Choir today, please collect your new Christmas music next week. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Next week, Marjorie will be collecting the £1 entry for November's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it! (Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
Concert Forms
Please fill in the form on the desk next week to state whether or not you will be able to attend the Christmas Concerts. There will also be a form for our Christmas meal at K9 Cafe. We will be starting to collect payment for this event, which will cost approximately £18 per person.
Committee Meeting
Our next meeting will take place on 3rd November 2022. Please contact Maureen if there is anything that you would like the Committee to discuss so that she can add it to the agenda. Thank you.
Nescafe Community Prize Winners
We were delighted to receive a generous donation from Nescafe after being nominated for a community prize. Following the nomination, which required informing Nescafe about how Inspire Ladies' Choir is beneficial to the local community, Nescafe kindly sent 100 jars of coffee (forty 200g jars and sixty 100g jars). Each member of the choir received one 200g jar to take home and two jars were kept to use at the Choir's coffee morning.
Donations of Coffee to Worthy Causes
Five cases of coffee (sixty jars of 100g) have been donated to the worthy causes in the local area.
The local beneficiaries are:
Washington Community Food Project - Based at The Galleries, Washington.
This is a food bank ran by volunteers, which serves people in the local area by providing emergency food parcels to those who have been referred and assessed by the Jobcentre, Gentoo, health agencies or other professionals.
From 1st November 2022, WCFP will be opening its door as a 'Warm Space'. Hot drinks and snacks will be available, as well as newspaper, books and activities.
The opening times will be:
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm
Five cases of coffee (sixty jars of 100g) have been donated to the worthy causes in the local area.
The local beneficiaries are:
Washington Community Food Project - Based at The Galleries, Washington.
This is a food bank ran by volunteers, which serves people in the local area by providing emergency food parcels to those who have been referred and assessed by the Jobcentre, Gentoo, health agencies or other professionals.
From 1st November 2022, WCFP will be opening its door as a 'Warm Space'. Hot drinks and snacks will be available, as well as newspaper, books and activities.
The opening times will be:
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm
Mickey's Place - Based at St. Michael's Church, Sulgrave
This is community group ran by volunteers, which aims to provide local residents with food packages, hot meals, advice and support. They are a community hub with a vision to 'create a more vibrant, healthy and economically strong community where nobody has to go hungry and nobody has to feel lonely'.
The 'Warm Space' at Mickey's Place will be open during the following times:
Monday to Friday 9.30am - 3pm
Sunday 12.30pm = 3.30pm
Sunderland Connect Project - Donations collected by Middle Herrington Methodist Church.
The Sunderland Connect 'Gifts of Love' project aims to collect food items to create Christmas hampers to donate to people who would benefit from receiving one during the festive season.
The Sunderland Connect 'Gifts of Love' project aims to collect food items to create Christmas hampers to donate to people who would benefit from receiving one during the festive season.
For more photographs, please see 'Gallery'. (Photographs from Mickey's Place and Washington Food Bank to follow at a later date).
Java Jive!
As we are due to get back in touch with Nescafe to let them know how their coffee has helped in our community, Duncan came up with the brilliant idea of performing the 'Java Jive' song and sending a video recording of it to the company. We managed to learn the song during the first half of the Choir session and, with thanks to Kevin, videoed it at the end.
As we are due to get back in touch with Nescafe to let them know how their coffee has helped in our community, Duncan came up with the brilliant idea of performing the 'Java Jive' song and sending a video recording of it to the company. We managed to learn the song during the first half of the Choir session and, with thanks to Kevin, videoed it at the end.
13th October 2022
St Benedict's Hospice Christmas Service
On Sunday 4th December 2022 we will be singing carols at St. Benedict's Hospice's annual 'Light up a Life' Christmas Service. This will be held at the The Beacon of Light situated next to Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light football ground. The time of the service is 2pm to 4pm and Choir members are requested to meet at 1.30pm in order to organise seating arrangements.
The Salvation Army band will also be attending this event, which is usually very popular. We will be singing while people are gathering and we will enhance the carol singing during the service. In addition to this, we may be asked to perform a few songs of our own. This will be a great opportunity to promote the choir and we hope that as many members as possible will be able to attend. Please add your name to the list if you will be able to join us at this event. Thank you.
Choir Christmas Lunch
On Thursday 8th of December at 11am we will be having our Choir's Christmas lunch at the K9 Cafe, Concord. The cost of this will be approximately £18 per person. Please add your name to the list if you would like to go. We will provide more information in the near future when we have more details regarding deposits and dietary requirements.
St. Andrew's Carol Service
We are pleased to have been invited to sing for the second year in a row at the Carol Service to be held at at St. Andrew's Church, Stanley, on 11th December 2022. The concert is due to begin at 4pm but we will need to meet before this time in order to organise seating arrangements. More details will follow in due course.
If you are able to attend, please add your name to the list at our next rehearsal. We are hoping to organise a minibus to take us to the event. If you would like to travel by minibus, please speak to Gillian so that the correct size bus can be arranged. A 16-seater bus will cost £8 each or a 12 seater will cost £10 each. Please note that this will not be subsidised by the choir so if you sign up for the bus you must pay even if you do not attend. Thank you.
Choir's Christmas Holiday Dates
The Choir's final rehearsal date before Christmas will be Thursday 15th of December. We will be returning on 5th January 2023 for our first rehearsal of 2023.
6th October 2022
Joint Concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir
At the Choir session today, Duncan thanked everyone for their performance at the concert on Saturday. It was a lovely event and very much appreciated by the audience. Maureen has received very favourable and encouraging feedback. £284 was raised for choir funds. The church and Sunderland Male Voice Choir also received £284 each.
Inspire Ladies' Choir sold 63 tickets, Sunderland Male Voice Choir sold 16 and 21 tickets were sold on the door. A big thank you to all of you who sold tickets and supported the event.
Black Performance Folders
Please hold on to your new black folders but only use them for concerts. This will ensure that they are kept in pristine condition which will inevitably contribute the overall appearance of our Choir at performances.
Welcome
We were delighted to welcome a new member to our Choir today. We extend a warm welcome to Enid and we hope that she will enjoy her time at Choir and rehearsing our new Christmas songs over the next few weeks.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The Bonus Ball for September was won by member T.R (details to follow). Marjorie is taking the £1 entry for October's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it! (Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
Dare We Say...Christmas?
Now that the nights are cutting in and the leaves are falling, this is the time of year that we start to think about rehearsing Christmas songs. We started two new Christmas pieces today: 'Carol of the Bells' and 'Dormi Dormi Bel Bambin'. If you were not at rehearsal today please remember to collect your new music. Duncan will be creating audio files for these pieces, which will appear on the website shortly.
Civic Carol Service (11th December 2022)
We are pleased to say that we will be singing at the Mayor's Civic Carol service at St. Andrew's Church, Stanley, on the 11th of December at 4pm. We will perform two of our pieces and support the singing of the carols. Please try to attend the event if possible. We shall not be hiring a minibus due to the rising costs but anyone who is travelling by car should offer spare seats/car share if possible. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch (8th December 2022)
We are planning a Christmas lunch on Thursday the 8th of December in the cafe behind our rehearsal hall. This will be from around 11-30am onwards and cost approximately £18 for a three course lunch. More details to follow
Final Rehearsal Before Christmas (15th December 2022)
Our last rehearsal before Christmas will be the 15th of December and we will return on 5th January 2023.
Joint Concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir
At the Choir session today, Duncan thanked everyone for their performance at the concert on Saturday. It was a lovely event and very much appreciated by the audience. Maureen has received very favourable and encouraging feedback. £284 was raised for choir funds. The church and Sunderland Male Voice Choir also received £284 each.
Inspire Ladies' Choir sold 63 tickets, Sunderland Male Voice Choir sold 16 and 21 tickets were sold on the door. A big thank you to all of you who sold tickets and supported the event.
Black Performance Folders
Please hold on to your new black folders but only use them for concerts. This will ensure that they are kept in pristine condition which will inevitably contribute the overall appearance of our Choir at performances.
Welcome
We were delighted to welcome a new member to our Choir today. We extend a warm welcome to Enid and we hope that she will enjoy her time at Choir and rehearsing our new Christmas songs over the next few weeks.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The Bonus Ball for September was won by member T.R (details to follow). Marjorie is taking the £1 entry for October's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it! (Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
Dare We Say...Christmas?
Now that the nights are cutting in and the leaves are falling, this is the time of year that we start to think about rehearsing Christmas songs. We started two new Christmas pieces today: 'Carol of the Bells' and 'Dormi Dormi Bel Bambin'. If you were not at rehearsal today please remember to collect your new music. Duncan will be creating audio files for these pieces, which will appear on the website shortly.
Civic Carol Service (11th December 2022)
We are pleased to say that we will be singing at the Mayor's Civic Carol service at St. Andrew's Church, Stanley, on the 11th of December at 4pm. We will perform two of our pieces and support the singing of the carols. Please try to attend the event if possible. We shall not be hiring a minibus due to the rising costs but anyone who is travelling by car should offer spare seats/car share if possible. Thank you.
Christmas Lunch (8th December 2022)
We are planning a Christmas lunch on Thursday the 8th of December in the cafe behind our rehearsal hall. This will be from around 11-30am onwards and cost approximately £18 for a three course lunch. More details to follow
Final Rehearsal Before Christmas (15th December 2022)
Our last rehearsal before Christmas will be the 15th of December and we will return on 5th January 2023.
1st October 2022
Joint Concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to perform a joint concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir (formerly known as Shiney Row Male Voice Choir) at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village. Both choirs performed a selection of music that they had been rehearsing over the past few months, culminating in a joint performance of 'Go Now in Peace'. A most enjoyable evening was had by all and the event managed to raise funds (details to follow) to help with the running of the groups involved.
We would like to thank Maureen for organising the event, which was a huge success. We are also very grateful to Julie L and Duncan for their hard work in helping us to learn the songs and improve over time. In the words of our opening song ... LOOK AT US NOW! We should all feel very proud.
Joint Concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir
Inspire Ladies' Choir were delighted to perform a joint concert with Sunderland Male Voice Choir (formerly known as Shiney Row Male Voice Choir) at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village. Both choirs performed a selection of music that they had been rehearsing over the past few months, culminating in a joint performance of 'Go Now in Peace'. A most enjoyable evening was had by all and the event managed to raise funds (details to follow) to help with the running of the groups involved.
We would like to thank Maureen for organising the event, which was a huge success. We are also very grateful to Julie L and Duncan for their hard work in helping us to learn the songs and improve over time. In the words of our opening song ... LOOK AT US NOW! We should all feel very proud.
Thank you to those people who provided us with photographs of the concert.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
September's draw will take place on Thursday 6th October and Marjorie will begin to collect the money for October's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it!
(Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
September's draw will take place on Thursday 6th October and Marjorie will begin to collect the money for October's draw. This is proving to be a superb fundraiser with money raised going towards Choir funds in order to pay for general expenditure such as subsidising the cost of uniforms and buses. Remember... you've got to be in it to win it!
(Please note: Participation is purely voluntary and you do not need to enter every month).
Committee Meeting
The next meeting will take place on Thursday 6th October 2022 at 9.30am.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday 6th October 2022 at 9.30am.
22nd September 2022
New Members
Today, we were pleased to welcome another new member, Elaine, to our Choir. If you know of anyone that would like to potentially join our Choir, please tell them that they are very welcome to come along any Thursday morning from 10am.
Let the River Run
Please remember to pronounce 'Jerusalem' with 'em' at the end, as opposed to 'um'.
Go Now in Peace
Please collect the music for this next week if you haven't done so already. This will be the joint item with the Male Voice Choir at our concert. Thank you.
New Scarves
We are pleased to have received our new scarves in time for our concert on Saturday 1st October. If you haven't collected your scarf this week, please do so next week. We are politely requesting £3 per member as a contribution to the cost, with the remaining balance being subsidised by Choir funds. Please return your knitted flower to Maureen at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
Black Concert File
Please collect your black concert file next week if you haven't done so already. These do not need to be returned afterwards but please use them only for concerts in order to keep them in pristine condition. It is very important that your music for the concert is placed in the correct order and is hole-punched, rather than being placed in a plastic poly-pocket. Thank you.
1. LOOK AT US NOW
2. DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
3. BONNY AT MORN
4. A DISTANT SHORE
5. GONNA RISE UP SINGING
6. LET THE RIVER RUN
Interval
7. CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES
8. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING
9. BIRD FLY HIGH
10. THE BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
11. THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
12. FUNICULI, FUNICULA
13. (Joint item with Male Voice Choir): GO NOW IN PEACE
Concert Arrangements
-Saturday 1st October 2022 at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village (on the hill).
-As we have 29 members singing at the concert, we would be grateful if you could arrive no later than 6.30pm in order to check our seating arrangements.
-Tickets are still available at a cost of £7 per ticket. Alternatively, guests may pay at the door on the night.
-Please wear your black uniform with your new red scarf hanging loosely around your neck.
-Maureen will be distributing a concert seating plan at next week's rehearsal so you will be able to have an idea of where you will be sitting in advance.
New Members
Today, we were pleased to welcome another new member, Elaine, to our Choir. If you know of anyone that would like to potentially join our Choir, please tell them that they are very welcome to come along any Thursday morning from 10am.
Let the River Run
Please remember to pronounce 'Jerusalem' with 'em' at the end, as opposed to 'um'.
Go Now in Peace
Please collect the music for this next week if you haven't done so already. This will be the joint item with the Male Voice Choir at our concert. Thank you.
New Scarves
We are pleased to have received our new scarves in time for our concert on Saturday 1st October. If you haven't collected your scarf this week, please do so next week. We are politely requesting £3 per member as a contribution to the cost, with the remaining balance being subsidised by Choir funds. Please return your knitted flower to Maureen at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
Black Concert File
Please collect your black concert file next week if you haven't done so already. These do not need to be returned afterwards but please use them only for concerts in order to keep them in pristine condition. It is very important that your music for the concert is placed in the correct order and is hole-punched, rather than being placed in a plastic poly-pocket. Thank you.
1. LOOK AT US NOW
2. DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
3. BONNY AT MORN
4. A DISTANT SHORE
5. GONNA RISE UP SINGING
6. LET THE RIVER RUN
Interval
7. CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES
8. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING
9. BIRD FLY HIGH
10. THE BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
11. THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
12. FUNICULI, FUNICULA
13. (Joint item with Male Voice Choir): GO NOW IN PEACE
Concert Arrangements
-Saturday 1st October 2022 at Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village (on the hill).
-As we have 29 members singing at the concert, we would be grateful if you could arrive no later than 6.30pm in order to check our seating arrangements.
-Tickets are still available at a cost of £7 per ticket. Alternatively, guests may pay at the door on the night.
-Please wear your black uniform with your new red scarf hanging loosely around your neck.
-Maureen will be distributing a concert seating plan at next week's rehearsal so you will be able to have an idea of where you will be sitting in advance.
15th September 2022
In Memory Of Queen Elizabeth II
We started today's session by observing a one-minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
Choir Uniform - New Scarves
When we perform in front of an audience, we usually wear a black uniform in order to look as smart as possible as a Choir. We are pleased to say that to enhance this further, Maureen has found a lovely chiffon scarf that we can wear at future concerts. This, in conjunction with our new folders and banner, will help to add to our polished appearance and create an impact for the audience.
The scarves are priced at £6 each but we would politely request that members contribute £3 towards this cost, with the remaining balance being subsidised by the Choir's funds that we have raised previously. In due course, we will let you know more about the purchase of the scarves. However, if you would like to contribute before then, please place your money in a sealed envelope with your name and Choir number on it and give it to Marjorie, Hazel or Christine. Thanking you in anticipation.
Preparation for 1st October Concert
Today, Duncan took us through the songs for the concert due to take place on Saturday 1st October 2022. Please find below some notes to help us to make improvements to each piece. We would appreciate it if you could use a pencil to mark your copies with any notes that will help you to remember the tips and reminders that are flagged up during rehearsals.
Dance to Your Daddy
-For the first word 'dance', please sing the 's' sound just before you start the next word of 'dance'.
-Please remember at letter B in the music that you go back to bar 5 and repeat.
-At bar 81, keep the tempo going until the end. Don't slow down.
Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
-Start very softly so we can build the volume through the piece.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
At bar 27, the first' and give you peace' is moderately soft, the next one softly and the third one very soft.
The joint item for the two Choirs will be 'Go Now in Peace'. Please make sure that you pick up a copy of the music if you were unable to attend Choir today. Thank you.
Important Rehearsals
It is important that members attend the final two rehearsals if you can and also attend the concert if you have stated on the form that you will be there. Choir singing is a team event and every voice contributes to the success of the performance. We look forward to seeing everyone next week.
In Memory Of Queen Elizabeth II
We started today's session by observing a one-minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
Choir Uniform - New Scarves
When we perform in front of an audience, we usually wear a black uniform in order to look as smart as possible as a Choir. We are pleased to say that to enhance this further, Maureen has found a lovely chiffon scarf that we can wear at future concerts. This, in conjunction with our new folders and banner, will help to add to our polished appearance and create an impact for the audience.
The scarves are priced at £6 each but we would politely request that members contribute £3 towards this cost, with the remaining balance being subsidised by the Choir's funds that we have raised previously. In due course, we will let you know more about the purchase of the scarves. However, if you would like to contribute before then, please place your money in a sealed envelope with your name and Choir number on it and give it to Marjorie, Hazel or Christine. Thanking you in anticipation.
Preparation for 1st October Concert
Today, Duncan took us through the songs for the concert due to take place on Saturday 1st October 2022. Please find below some notes to help us to make improvements to each piece. We would appreciate it if you could use a pencil to mark your copies with any notes that will help you to remember the tips and reminders that are flagged up during rehearsals.
Dance to Your Daddy
-For the first word 'dance', please sing the 's' sound just before you start the next word of 'dance'.
-Please remember at letter B in the music that you go back to bar 5 and repeat.
-At bar 81, keep the tempo going until the end. Don't slow down.
Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
-Start very softly so we can build the volume through the piece.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You
At bar 27, the first' and give you peace' is moderately soft, the next one softly and the third one very soft.
The joint item for the two Choirs will be 'Go Now in Peace'. Please make sure that you pick up a copy of the music if you were unable to attend Choir today. Thank you.
Important Rehearsals
It is important that members attend the final two rehearsals if you can and also attend the concert if you have stated on the form that you will be there. Choir singing is a team event and every voice contributes to the success of the performance. We look forward to seeing everyone next week.
8th September 2022
8th September 2022
Music Theory
Thank you to Julie L for helping us to understand more about reading music and music theory during our session today. We are sure that this will help us to further develop our skills as a Choir and to help us to continually improve in preparation for future events.
1st September 2022
Reading Music - New Website Page
Please don't worry if you are unable to read music. We really want every member of our choir to enjoy themselves without the fear of making a mistake or worrying about how to follow the music. At our Choir, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand so please don't be afraid to ask... and remember: we all make mistakes!
We have recently introduced a new page to our website to help those people who would like to know more about reading music. This can be found in the menu under the heading 'Reading Music'. This page has had information added to it but it is currently under construction and will have more added to it over time. This information can also be found on the back cover of your Choir Handbook.
New Music
We are pleased to say that we have welcomed many new members to our Choir in recent weeks. All of our current music is stored in a box on the stage in our rehearsal room. If you are missing any music from our current list, please feel free to collect the music from the box and write your designated member's number in the top corner.
Autumn Concert Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Autumn Concert in Washington Village are now available to purchase at a cost of £7 each. Please see Maureen next week or scroll down to see the contact details on the poster for other people who are selling the tickets.
Could everyone please place a tick or cross next to your name on the form situated on the payment table to state whether or not you will be able to attend the concert. Thank you.
Autumn Music List
In preparation for our concert on 1st October, we are currently rehearsing the following pieces of music:
1. LOOK AT US NOW
2. DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
3. BONNY AT MORN
4. A DISTANT SHORE
5. GONNA RISE UP SINGING
6. LET THE RIVER RUN
7. CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES
8. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING
9. BIRD FLY HIGH
10. THE BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
11. THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
12. FUNICULI, FUNICULA
Closer to the concert date, you will receive your black concert files. We would appreciate it if you could place your music in it in the correct order for the concert. Music should be hole-punched and placed in the file, not in poly-pockets, as the music should remain in the file throughout the performance. These folders will then be collected back in at the rehearsal on 6th October and kept safe until our next concert. Thank you.
Reading Music - New Website Page
Please don't worry if you are unable to read music. We really want every member of our choir to enjoy themselves without the fear of making a mistake or worrying about how to follow the music. At our Choir, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand so please don't be afraid to ask... and remember: we all make mistakes!
We have recently introduced a new page to our website to help those people who would like to know more about reading music. This can be found in the menu under the heading 'Reading Music'. This page has had information added to it but it is currently under construction and will have more added to it over time. This information can also be found on the back cover of your Choir Handbook.
New Music
We are pleased to say that we have welcomed many new members to our Choir in recent weeks. All of our current music is stored in a box on the stage in our rehearsal room. If you are missing any music from our current list, please feel free to collect the music from the box and write your designated member's number in the top corner.
Autumn Concert Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Autumn Concert in Washington Village are now available to purchase at a cost of £7 each. Please see Maureen next week or scroll down to see the contact details on the poster for other people who are selling the tickets.
Could everyone please place a tick or cross next to your name on the form situated on the payment table to state whether or not you will be able to attend the concert. Thank you.
Autumn Music List
In preparation for our concert on 1st October, we are currently rehearsing the following pieces of music:
1. LOOK AT US NOW
2. DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
3. BONNY AT MORN
4. A DISTANT SHORE
5. GONNA RISE UP SINGING
6. LET THE RIVER RUN
7. CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES
8. LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING
9. BIRD FLY HIGH
10. THE BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
11. THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
12. FUNICULI, FUNICULA
Closer to the concert date, you will receive your black concert files. We would appreciate it if you could place your music in it in the correct order for the concert. Music should be hole-punched and placed in the file, not in poly-pockets, as the music should remain in the file throughout the performance. These folders will then be collected back in at the rehearsal on 6th October and kept safe until our next concert. Thank you.
25th August 2022
Autumn Concert Song List
If you were unable to attend Choir today, please collect the running order sheet next week. On the day of the concert, these pieces of music should be placed in your concert file in the correct order (not in polypockets). Thank you.
Recent Rehearsal Photograph
We are currently rehearsing songs in preparation for our Autumn Concert. Please find a photograph of this morning's session below.
Autumn Concert Song List
If you were unable to attend Choir today, please collect the running order sheet next week. On the day of the concert, these pieces of music should be placed in your concert file in the correct order (not in polypockets). Thank you.
Recent Rehearsal Photograph
We are currently rehearsing songs in preparation for our Autumn Concert. Please find a photograph of this morning's session below.
Autumn Concert Tickets
Tickets for the Autumn Concert in Washington Village are now available to purchase at a cost of £7 each. Please see Maureen next week or scroll down to see the contact details for other people who are selling the tickets. Thank you.
Tickets for the Autumn Concert in Washington Village are now available to purchase at a cost of £7 each. Please see Maureen next week or scroll down to see the contact details for other people who are selling the tickets. Thank you.
Autumn Concert Form
Please put a tick or cross next to your name on the form, which will be on the table next week, to say whether you are able to attend the concert on 1st October 2022. Thank you.
Audio Files
The audio files for 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves' and 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You' can be found in the Soprano and Alto Lines (Current) pages of the website. To help you with the rhythm within the 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves', Duncan has created the file to enable you to hear the different rhythms within the phrases. For example, the 4 beats of the lyric 'Speed your journey, my thoughts and my longings' (with longings in 3) against the piano's waltz-like rhythm in 3 beats.
Seating Arrangements
Please sit wherever you feel comfortable, as long as you remain within the correct section eg Soprano 1, Soprano 2 or Alto. Although we would ask you to consider sitting at the front if you are shorter and at the back if you are taller, we are aware that some people prefer to sit elsewhere. Seating arrangements will still be provided for concerts.
Bonus Ball
September is almost upon us, which means that it is almost time for the August's Bonus Ball draw. The collection begins next week for the September draw.
Committee Meeting
Please note that the next Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday 1st September at 9.30am.
Subs Due
This is a friendly reminder that September's subs are due next week. Please ensure that you obtain a receipt from Hazel or Christine if you pay your subs in cash. If you would like to pay by standing order via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who can help you with this. Thank you.
Gareth Malone at The Sage, Gateshead
For those members of the Choir who may be interested in 'Sing-Along-A-Gareth' with Gareth Malone, he will be appearing alongside his band at The Sage, Gateshead on Thursday 1st December 2022 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £35.80 and are available online or from The Sage's Box Office.
Please put a tick or cross next to your name on the form, which will be on the table next week, to say whether you are able to attend the concert on 1st October 2022. Thank you.
Audio Files
The audio files for 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves' and 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You' can be found in the Soprano and Alto Lines (Current) pages of the website. To help you with the rhythm within the 'Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves', Duncan has created the file to enable you to hear the different rhythms within the phrases. For example, the 4 beats of the lyric 'Speed your journey, my thoughts and my longings' (with longings in 3) against the piano's waltz-like rhythm in 3 beats.
Seating Arrangements
Please sit wherever you feel comfortable, as long as you remain within the correct section eg Soprano 1, Soprano 2 or Alto. Although we would ask you to consider sitting at the front if you are shorter and at the back if you are taller, we are aware that some people prefer to sit elsewhere. Seating arrangements will still be provided for concerts.
Bonus Ball
September is almost upon us, which means that it is almost time for the August's Bonus Ball draw. The collection begins next week for the September draw.
Committee Meeting
Please note that the next Committee Meeting takes place on Thursday 1st September at 9.30am.
Subs Due
This is a friendly reminder that September's subs are due next week. Please ensure that you obtain a receipt from Hazel or Christine if you pay your subs in cash. If you would like to pay by standing order via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who can help you with this. Thank you.
Gareth Malone at The Sage, Gateshead
For those members of the Choir who may be interested in 'Sing-Along-A-Gareth' with Gareth Malone, he will be appearing alongside his band at The Sage, Gateshead on Thursday 1st December 2022 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £35.80 and are available online or from The Sage's Box Office.
11th August 2022
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), please make arrangements via our WhatsApp group or Facebook page.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Today was the last day that we were able to collect money for August's Bonus Ball Fundraiser. This will be drawn on Thursday 1st September and the new collection for September's Bonus Ball will begin (to be drawn in October).
Welcome
Today, we were pleased to welcome Viv to our Choir rehearsal. We are delighted that more people are coming along for a taster session and we hope that more people continue to join us as our Choir goes from strength to strength.
Musical Chairs
We are aware that there are occasionally minor issues relating to seating arrangements during rehearsals. We are hoping to resolve this soon by possibly introducing an extra row of seats and making a distinction between the three groups within the Choir. In the meantime, we will continue to sit in our usual seats until the new set-up is organised.
Committee Meeting
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 1st September at 9.30am. If you have an issue that you would like the Committee to discuss, please let Maureen know so that she can add the item to the agenda. Thank you.
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), please make arrangements via our WhatsApp group or Facebook page.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Today was the last day that we were able to collect money for August's Bonus Ball Fundraiser. This will be drawn on Thursday 1st September and the new collection for September's Bonus Ball will begin (to be drawn in October).
Welcome
Today, we were pleased to welcome Viv to our Choir rehearsal. We are delighted that more people are coming along for a taster session and we hope that more people continue to join us as our Choir goes from strength to strength.
Musical Chairs
We are aware that there are occasionally minor issues relating to seating arrangements during rehearsals. We are hoping to resolve this soon by possibly introducing an extra row of seats and making a distinction between the three groups within the Choir. In the meantime, we will continue to sit in our usual seats until the new set-up is organised.
Committee Meeting
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 1st September at 9.30am. If you have an issue that you would like the Committee to discuss, please let Maureen know so that she can add the item to the agenda. Thank you.
7th August 2022
Royal Mail Stamps
Although this is not Choir-related, we thought it might be useful for our members to know about the changes to Royal Mail stamps. The small stamps that we have been used to using are gradually being replaced by larger stamps with a barcode attached to them. Any old stamps that you may have purchased need to be used within the next six months whilst they remain valid. Alternatively, you can exchange these old-style stamps at your local Post Office for the updated version.
Royal Mail Stamps
Although this is not Choir-related, we thought it might be useful for our members to know about the changes to Royal Mail stamps. The small stamps that we have been used to using are gradually being replaced by larger stamps with a barcode attached to them. Any old stamps that you may have purchased need to be used within the next six months whilst they remain valid. Alternatively, you can exchange these old-style stamps at your local Post Office for the updated version.
4th August 2022
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), we can make arrangements at the session on 11th August.
Afternoon Tea
Please meet in plenty of time this afternoon to start eating at 2.30pm, thank you. (See previous posts for more details regarding venue etc).
New Music
If you were unable to attend choir today, please collect your new music next week. The new piece that was distributed today is 'Look At Us Now' and, as Maureen pointed out, the lyrics strongly reflect the ethos of our Choir.
Pencils
Please use a pencil to add helpful notes to your music where you see fit. For example, if you need to remember how long to hold a note for or where to breathe, it can be useful to make a note of this on your paper. (Please do not write in pen). We have rubber-tipped pencils stored next to the box of music on the stage that can be borrowed each week if you would like to use one.
Reading Music
Please don't worry if you are unable to read music. We really want every member of our choir to enjoy themselves without the fear of making a mistake or worrying about how to follow the music. At our Choir, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand so please don't be afraid to ask... and remember: we all make mistakes!
New Website Page
In relation to the previous note regarding reading music, we are intending to create a new page on this website which will aim to briefly describe some elements of music that appear in the pieces that we use at our Choir sessions. This will not be overly-complex and will aim to explain in simple terms information regarding elements such as the dynamics of the piece and how long to hold different notes for. We understand that not everyone is able to read music so we hope that this will help.
Please check back at a later date to see how this page develops. The new page will appear in the menu under the heading 'Reading Music' and the information will be added gradually over time. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Winner
Ball number 9 was drawn today. The winner received £11.50 and £11.50 was submitted into Choir funds. Marjorie is now collecting money for the month of August if you would like to participate this month. (Your Choir number is your Bonus Ball number if you choose to take part).
Afternoon Tea Photographs
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Thank you to Marjorie for organising.
Please view our 'Gallery' page for more photographs.
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), we can make arrangements at the session on 11th August.
Afternoon Tea
Please meet in plenty of time this afternoon to start eating at 2.30pm, thank you. (See previous posts for more details regarding venue etc).
New Music
If you were unable to attend choir today, please collect your new music next week. The new piece that was distributed today is 'Look At Us Now' and, as Maureen pointed out, the lyrics strongly reflect the ethos of our Choir.
Pencils
Please use a pencil to add helpful notes to your music where you see fit. For example, if you need to remember how long to hold a note for or where to breathe, it can be useful to make a note of this on your paper. (Please do not write in pen). We have rubber-tipped pencils stored next to the box of music on the stage that can be borrowed each week if you would like to use one.
Reading Music
Please don't worry if you are unable to read music. We really want every member of our choir to enjoy themselves without the fear of making a mistake or worrying about how to follow the music. At our Choir, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand so please don't be afraid to ask... and remember: we all make mistakes!
New Website Page
In relation to the previous note regarding reading music, we are intending to create a new page on this website which will aim to briefly describe some elements of music that appear in the pieces that we use at our Choir sessions. This will not be overly-complex and will aim to explain in simple terms information regarding elements such as the dynamics of the piece and how long to hold different notes for. We understand that not everyone is able to read music so we hope that this will help.
Please check back at a later date to see how this page develops. The new page will appear in the menu under the heading 'Reading Music' and the information will be added gradually over time. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Winner
Ball number 9 was drawn today. The winner received £11.50 and £11.50 was submitted into Choir funds. Marjorie is now collecting money for the month of August if you would like to participate this month. (Your Choir number is your Bonus Ball number if you choose to take part).
Afternoon Tea Photographs
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Thank you to Marjorie for organising.
Please view our 'Gallery' page for more photographs.
3rd August 2022
Autumn Concert
Thank You, Nescafe!
Recently, Inspire Ladies' Choir were nominated to receive support from Nescafe Original and we have just found out that this nomination was successful! Nescafe were keen to find out more information about our Choir and how we provide support within our community.
In their email, the team from Nescafe said:
'The story of the community really captivated and moved us' and they have said that they would like to donate several jars of Nescafe Original to the Choir. Thank you, Nescafe!
28th July 2022
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), we can make arrangements at the session on 11th August.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome two new visitors, Emma and Linda, to Choir today. We hope they enjoyed it and would like to return again next week.
Thank You
Following our recent joint concert, we received a letter from Felling Concert Choir thanking us for the receipt of the money that was raised. The participating choirs received £197 each from the proceeds of tickets sales and the raffle.
Afternoon Tea on 4th August 2022.
Please note that choir will still go ahead on this date at the usual time 10.00 - 12.00. Afternoon Tea will be served at 2.30pm at Chester-le-Street Golf Club for those people who are due to attend. If you have not paid the full balance, please give it to Marjorie on Thursday morning at Choir so that she can pay the venue. Thank you.
Chester-le-Street Golf Club,
Lumley Park House,
Castle Dene,
Chester-le-Street,
DH3 4NS
(Situated at the entrance to Lumley Castle)
Committee Meeting Date
Please note that the next Committee Meeting will now take place on Thursday 11th August 2022 and not 4th as previously arranged. The meeting start time is still 9.30am. Thank you.
Refreshments
This is a polite reminder that tea and coffee costs 50p per cup, which also includes a biscuit. This charge contributes to purchasing additional stock and also helps to boost Choir funds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments each week and also the group of ladies who help to wash the dishes. This is greatly appreciated.
New Music
If you have been unable to attend Choir recently, please collect your new pieces of music next week. These are:
-A Distant Shore
-Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
-The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Please Return Music
Please return the following music next week if you were not at Choir today:
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that £15 August's subs are due on 4th August 2022. If you currently pay cash but would like to pay by standing order, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant information.
Bonus Ball
We will be starting to collect August's Bonus Ball money next week if you would like to participate in this month's draw. (£1 per person, per month. Entry is purely voluntary and you don't have to enter every month).
You've got to be in it to win it!
Choir Holiday
Please note that there will no choir session on Thursday 18th August 2022. If you would like to meet for coffee and a chat at a local venue on that day at the time that we would normally meet (10am), we can make arrangements at the session on 11th August.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome two new visitors, Emma and Linda, to Choir today. We hope they enjoyed it and would like to return again next week.
Thank You
Following our recent joint concert, we received a letter from Felling Concert Choir thanking us for the receipt of the money that was raised. The participating choirs received £197 each from the proceeds of tickets sales and the raffle.
Afternoon Tea on 4th August 2022.
Please note that choir will still go ahead on this date at the usual time 10.00 - 12.00. Afternoon Tea will be served at 2.30pm at Chester-le-Street Golf Club for those people who are due to attend. If you have not paid the full balance, please give it to Marjorie on Thursday morning at Choir so that she can pay the venue. Thank you.
Chester-le-Street Golf Club,
Lumley Park House,
Castle Dene,
Chester-le-Street,
DH3 4NS
(Situated at the entrance to Lumley Castle)
Committee Meeting Date
Please note that the next Committee Meeting will now take place on Thursday 11th August 2022 and not 4th as previously arranged. The meeting start time is still 9.30am. Thank you.
Refreshments
This is a polite reminder that tea and coffee costs 50p per cup, which also includes a biscuit. This charge contributes to purchasing additional stock and also helps to boost Choir funds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments each week and also the group of ladies who help to wash the dishes. This is greatly appreciated.
New Music
If you have been unable to attend Choir recently, please collect your new pieces of music next week. These are:
-A Distant Shore
-Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
-The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Please Return Music
Please return the following music next week if you were not at Choir today:
- African Alleluia
- Chariot's Comin'
- Flying Free
- Go Now in Peace
- Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
- Poor Wayfaring Stranger
- The Prayer
- The Rose
- When I Close My Eyes
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that £15 August's subs are due on 4th August 2022. If you currently pay cash but would like to pay by standing order, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant information.
Bonus Ball
We will be starting to collect August's Bonus Ball money next week if you would like to participate in this month's draw. (£1 per person, per month. Entry is purely voluntary and you don't have to enter every month).
You've got to be in it to win it!
24th July 2022
Committee Meeting Date
Please note that the next Committee Meeting will now take place on Thursday 11th August 2022 and not 4th as previously arranged. The meeting start time is still 9.30am. Thank you.
Audio Files
We are in the process of updating the audio files for the new music that we have received over the past few weeks. Please keep checking the Soprano Lines (Current) and Alto Lines (Current) for updates. The Lord Bless You and Keep You has been added.
Committee Meeting Date
Please note that the next Committee Meeting will now take place on Thursday 11th August 2022 and not 4th as previously arranged. The meeting start time is still 9.30am. Thank you.
Audio Files
We are in the process of updating the audio files for the new music that we have received over the past few weeks. Please keep checking the Soprano Lines (Current) and Alto Lines (Current) for updates. The Lord Bless You and Keep You has been added.
21st July 2022
New Music
Please collect three new pieces of music if you have been unable to attend choir recently. Thank you.
Afternoon Tea
Teresa has started to collect deposits for Afternoon Tea. Please note that the final balance is due at the next session on 28th July, which is next week. We are unable to provide transport this time around so are politely requesting that people offer lifts to those who do not have transport of their own. Thank you very much.
Additional information regarding Afternoon Tea can be found in the notes below (dated 14th July).
(IMPORTANT: If you have any dietary requirements eg vegetarian, please speak to Marjorie or Teresa).
Please Return Music
Please return the following music on 28th July 2022:
New Music
Please collect three new pieces of music if you have been unable to attend choir recently. Thank you.
Afternoon Tea
Teresa has started to collect deposits for Afternoon Tea. Please note that the final balance is due at the next session on 28th July, which is next week. We are unable to provide transport this time around so are politely requesting that people offer lifts to those who do not have transport of their own. Thank you very much.
Additional information regarding Afternoon Tea can be found in the notes below (dated 14th July).
(IMPORTANT: If you have any dietary requirements eg vegetarian, please speak to Marjorie or Teresa).
Please Return Music
Please return the following music on 28th July 2022:
- African Alleluia
- Chariot's Comin'
- Flying Free
- Go Now in Peace
- Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
- Poor Wayfaring Stranger
- The Prayer
- The Rose
- When I Close My Eyes
19th July 2022
Music Number
Please put your choir number in the top right hand corner on any new music that you have been given over the last few weeks. We would appreciate it if you could staple it on the long edge at the left hand side of the paper.
Thank you.
Please Return Music
Please return the following music on 28th July 2022:
Afternoon Tea
Please see 14th July notices below for details of our forthcoming Afternoon Tea. £5 deposit is required on Thursday this week please. Thank you.
Music Number
Please put your choir number in the top right hand corner on any new music that you have been given over the last few weeks. We would appreciate it if you could staple it on the long edge at the left hand side of the paper.
Thank you.
Please Return Music
Please return the following music on 28th July 2022:
- African Alleluia
- Chariot's Comin'
- Flying Free
- Go Now in Peace
- Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
- Poor Wayfaring Stranger
- The Prayer
- The Rose
- When I Close My Eyes
Afternoon Tea
Please see 14th July notices below for details of our forthcoming Afternoon Tea. £5 deposit is required on Thursday this week please. Thank you.
14th July 2022
Bonus Ball
The 'Bonus Ball' for June was redrawn today as last week's number was a vacant number. The redrawn number was 2. Please see Marjorie to claim your prize.
If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw, which will take place on Thursday 4th August. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Choir Sessions
Teresa reminded everyone to pay full attention to Duncan during rehearsal and requested that members turn off mobile phones or place them on silent mode during rehearsals. We also ask that if you sign up to perform in a concert that you attend as many rehearsals as possible to be at our optimum with regards to quality.
Refreshments
This is a polite reminder that tea and coffee costs 50p per cup, which also includes a biscuit. This charge contributes to purchasing additional stock and also helps to boost Choir funds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments each week and also the group of ladies who help to wash the dishes. This is greatly appreciated.
One Lump or Two?
We are pleased to announce that we have booked afternoon tea at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Thank you to Marjorie for organising this.
DATE:
The confirmed date is Thursday 4th August 2022 at 2.30pm. If you would like to go, please let Marjorie know as soon as possible.
COST:
The total cost per person is £13.50. A £5 deposit is required and the final balance is due at the session on 28th July.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
The venue is able to cater for various dietary requirements (eg vegetarian) but we will need to inform them in advance so please let Marjorie know at the time of securing your place.
TRANSPORT:
Members will need to make their own way there. If anyone is travelling by car, we would be grateful if you could try to offer lifts to those members who don't drive. Thank you.
Welcome!
We are delighted to say that we have welcomed three ladies as potential new members. We hope that Vivian, Jean and Marion enjoy their time with us and become full-time members of our Choir.
Committee Meeting
We will be holding our next Committee meeting on Thursday 4th August. If you would like to add any points to the agenda, please speak to Maureen in advance. Thank you.
Bonus Ball
The 'Bonus Ball' for June was redrawn today as last week's number was a vacant number. The redrawn number was 2. Please see Marjorie to claim your prize.
If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw, which will take place on Thursday 4th August. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Choir Sessions
Teresa reminded everyone to pay full attention to Duncan during rehearsal and requested that members turn off mobile phones or place them on silent mode during rehearsals. We also ask that if you sign up to perform in a concert that you attend as many rehearsals as possible to be at our optimum with regards to quality.
Refreshments
This is a polite reminder that tea and coffee costs 50p per cup, which also includes a biscuit. This charge contributes to purchasing additional stock and also helps to boost Choir funds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sally and Gillian for organising the refreshments each week and also the group of ladies who help to wash the dishes. This is greatly appreciated.
One Lump or Two?
We are pleased to announce that we have booked afternoon tea at Chester-le-Street Golf Club. Thank you to Marjorie for organising this.
DATE:
The confirmed date is Thursday 4th August 2022 at 2.30pm. If you would like to go, please let Marjorie know as soon as possible.
COST:
The total cost per person is £13.50. A £5 deposit is required and the final balance is due at the session on 28th July.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
The venue is able to cater for various dietary requirements (eg vegetarian) but we will need to inform them in advance so please let Marjorie know at the time of securing your place.
TRANSPORT:
Members will need to make their own way there. If anyone is travelling by car, we would be grateful if you could try to offer lifts to those members who don't drive. Thank you.
Welcome!
We are delighted to say that we have welcomed three ladies as potential new members. We hope that Vivian, Jean and Marion enjoy their time with us and become full-time members of our Choir.
Committee Meeting
We will be holding our next Committee meeting on Thursday 4th August. If you would like to add any points to the agenda, please speak to Maureen in advance. Thank you.
7th July 2022
Thank You!
Today, Duncan thanked everyone for singing so well at the joint concert on Saturday. The whole event went off so well and the choir has received excellent feedback in person and on social media. Special thanks goes to Maureen for all of her hard work in organising the event. She worked so hard liaising with the church and other choirs to make the whole day a success.
111 tickets were sold at £6 each and £159 was raised from the raffle. After deducting the ticket and poster printing costs of £37, a balance of £788 remained to be divided equally between the three participating choirs and the church (£197 each).
Some of the videos of our performance can be seen below and also on the Facebook page of the Parish of St John XXIII.
New Music
At today's session, we began to learn two new pieces: 'A Distant Shore' and 'The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves'. Please collect this music next week if you were unable to attend today.
Black Folders
Please return your black concert folders so that they can be kept in pristine condition for our next concert. thank you.
And the Winner is...
June's winning Bonus Ball is number 12. Please collect your prize from Marjorie. Thank you.
Thank You!
Today, Duncan thanked everyone for singing so well at the joint concert on Saturday. The whole event went off so well and the choir has received excellent feedback in person and on social media. Special thanks goes to Maureen for all of her hard work in organising the event. She worked so hard liaising with the church and other choirs to make the whole day a success.
111 tickets were sold at £6 each and £159 was raised from the raffle. After deducting the ticket and poster printing costs of £37, a balance of £788 remained to be divided equally between the three participating choirs and the church (£197 each).
Some of the videos of our performance can be seen below and also on the Facebook page of the Parish of St John XXIII.
New Music
At today's session, we began to learn two new pieces: 'A Distant Shore' and 'The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves'. Please collect this music next week if you were unable to attend today.
Black Folders
Please return your black concert folders so that they can be kept in pristine condition for our next concert. thank you.
And the Winner is...
June's winning Bonus Ball is number 12. Please collect your prize from Marjorie. Thank you.
2nd July 2022
An Afternoon of Music
Today, Inspire Ladies' Choir enjoyed an afternoon of music, performing a joint concert with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's RC Primary School Choir at Our Lady Immaculate RC Church, Washington Village. Each choir individually performed a selection of songs in both halves of the concert, which culminated in a finale with a joint rendition of 'African Alleluia'.
We would like to thank the following people for playing an important role in the organisation and delivery of this event:
-Members of Our Lady Immaculate RC Church
-Clare Hampson (Teacher and Musical Director)
-Duncan Brown (Musical Director)
-Julie Lawrence (Accompanist)
-Elaine Marley (Musical Director)
-Philip Chapman (Accompanist)
-Members of the performing choirs, including Committee members.
-Maureen Palmer for her role in the organisation of the event.
-Eddie for being a wonderful compere for the afternoon!
-Kevin for selling raffle tickets.
-People who kindly donated raffle prizes.
-Sarah of 'Creative Tree' for designing and printing the tickets and posters for the event.
-Parish of St John XXIII for videoing our performance.
(Apologies to anyone who may have inadvertently been omitted from this list).
Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be split between the church and the three choirs.
Please view more photographs in the 'Gallery' section of the website.
An Afternoon of Music
Today, Inspire Ladies' Choir enjoyed an afternoon of music, performing a joint concert with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's RC Primary School Choir at Our Lady Immaculate RC Church, Washington Village. Each choir individually performed a selection of songs in both halves of the concert, which culminated in a finale with a joint rendition of 'African Alleluia'.
We would like to thank the following people for playing an important role in the organisation and delivery of this event:
-Members of Our Lady Immaculate RC Church
-Clare Hampson (Teacher and Musical Director)
-Duncan Brown (Musical Director)
-Julie Lawrence (Accompanist)
-Elaine Marley (Musical Director)
-Philip Chapman (Accompanist)
-Members of the performing choirs, including Committee members.
-Maureen Palmer for her role in the organisation of the event.
-Eddie for being a wonderful compere for the afternoon!
-Kevin for selling raffle tickets.
-People who kindly donated raffle prizes.
-Sarah of 'Creative Tree' for designing and printing the tickets and posters for the event.
-Parish of St John XXIII for videoing our performance.
(Apologies to anyone who may have inadvertently been omitted from this list).
Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be split between the church and the three choirs.
Please view more photographs in the 'Gallery' section of the website.
Video: 'Bird Fly High'
(Thanks to Parish of St John XXIII) |
|
If you would like to hire Inspire Ladies' Choir to perform at an event, or would like to join our choir, please get in touch via the 'Contact' page of this website. Alternatively, please visit our Facebook page by clicking on the 'F' icon on the homepage of this website.
30th June 2022
Perfecting Performances
Try to Remember
Remember long phrases.
Bird Fly High
Remember long phrases.
The Ballad of Geordie Washington
Remember to sing in the Geordie dialect.
The Water of Tyne
Please watch Duncan carefully for directions on slight speed changes on the phrases.
Dance to your Daddy
Please sing softer at letter D and don't forget the 'S' sound of 'dance' comes at the end of the word.
Flying Free
First verse sing softly, second verse slightly louder and third verse sing loudly.
Let the River Run
Please have a confident entry on bar 5 word 'let'.
'Coming to the edge' sing staccato (short and sharp).
The Rose
At bar 37, get gradually louder on the word 'live' for a loud last verse.
At bar 50 from 'snows', sing quieter.
Don't sing too loudly at the beginning of the piece.
Funiculi Funicula
Second Sopranos sing with the Altos from 'to pine and sigh' up to 'but oh' (bars 34 to 46).
When I Close my Eyes
Remember long phrases.
Sing the last 'and I am not afraid' softly.
Hand me Down my Silver Trumpet
Don't be taken by surprise when coming in with the first words on the first verse. Have a confident entry.
African Alleluia
It's everyone for themselves!!!! Good luck!
Joint Concert Saturday 2nd July 2022
We still have plenty of tickets for sale for our concert on 2nd July. People can also pay on the door if necessary.
Please scroll down to 23rd June post to see photograph with details for this concert.
We will meet at 1pm for rehearsal with the other choirs.
July Committee Meeting
Please note that there will be no Committee Meeting on July 7th. The next meeting will take place on Thursday 4th August at 9.30am. If you would like to add anything to the August agenda, please speak to Maureen.
Bonus Ball
June's Bonus Ball draw will take place next week and the collection for July's Bonus Ball will commence for those who wish to take part.
23rd June 2022
New Banner and Performance Folders
We are 'over the moon' with our new banner and performance folders and will look forward to using them at our concert on Saturday 2nd July. If you were not at Choir today, please collect your folder next week. We would like everyone to return the folders on Thursday 7th July please.
Thank you to Sarah at 'Creative Tree Designs & Prints' for printing the stickers for our folders and for designing and printing our new banner. (See Facebook page for more details).
New Banner and Performance Folders
We are 'over the moon' with our new banner and performance folders and will look forward to using them at our concert on Saturday 2nd July. If you were not at Choir today, please collect your folder next week. We would like everyone to return the folders on Thursday 7th July please.
Thank you to Sarah at 'Creative Tree Designs & Prints' for printing the stickers for our folders and for designing and printing our new banner. (See Facebook page for more details).
Perfecting Performances
The Rose
-Do not slide down the notes. Please make sure that the notes are clean eg 'hunger' and 'taken' (bar 31).
Let the River Run
-Start quietly.
-Bar 13: The tempo steps up at this point.
-Take care with the dynamics of this piece eg (mf) medium loud / Really loud at bar 29 / Very loud at bar 45 (ff).
Flying Free
-Take care with the dynamics of this piece. Begin softly. Second verse: mf (Medium loud) / ff (Very loud).
- Bar 112: repeat the last phrase.
Joint Concert Saturday 2nd July 2022
We still have plenty of tickets for sale for our concert on 2nd July. People can also pay on the door if necessary.
16th June 2022
Perfecting Performances
In preparation for our forthcoming concert, please 'Try to Remember' the following to make our performance as perfect as we can:
Try to Remember
-Blend phrases (throughout the song and not just at the start).
-Discreet notes.
-Page 7 - after singing 'du' it goes straight into 'magic'.
The Water of Tyne
-At bar 11, Soprano 1 should hear the Alto group sing 'Oh' before they begin to sing 'Ah'.
Dance to your Daddy
-When singing 'dance', the 's' sound should be at the end of the bar and not in the middle.
-Take care with the speed at which you sing this.
-Bar 35: Soprano 1 should keep the volume down to allow the Alto group to be heard.
-Bar 57: (mp) Soprano section should sing very quietly.
-Ending: This will be sung in four parts. The Alto section is split in two.
The Ballad of Geordie Washington
At bar 62, please change 'bloody horse' to 'bloomin' horse'. As children will be present, we feel that this would be more appropriate.
2nd July Concert
-Please meet at 1pm to enable us to rehearse 'African Alleluia' with the other choirs.
-Next week, you will receive your concert files. After our final rehearsal on 30th June, we would appreciate it if you could place your music in it in the correct order for the concert. Music should be hole-punched and placed in the file, not in poly-pockets, as the music should remain in the file throughout the performance.
-If you were not present on Thursday, please speak to Maureen who will give you the programme.
-The uniform for this concert will be a black top, black trousers, black shoes and the choir's crochet flower (placed on your right hand side).
Afternoon Tea
Unfortunately, we will need to change the date of Afternoon Tea. If you have paid your deposit and would like it returned, please speak to Marjorie, otherwise the deposit can be carried forward to the new date. We are awaiting news from the venue with regards to potential dates for July and August. Watch this space...
Christmas Carol Service
Although this is being typed on the day that many parts of Britain are experiencing a heatwave, we are happy to announce that we have been invited back to St. Andrews' Church, Stanley to sing at a Christmas Service. The proposed date for this is 11th December 2022. More details to follow closer to the time.
Autumn Concert
There is a possibility that we may be able to perform in a joint concert with a Male Voice Choir who are based in Larkhall, Scotland. Although this is purely at the early planning stage, it may possibly take place in the Autumn with a view to Inspire Ladies' Choir travelling to Scotland at a later date to perform at Larkhall. If anyone could potentially offer a room in their home for a member of the Larkhall Choir to stay overnight, please speak to Duncan. Thank you.
Choir Banner
We have purchased a lovely new banner to advertise our choir, which will be displayed at any venue when we are performing. Hopefully, this will help us to recruit new members and also alert members of the public to the fact that we can be hired to perform at various events. Thank you to Julie L's daughter for creating this for us.
Perfecting Performances
In preparation for our forthcoming concert, please 'Try to Remember' the following to make our performance as perfect as we can:
Try to Remember
-Blend phrases (throughout the song and not just at the start).
-Discreet notes.
-Page 7 - after singing 'du' it goes straight into 'magic'.
The Water of Tyne
-At bar 11, Soprano 1 should hear the Alto group sing 'Oh' before they begin to sing 'Ah'.
Dance to your Daddy
-When singing 'dance', the 's' sound should be at the end of the bar and not in the middle.
-Take care with the speed at which you sing this.
-Bar 35: Soprano 1 should keep the volume down to allow the Alto group to be heard.
-Bar 57: (mp) Soprano section should sing very quietly.
-Ending: This will be sung in four parts. The Alto section is split in two.
The Ballad of Geordie Washington
At bar 62, please change 'bloody horse' to 'bloomin' horse'. As children will be present, we feel that this would be more appropriate.
2nd July Concert
-Please meet at 1pm to enable us to rehearse 'African Alleluia' with the other choirs.
-Next week, you will receive your concert files. After our final rehearsal on 30th June, we would appreciate it if you could place your music in it in the correct order for the concert. Music should be hole-punched and placed in the file, not in poly-pockets, as the music should remain in the file throughout the performance.
-If you were not present on Thursday, please speak to Maureen who will give you the programme.
-The uniform for this concert will be a black top, black trousers, black shoes and the choir's crochet flower (placed on your right hand side).
Afternoon Tea
Unfortunately, we will need to change the date of Afternoon Tea. If you have paid your deposit and would like it returned, please speak to Marjorie, otherwise the deposit can be carried forward to the new date. We are awaiting news from the venue with regards to potential dates for July and August. Watch this space...
Christmas Carol Service
Although this is being typed on the day that many parts of Britain are experiencing a heatwave, we are happy to announce that we have been invited back to St. Andrews' Church, Stanley to sing at a Christmas Service. The proposed date for this is 11th December 2022. More details to follow closer to the time.
Autumn Concert
There is a possibility that we may be able to perform in a joint concert with a Male Voice Choir who are based in Larkhall, Scotland. Although this is purely at the early planning stage, it may possibly take place in the Autumn with a view to Inspire Ladies' Choir travelling to Scotland at a later date to perform at Larkhall. If anyone could potentially offer a room in their home for a member of the Larkhall Choir to stay overnight, please speak to Duncan. Thank you.
Choir Banner
We have purchased a lovely new banner to advertise our choir, which will be displayed at any venue when we are performing. Hopefully, this will help us to recruit new members and also alert members of the public to the fact that we can be hired to perform at various events. Thank you to Julie L's daughter for creating this for us.
9th June 2022
Changes to Music
Please make the following alteration to 'Dance to your Daddy':
At the repeat sign just before letter B (after you have sung verse 1), please go back to sing from bar 5 before singing the second verse. Thank you.
Uniform
For our 2nd July concert, please wear a black top, black trousers and black shoes. We would like everyone to wear their crochet flower on the right hand side of your top. If you do not have one, please speak to Maureen who will be able to sort this for you.
Afternoon Tea
Unfortunately, the venue is unable to accommodate the choir on 15th July due to the annual leave of their staff. We are in the process of trying to arrange an alternative date.
Thank You!
We have received a lovely card from the residents of Peacehaven Court to say thank you for the Jubilee Concert.
4th June 2022
Party at Peacehaven
Today, Inspire Ladies' Choir spent a most enjoyable afternoon entertaining the residents of Peacehaven Court with a range of popular and traditional tunes to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. At the end of the concert, everyone joined in with a rendition of 'God Save the Queen'. This was followed by a delicious afternoon tea courtesy of Peacehaven Court.
We would like to thank everyone at Peacehaven Court for their hospitality and for making us feel so welcome.
For more photographs, please see the 'Gallery' section of our website.
Also, keep an eye out for our photograph appearing in The Washington Post along with other photographs of Jubilee celebrations in the local area.
2nd June 2022
Peacehaven Court Jubilee Concert
We hope you are enjoying the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday!
Please meet at Peacehaven Court for the Jubilee Concert no later than 1.15pm on Saturday 4th June.
The uniform for this event is:
Red, white or blue top
Black trousers
Black shoes.
Please bring hole-punched music in your red file. (Music should remain in your folder during the performance).
Polite reminder:
Duncan will say a few words of introduction to each song before we start to sing.
Please wait until Julie has finished playing the piano at the end of each song before you shuffle your papers ready to sing the next song. Thank you.
New Music Folders
We have recently purchased new folders specifically to be used for concerts. These will be ready to use at our 2nd July concert with St Joseph's School and Felling Concert Choir. The files are labelled with the Inspire Ladies' Choir logo, which will add to the overall uniformed appearance of our choir during upcoming performances.
And the Winner is...
The draw for May's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £8 cash is member number 8. Please see Marjorie to claim your prize.
The collection for June's draw has begun so if you would like to take part in this fundraising initiative, please give Marjorie £1 before the end of the month to have your choir number entered in to the draw.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Afternoon Tea
We are looking forward to getting together in August for a social outing to Hylton Castle for afternoon tea. We are in the process of arranging this but we are hoping to book it for Friday 15th July 2022. We will keep you updated with information as we receive it and will then collect £5 per person should you wish to attend. The cost of the afternoon tea at Hylton Castle is £10 and we have had reports that it is well worth the money. Should this go ahead, we will collect information regarding dietary requirements to ensure that everyone is catered for. Watch this space...
Committee Meeting Thursday 7th July 2022
The next Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 7th July at 9.30am. If you have anything that you would like to raise at this meeting, please speak to Maureen so that this can be added to the agenda. Thank you.
2nd July Concert Form
We would appreciate it if you could let Maureen know if you will be attending the concert on 2nd July. A form will be available on Thursday for you to place a tick or cross next to your name.
26th May 2022
Changes to Music
There have been some slight changes to some of the songs that we will be singing at Peacehaven. Please could you note the following for next week:
Let the River Run
Sing quietly at bar 5. On page 7, the first loud part begins with the crescendo singing 'Coming to the edge...'
Flying Free
At bar 118, please repeat the final line. (This would normally be a piano solo).
Funiculi, Funicula
At bar 35, please sing it in a manner that sounds as though you are pining and sighing.
Try not to laugh! :)
African Alleluia
For the Peacehaven concert:
1st Soprano to sing with 2nd Soprano on the first page only. Continue as normal after that.
Thursday 2nd June Session
Please note that this session will meet as normal, despite it being a Bank Holiday.
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that June's subs are due on Thursday 2nd June. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd June 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for June's draw will begin next week. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th July. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Changes to Music
There have been some slight changes to some of the songs that we will be singing at Peacehaven. Please could you note the following for next week:
Let the River Run
Sing quietly at bar 5. On page 7, the first loud part begins with the crescendo singing 'Coming to the edge...'
Flying Free
At bar 118, please repeat the final line. (This would normally be a piano solo).
Funiculi, Funicula
At bar 35, please sing it in a manner that sounds as though you are pining and sighing.
Try not to laugh! :)
African Alleluia
For the Peacehaven concert:
1st Soprano to sing with 2nd Soprano on the first page only. Continue as normal after that.
Thursday 2nd June Session
Please note that this session will meet as normal, despite it being a Bank Holiday.
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that June's subs are due on Thursday 2nd June. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd June 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for June's draw will begin next week. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th July. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
19th May 2022
'The Water of Tyne' Lyrics
Following recent discussion regarding the lyrics for 'The Water of Tyne', we would like to clarify the appropriate places to sing 'and' / 'or'.
Please note:
All lyrics are to remain as currently printed on the sheet, with the exception of BAR 23. Please change 'AND' to 'OR'.
We would appreciate it if you could make the necessary adjustments to your copy with a pencil. Thank you.
'African Alleluia'
Please remember that you can find the audio files for 'African Alleluia' in the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of our website. We are sure that with lots of determination and rehearsal we will get there in the end!
Tickets Available
If you would like to take some tickets to sell to anyone who would like to attend our concert on 2nd July, please speak to Maureen next week who will be happy to provide you with some.
If you are not a member of our choir and would like to purchase tickets, please use the 'Contact' section of the website to send a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
'The Water of Tyne' Lyrics
Following recent discussion regarding the lyrics for 'The Water of Tyne', we would like to clarify the appropriate places to sing 'and' / 'or'.
Please note:
All lyrics are to remain as currently printed on the sheet, with the exception of BAR 23. Please change 'AND' to 'OR'.
We would appreciate it if you could make the necessary adjustments to your copy with a pencil. Thank you.
'African Alleluia'
Please remember that you can find the audio files for 'African Alleluia' in the 'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of our website. We are sure that with lots of determination and rehearsal we will get there in the end!
Tickets Available
If you would like to take some tickets to sell to anyone who would like to attend our concert on 2nd July, please speak to Maureen next week who will be happy to provide you with some.
If you are not a member of our choir and would like to purchase tickets, please use the 'Contact' section of the website to send a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
12th May 2022
Music Order
This week, we started to run through the songs that we will be singing at Peacehaven Court on 4th June. If possible, please arrange your music in the correct order in your file ready for next week's rehearsal. Thank you.
Top Tip
In preparation for our upcoming concerts, it will be useful for you to punch holes in your music so that they fit in your file without the need for poly-pockets. For those members of the choir who have not yet performed in a choir concert, we sing straight from our files and the music needs to be easily accessible so that we can turn the page quickly.
Also, to help to take the weight of the file when we are standing, a strong elastic band placed around the file can act as a useful hand-holder. Thank you to Eddie for this top tip!
And Repeat...
We know that some people have not experienced reading music before joining Inspire Ladies' Choir and, at times, this can be quite daunting. However, please do not worry! There are many members who will be more than happy to have a chat with you to help you with this.
When a piece of music requires us to move backwards and forwards to repeat a particular section, you will see a repeat sign. It is useful to take notice of the symbol below. When you come across this symbol, it tells you that the next part of the music that you are about to sing needs to be repeated. As you continue to sing and then see this symbol again, that is your cue to bounce back to the first repeat sign and sing that section again. An example of this can be found in 'Sing, Sing'.
Tickets Available
If you would like to take some tickets to sell to anyone who would like to attend our concert on 2nd July, please speak to Maureen next week who will be happy to provide you with some.
If you are not a member of our choir and would like to purchase tickets, please use the 'Contact' section of the website to send a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
If you would like to take some tickets to sell to anyone who would like to attend our concert on 2nd July, please speak to Maureen next week who will be happy to provide you with some.
If you are not a member of our choir and would like to purchase tickets, please use the 'Contact' section of the website to send a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
11th May 2022
Tickets Available
Just a little reminder that tickets will be on sale tomorrow for our 2nd July concert at a cost of £6 each.
5th May 2022
And the Winner is...
The draw for April's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £13 cash is member number 28. Please see Marjorie to claim your prize.
The collection for May's draw has begun so if you would like to take part in this fundraising initiative, please give Marjorie £1 before the end of the month to have your choir number entered in to the draw.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Concert Tickets
Tickets for our 2nd July concert will go on sale next week at a cost of £6 each. (Poster to follow).
Concert Uniform
Uniform for our 4th June and 2nd July concerts will consist of black trousers, black shoes and a sleeved top in Jubilee colours (red, white or blue).
Peacehaven Court Concert Information (4th June)
-Please arrive no later than 1.15pm wearing the uniform as detailed above.
-Please place the following music in order in you red folder:
1 HAND ME DOWN MY SILVER TRUMPET
2 BIRD FLY HIGH
3 CHARIOTS COMIN'
4 BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
5 THE WATER OF TYNE
6 DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
7 AFRICAN ALLELUIA
8 FLYING FREE
9 LET THE RIVER RUN
10 FUNICULI, FUNICULA
11 SING, SING
12 THE PRAYER
13 GONNA RISE UP SINGIN'
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd June 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
Reminder: 2nd June Session
Please remember that our session on Thursday 2nd June will still go ahead as planned, despite it being an official Bank Holiday. We feel it is necessary to have one final rehearsal before our concert on Saturday 4th June. Thank you.
And the Winner is...
The draw for April's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £13 cash is member number 28. Please see Marjorie to claim your prize.
The collection for May's draw has begun so if you would like to take part in this fundraising initiative, please give Marjorie £1 before the end of the month to have your choir number entered in to the draw.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Concert Tickets
Tickets for our 2nd July concert will go on sale next week at a cost of £6 each. (Poster to follow).
Concert Uniform
Uniform for our 4th June and 2nd July concerts will consist of black trousers, black shoes and a sleeved top in Jubilee colours (red, white or blue).
Peacehaven Court Concert Information (4th June)
-Please arrive no later than 1.15pm wearing the uniform as detailed above.
-Please place the following music in order in you red folder:
1 HAND ME DOWN MY SILVER TRUMPET
2 BIRD FLY HIGH
3 CHARIOTS COMIN'
4 BALLAD OF GEORDIE WASHINGTON
5 THE WATER OF TYNE
6 DANCE TO YOUR DADDY
7 AFRICAN ALLELUIA
8 FLYING FREE
9 LET THE RIVER RUN
10 FUNICULI, FUNICULA
11 SING, SING
12 THE PRAYER
13 GONNA RISE UP SINGIN'
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd June 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
Reminder: 2nd June Session
Please remember that our session on Thursday 2nd June will still go ahead as planned, despite it being an official Bank Holiday. We feel it is necessary to have one final rehearsal before our concert on Saturday 4th June. Thank you.
28th April 2022
Peacehaven Concert
Could all members please tick the sheet at the next session to say whether or not you will be attending the concert at Peacehaven on 4th June. Thank you.
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that May's subs are due on Thursday 5th May. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th May 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
Peacehaven Concert
Could all members please tick the sheet at the next session to say whether or not you will be attending the concert at Peacehaven on 4th June. Thank you.
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that May's subs are due on Thursday 5th May. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th May 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add this to the agenda.
14th April 2022
Musical Chairs
Today, we reverted back to our previous seating arrangement in the church hall. Whilst there is no formal seating plan, we would appreciate it if you could continue to sit within the correct section (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto) and ensure that taller people sit at the back and shorter people at the front.
Thank you to Julie for running the session for us today.
See You Next Week!
Just a little reminder that there are no official holidays from choir during the year, with the exception of Christmas when we will not meet. Please see the article below from 7th April for more details.
Musical Chairs
Today, we reverted back to our previous seating arrangement in the church hall. Whilst there is no formal seating plan, we would appreciate it if you could continue to sit within the correct section (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto) and ensure that taller people sit at the back and shorter people at the front.
Thank you to Julie for running the session for us today.
See You Next Week!
Just a little reminder that there are no official holidays from choir during the year, with the exception of Christmas when we will not meet. Please see the article below from 7th April for more details.
7th April 2022
And the Winner is...
The draw for March's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £13.50 cash is member number 1. Please see Marjorie next week to claim your prize.
The collection for April's draw has begun so if you would like to take part in this fundraising initiative, please give Marjorie £1 before the end of the month to have your choir number entered in to the draw.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Choir Holidays
With the exception of Christmas, it is the intention that choir will run every Thursday without a break for holidays. If there is an occasion where we do not have either our Musical Director or Pianist, we will try to arrange a 'get-together' to enable members to meet socially if they wish to do so at the time that choir would normally meet on a Thursday morning. We aim to give members plenty of notice about this where possible but would like to encourage people to keep an eye on their emails or WhatsApp messages for last-minute unavoidable changes to arrangements.
Peacehaven Concert, 4th June, 1.30pm
In preparation for our forthcoming Jubilee concert at Peacehaven, we would like to ask choir members to check that they have the following clothing available to wear as uniform:
Black trousers
Black shoes
Red, white or blue t-shirt (preferably with long or short sleeves and not sleeveless please). Thank you.
Washington Concert, 2nd July, 2pm
Tickets for this joint concert with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's School will be available to purchase shortly at a cost of £6 per ticket (free for children under 12). Proceeds raised from tickets sales and the raffle will be split between the church and the three participating choirs. We will update you closer to the time about ticket sales.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th May 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen wh0 will add this to the agenda.
Musical Chairs
Next week, we will be reverting to our previous seating arrangements as it has been found to be more beneficial facing in the other direction. Whilst there is no seating plan for this, we politely request that taller members sit in the back row and that you continue to sit in the appropriate sections (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto). Thank you.
File Dividers
If you would like to purchase index file dividers for your music file, these are available to purchase from Julie L at a cost of £2 per set. Thank you to Julie for organising this.
WhatsApp
If you would like to join the Inspire Ladies' Choir WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will help you with this. Thank you.
And the Winner is...
The draw for March's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £13.50 cash is member number 1. Please see Marjorie next week to claim your prize.
The collection for April's draw has begun so if you would like to take part in this fundraising initiative, please give Marjorie £1 before the end of the month to have your choir number entered in to the draw.
You've got to be in it to win it!
Choir Holidays
With the exception of Christmas, it is the intention that choir will run every Thursday without a break for holidays. If there is an occasion where we do not have either our Musical Director or Pianist, we will try to arrange a 'get-together' to enable members to meet socially if they wish to do so at the time that choir would normally meet on a Thursday morning. We aim to give members plenty of notice about this where possible but would like to encourage people to keep an eye on their emails or WhatsApp messages for last-minute unavoidable changes to arrangements.
Peacehaven Concert, 4th June, 1.30pm
In preparation for our forthcoming Jubilee concert at Peacehaven, we would like to ask choir members to check that they have the following clothing available to wear as uniform:
Black trousers
Black shoes
Red, white or blue t-shirt (preferably with long or short sleeves and not sleeveless please). Thank you.
Washington Concert, 2nd July, 2pm
Tickets for this joint concert with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's School will be available to purchase shortly at a cost of £6 per ticket (free for children under 12). Proceeds raised from tickets sales and the raffle will be split between the church and the three participating choirs. We will update you closer to the time about ticket sales.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th May 2022. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen wh0 will add this to the agenda.
Musical Chairs
Next week, we will be reverting to our previous seating arrangements as it has been found to be more beneficial facing in the other direction. Whilst there is no seating plan for this, we politely request that taller members sit in the back row and that you continue to sit in the appropriate sections (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto). Thank you.
File Dividers
If you would like to purchase index file dividers for your music file, these are available to purchase from Julie L at a cost of £2 per set. Thank you to Julie for organising this.
If you would like to join the Inspire Ladies' Choir WhatsApp group, please speak to Teresa who will help you with this. Thank you.
5th April 2022
'Anyone Can Sing'
Teresa has recommended a television programme that she thinks will be of interest to many of you. It's called 'Anyone Can Sing' and can be found on the Sky Arts channel. This programme follows six participants who are aiming to be transformed from individuals with screeching voices into wonderful singers, hence the title of the programme. The second episode airs tomorrow on Wednesday 6th April. It may be possible to download the first episode, which aired on 30th March 2022. Let us know if you find out any top tips!
'Anyone Can Sing'
Teresa has recommended a television programme that she thinks will be of interest to many of you. It's called 'Anyone Can Sing' and can be found on the Sky Arts channel. This programme follows six participants who are aiming to be transformed from individuals with screeching voices into wonderful singers, hence the title of the programme. The second episode airs tomorrow on Wednesday 6th April. It may be possible to download the first episode, which aired on 30th March 2022. Let us know if you find out any top tips!
31st March 2022
File Dividers
If you would like to purchase alphabetical file dividers for your music file, please speak to Julie (Pianist) who will be happy to provide you with a set at a cost of £2 per set. Don't worry if you weren't able to attend choir when this was discussed as there are plenty of sets available. Thank you to Julie for organising this.
Music
As we are in the process of selecting music to perform at our forthcoming concerts, please bring all music that you have to next week's rehearsal. Thank you.
Please Return Old Music
If you have not yet done so, we would appreciate it if you could return the following music to the folders at the front of the hall next week:
I'm Going up a Yonder
Pure Imagination
76 Trombones
Share my Yolk
We'll Never Say Goodbye
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for April's draw will begin next week. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 5th May. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
April Committee Meeting
April's Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 7th April 2022 at 9.30am. If you would like the Committee to discuss any issues, please contact Maureen before Monday 4th April.
Peacehaven Jubilee Concert Uniform
We are requesting that all Choir members attending the Jubilee Concert at Peacehaven on Saturday 4th June wear a uniform to reflect the colours of the Jubilee.
The uniform for this event will be:
Black trousers
Black footwear
Either a red, white or blue t-shirt
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that April's subs are due on Thursday 7th April. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
WhatsApp Group
If you would like to become a member of the Inspire Ladies' Choir WhatsApp group, please speak to Theresa who will be able to invite you to join. Thank you.
File Dividers
If you would like to purchase alphabetical file dividers for your music file, please speak to Julie (Pianist) who will be happy to provide you with a set at a cost of £2 per set. Don't worry if you weren't able to attend choir when this was discussed as there are plenty of sets available. Thank you to Julie for organising this.
Music
As we are in the process of selecting music to perform at our forthcoming concerts, please bring all music that you have to next week's rehearsal. Thank you.
Please Return Old Music
If you have not yet done so, we would appreciate it if you could return the following music to the folders at the front of the hall next week:
I'm Going up a Yonder
Pure Imagination
76 Trombones
Share my Yolk
We'll Never Say Goodbye
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for April's draw will begin next week. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 5th May. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
April Committee Meeting
April's Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday 7th April 2022 at 9.30am. If you would like the Committee to discuss any issues, please contact Maureen before Monday 4th April.
Peacehaven Jubilee Concert Uniform
We are requesting that all Choir members attending the Jubilee Concert at Peacehaven on Saturday 4th June wear a uniform to reflect the colours of the Jubilee.
The uniform for this event will be:
Black trousers
Black footwear
Either a red, white or blue t-shirt
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that April's subs are due on Thursday 7th April. Please pay £15 in a named envelope, unless you currently pay by standing order or bank transfer. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to provide you with the relevant details. Thank you.
WhatsApp Group
If you would like to become a member of the Inspire Ladies' Choir WhatsApp group, please speak to Theresa who will be able to invite you to join. Thank you.
24th March 2022
Music
As we are in the process of selecting music to perform at our forthcoming concerts, please bring all music that you have to next week's rehearsal. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Next Thursday will be your last chance to enter March's draw. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Music
As we are in the process of selecting music to perform at our forthcoming concerts, please bring all music that you have to next week's rehearsal. Thank you.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Next Thursday will be your last chance to enter March's draw. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
10th March 2022
Sing For Ukraine
On Saturday 12th March, Durham Scratch Choir will be holding a fundraising event for Ukraine. This will take place at Waddington Street, Durham from 3-5pm. Everyone is welcome.
Musical Chairs
At next week's meeting, there will be a new seating plan. Please find your name on the plan, which will be available to view on the Treasurer's table, when you arrive at the start of the session.
Concert Date Rescheduled
Our concert in collaboration with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's Primary School will now take place on 2nd July and not 9th July as previously stated. More details will follow in due course but we anticipate this to be in the afternoon, possibly around 4pm.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for March's draw has begun. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Sing For Ukraine
On Saturday 12th March, Durham Scratch Choir will be holding a fundraising event for Ukraine. This will take place at Waddington Street, Durham from 3-5pm. Everyone is welcome.
Musical Chairs
At next week's meeting, there will be a new seating plan. Please find your name on the plan, which will be available to view on the Treasurer's table, when you arrive at the start of the session.
Concert Date Rescheduled
Our concert in collaboration with Felling Concert Choir and St Joseph's Primary School will now take place on 2nd July and not 9th July as previously stated. More details will follow in due course but we anticipate this to be in the afternoon, possibly around 4pm.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for March's draw has begun. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
3rd March 2022
And the Winner is...
The draw for February's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £15 cash is member number 16. Please see Marjorie next week to claim your prize.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for March's draw has begun. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Choir Communication
If you would like to be a member of the Choir's 'Whatsapp' group, we will be collecting information at next week's session in order to set this up as a trial.
April Committee Meeting
If you would like to raise any issues to be discussed at the next Committee Meeting (7th April), please speak to Maureen who will add it to the agenda.
Thursday 2nd June Choir Session
Advance notice: Although Thursday 2nd June is officially a Bank Holiday to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, the choir session at St Andrew's Church will still go ahead as planned on this date as we will be rehearsing for our 4th June concert at Peacehaven.
And the Winner is...
The draw for February's 'Bonus Ball' took place today. The lucky winner of £15 cash is member number 16. Please see Marjorie next week to claim your prize.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
The collection for March's draw has begun. If you would like to participate, please pay £1 per month (not per week) and you will be entered into the draw which will take place on Thursday 7th April. You do not need to enter every month if you do not wish to do so and participation in this fundraiser is purely voluntary.
Choir Communication
If you would like to be a member of the Choir's 'Whatsapp' group, we will be collecting information at next week's session in order to set this up as a trial.
April Committee Meeting
If you would like to raise any issues to be discussed at the next Committee Meeting (7th April), please speak to Maureen who will add it to the agenda.
Thursday 2nd June Choir Session
Advance notice: Although Thursday 2nd June is officially a Bank Holiday to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, the choir session at St Andrew's Church will still go ahead as planned on this date as we will be rehearsing for our 4th June concert at Peacehaven.
24th February 2022
Concert Date
We are pleased to announce that we will perform a concert at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, on Saturday 1st October 2022 with the Shiney Row Male Voice Choir. More information regarding arrangements/uniform etc will be provided closer to the time.
Concert Date
We are pleased to announce that we will perform a concert at Holy Trinity Church, Washington, on Saturday 1st October 2022 with the Shiney Row Male Voice Choir. More information regarding arrangements/uniform etc will be provided closer to the time.
17th February 2022
Concert Date
It has been confirmed that we will perform a concert at Peacehaven for the Queen's Jubilee. This will take place on Saturday 4th June starting at 2pm and, at the moment, we are planning to meet at 1.30pm. More information regarding arrangements/uniform etc will be provided closer to the time.
Lateral Flow Tests
We politely ask that our choir members consider taking a Lateral Flow Test on a Thursday morning before attending choir in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus. These can be ordered daily from the GOV.UK website. Please scroll down this page to see the post from 4th February 2022 where links are available to take you directly to the Government's website. As these will soon cease to be provided for free, we suggest that choir members who wish to take these tests order some for future use.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie has started to collect £1 from members wishing to take part in the Bonus Ball monthly draw for March. If you would like to enter, please see Marjorie during the break in the choir session. Please note that you will need to know your choir number, which is written in the top corner of your music sheet. The Bonus Ball draw for March will take place on the first Thursday in April. (Please refer to the 'Bonus Ball Fundraiser' page of the website for more details).
Concert Date
It has been confirmed that we will perform a concert at Peacehaven for the Queen's Jubilee. This will take place on Saturday 4th June starting at 2pm and, at the moment, we are planning to meet at 1.30pm. More information regarding arrangements/uniform etc will be provided closer to the time.
Lateral Flow Tests
We politely ask that our choir members consider taking a Lateral Flow Test on a Thursday morning before attending choir in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus. These can be ordered daily from the GOV.UK website. Please scroll down this page to see the post from 4th February 2022 where links are available to take you directly to the Government's website. As these will soon cease to be provided for free, we suggest that choir members who wish to take these tests order some for future use.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser
Marjorie has started to collect £1 from members wishing to take part in the Bonus Ball monthly draw for March. If you would like to enter, please see Marjorie during the break in the choir session. Please note that you will need to know your choir number, which is written in the top corner of your music sheet. The Bonus Ball draw for March will take place on the first Thursday in April. (Please refer to the 'Bonus Ball Fundraiser' page of the website for more details).
15th February 2022
Audio Files Available
If you would like to listen to the audio files for 'Sleep, Baby, Sleep' and 'Water of Tyne', these can be found on both the Soprano Lines (Current) and Alto Lines (Current) pages.
Audio Files Available
If you would like to listen to the audio files for 'Sleep, Baby, Sleep' and 'Water of Tyne', these can be found on both the Soprano Lines (Current) and Alto Lines (Current) pages.
10th February 2022
Val Ross' Memorial Service
Please refer to your email for details of Val's Memorial Service. If you are able to attend, we thought it would be a nice gesture to wear your red Inspire Ladies' Choir fleece. Thank you.
New Music
If you were unable to attend choir today, please collect 'Sleep, Baby, Sleep' from the back of the hall next week. This is a beautiful piece of music written by our Musical Director, Duncan, using lyrics that have been adapted from a poem by Mary Weston Fordham. This song has been sung around the world and is known to be popular in Alaska and San Francisco!
Music Folders
Please ensure that you write your choir number in the top corner of any new music that you receive. Thank you.
Choir Bags Available
We currently have choir bags with the Inspire Ladies' Choir logo embroidered on the front, which are the perfect size for carrying music folders to choir sessions and concerts. If you would like one, we have three red bags and one black bag available. We would politely request a small donation to choir funds please. If you would like one, please contact Maureen.
Session Start Time
We would be grateful if you could be seated by 10.25 each week so that we are ready to begin singing by 10.30. You are welcome to take your drinks with you to finish off but we are conscious that recent sessions have been starting late, which inevitably eats in to our rehearsal time. Thank you.
Upcoming Concerts
Although we do not have the full details at present, we are pleased to announce that we have some concerts that are currently being arranged for the coming months. One of these concerts will be a Queen's Jubilee event on 4th June 2022. We will provide you with more details as we receive them.
Val Ross' Memorial Service
Please refer to your email for details of Val's Memorial Service. If you are able to attend, we thought it would be a nice gesture to wear your red Inspire Ladies' Choir fleece. Thank you.
New Music
If you were unable to attend choir today, please collect 'Sleep, Baby, Sleep' from the back of the hall next week. This is a beautiful piece of music written by our Musical Director, Duncan, using lyrics that have been adapted from a poem by Mary Weston Fordham. This song has been sung around the world and is known to be popular in Alaska and San Francisco!
Music Folders
Please ensure that you write your choir number in the top corner of any new music that you receive. Thank you.
Choir Bags Available
We currently have choir bags with the Inspire Ladies' Choir logo embroidered on the front, which are the perfect size for carrying music folders to choir sessions and concerts. If you would like one, we have three red bags and one black bag available. We would politely request a small donation to choir funds please. If you would like one, please contact Maureen.
Session Start Time
We would be grateful if you could be seated by 10.25 each week so that we are ready to begin singing by 10.30. You are welcome to take your drinks with you to finish off but we are conscious that recent sessions have been starting late, which inevitably eats in to our rehearsal time. Thank you.
Upcoming Concerts
Although we do not have the full details at present, we are pleased to announce that we have some concerts that are currently being arranged for the coming months. One of these concerts will be a Queen's Jubilee event on 4th June 2022. We will provide you with more details as we receive them.
4th February 2022
Lateral Flow Tests
Lateral Flow Tests are able to detect Coronavirus, even in cases where individuals are not presenting any symptoms. Following on from the suggestion that members might consider taking a Lateral Flow Test before attending choir practice in order to limit the spread of the virus, the following information may be of use:
A code is required to obtain a box, free of charge, from a chemist or collection point. Alternatively, you can arrange to have the box of tests sent to your home address. The following links take you to the GOV.UK site where you can access a code or arrange delivery:
Option 1 -Click on the green link below to receive a code and to find the address of a pharmacy or collection point:
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Option 2 -Click on the purple link below to have the test sent to your home address:
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Thank you.
Lateral Flow Tests
Lateral Flow Tests are able to detect Coronavirus, even in cases where individuals are not presenting any symptoms. Following on from the suggestion that members might consider taking a Lateral Flow Test before attending choir practice in order to limit the spread of the virus, the following information may be of use:
A code is required to obtain a box, free of charge, from a chemist or collection point. Alternatively, you can arrange to have the box of tests sent to your home address. The following links take you to the GOV.UK site where you can access a code or arrange delivery:
Option 1 -Click on the green link below to receive a code and to find the address of a pharmacy or collection point:
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Option 2 -Click on the purple link below to have the test sent to your home address:
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
Thank you.
3rd February 2022
Stanley Church Christmas Service Video
If you would like to view our performance at the Christmas Carol Service at Stanley Church (17th December 2021), please find the link on our 'Gallery' page underneath the corresponding photograph. Alternatively, you can find the link on our Facebook page. We would like to thank Mr Peter Wedd for videoing our performance. It is much appreciated.
New Members
At the most recent Committee Meeting, it was agreed that new choir members would receive their first month of choir free of charge. This allows new members to decide if they are happy to continue to attend choir without being obliged to pay upfront. Their subs would be due the following month should they wish to continue to be a member of the choir. This is payable by cash or standing order.
Concerts
Now that we are able to perform once more, we are currently looking to advertise our services within the local area. If you are a member of a group that you think may enjoy hiring the choir for a concert at their meeting, please spread the word. Concerts provide a fantastic fundraising opportunity for both the choir and the group that we are performing for. The choir receives a payment for performing and the venue can choose to sell tickets to their members to raise money for their own club/organisation.
You can contact us in a variety of ways if you would like to hire the choir to perform:
- Speak to Christine at a choir session.
- Use the contact form on the Inspire Ladies' Choir website.
- Via the Inspire Ladies' Choir Facebook page.
Facebook
We are pleased to announce that our Facebook page is up and running again. Facebook enables many people to access information about our choir and hopefully will help attract new members to join us. You can contact us via Facebook or the 'Contact' page of our website if you would like to get in touch to find out more about us. There is a link to the choir's Facebook page on the 'Welcome' page of the website. Similarly, you can access this website via the link on our Facebook page.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser (Optional)
Starting in March, we will be running an in-house fundraiser to help us to continue to cover the costs of running the choir and to use as part-payment for buses to concerts.
How it Works
-Each member of the choir is allocated a number, which is written in the top corner of your music sheets.
-Should you wish to enter the draw, you would pay £1 at the first Thursday meeting of the month and your number will then be entered in to the draw.
-You do not have to enter every month and participation is purely voluntary.
-The draw will take place at the last Thursday meeting of the month, regardless of whether it is a four or five week month.
-You will be able to pay your £1 at any Thursday meeting during that month leading up to the draw but no
payments will be accepted on the day of the draw itself.
-The number will be selected at random and the person with the corresponding number will win half of the total amount that has been collected that month eg If 30 people enter the draw, the winner will receive £15 and the choir will have raised £15 towards funds.
-If you have paid your £1 entry fee, you do not need to be present at choir on the day of the draw to claim your prize. Your money will be kept to one side for you to collect at the next choir session that you attend.
Please see the 'Bonus Ball Fundraiser' page of the website for information.
New Music
If you were unable to attend today's session, please collect your new music ('Sing Sing') from the back of the hall next week.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome another new member to our choir this week. If you know of anyone that would like to join our choir, please pass on our details. If they would like more information, they can contact us by email via the 'Contact' page of the website and we will reply to them as soon as possible.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 3rd March at 9.30am. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add your item to the agenda.
Stanley Church Christmas Service Video
If you would like to view our performance at the Christmas Carol Service at Stanley Church (17th December 2021), please find the link on our 'Gallery' page underneath the corresponding photograph. Alternatively, you can find the link on our Facebook page. We would like to thank Mr Peter Wedd for videoing our performance. It is much appreciated.
New Members
At the most recent Committee Meeting, it was agreed that new choir members would receive their first month of choir free of charge. This allows new members to decide if they are happy to continue to attend choir without being obliged to pay upfront. Their subs would be due the following month should they wish to continue to be a member of the choir. This is payable by cash or standing order.
Concerts
Now that we are able to perform once more, we are currently looking to advertise our services within the local area. If you are a member of a group that you think may enjoy hiring the choir for a concert at their meeting, please spread the word. Concerts provide a fantastic fundraising opportunity for both the choir and the group that we are performing for. The choir receives a payment for performing and the venue can choose to sell tickets to their members to raise money for their own club/organisation.
You can contact us in a variety of ways if you would like to hire the choir to perform:
- Speak to Christine at a choir session.
- Use the contact form on the Inspire Ladies' Choir website.
- Via the Inspire Ladies' Choir Facebook page.
We are pleased to announce that our Facebook page is up and running again. Facebook enables many people to access information about our choir and hopefully will help attract new members to join us. You can contact us via Facebook or the 'Contact' page of our website if you would like to get in touch to find out more about us. There is a link to the choir's Facebook page on the 'Welcome' page of the website. Similarly, you can access this website via the link on our Facebook page.
Bonus Ball Fundraiser (Optional)
Starting in March, we will be running an in-house fundraiser to help us to continue to cover the costs of running the choir and to use as part-payment for buses to concerts.
How it Works
-Each member of the choir is allocated a number, which is written in the top corner of your music sheets.
-Should you wish to enter the draw, you would pay £1 at the first Thursday meeting of the month and your number will then be entered in to the draw.
-You do not have to enter every month and participation is purely voluntary.
-The draw will take place at the last Thursday meeting of the month, regardless of whether it is a four or five week month.
-You will be able to pay your £1 at any Thursday meeting during that month leading up to the draw but no
payments will be accepted on the day of the draw itself.
-The number will be selected at random and the person with the corresponding number will win half of the total amount that has been collected that month eg If 30 people enter the draw, the winner will receive £15 and the choir will have raised £15 towards funds.
-If you have paid your £1 entry fee, you do not need to be present at choir on the day of the draw to claim your prize. Your money will be kept to one side for you to collect at the next choir session that you attend.
Please see the 'Bonus Ball Fundraiser' page of the website for information.
New Music
If you were unable to attend today's session, please collect your new music ('Sing Sing') from the back of the hall next week.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome another new member to our choir this week. If you know of anyone that would like to join our choir, please pass on our details. If they would like more information, they can contact us by email via the 'Contact' page of the website and we will reply to them as soon as possible.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 3rd March at 9.30am. If you would like to raise any issues for the Committee to discuss, please speak to Maureen who will add your item to the agenda.
27th January 2022
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that February's subs are due on 3rd February. Please see Hazel if you require an envelope for your money. Alternatively, if you would like the details to set up a standing order, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to help you.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome another new member to our choir this week and are pleased to say that she has joined the Alto section! If you know of anyone that would like to join our choir, please pass on our details. If they would like more information, they can contact us by email via the 'Contact' page of the website and we will reply to them as soon as possible.
Committee Meeting
Our Committee will meet on Thursday 3rd February at 9.30am. If you have an issue that you would like to raise, please contact Maureen who will add this to the agenda. Thank you.
New Music
If you were not present today, please collect your new music from the back of the hall at the start of the session. Thank you.
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that February's subs are due on 3rd February. Please see Hazel if you require an envelope for your money. Alternatively, if you would like the details to set up a standing order, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to help you.
Welcome
We were pleased to welcome another new member to our choir this week and are pleased to say that she has joined the Alto section! If you know of anyone that would like to join our choir, please pass on our details. If they would like more information, they can contact us by email via the 'Contact' page of the website and we will reply to them as soon as possible.
Committee Meeting
Our Committee will meet on Thursday 3rd February at 9.30am. If you have an issue that you would like to raise, please contact Maureen who will add this to the agenda. Thank you.
New Music
If you were not present today, please collect your new music from the back of the hall at the start of the session. Thank you.
20th January 2022
Thank You
We would like to say a huge 'thank you' to Julie for leading the choir session this morning. We all thought that she did a fantastic job!
Christmas Music
Please check that you have handed in all of your Christmas music. We have discovered that some pieces are missing and would like to ensure that we have the full set ready for Christmas 2022.
Choir Seating
At the next choir session, we are going to try and sit facing the opposite direction in the church hall. Whilst we are always happy to see the sun, it is proving difficult for choir members to see their music when it shines through the windows of the hall. It will be helpful if you could sit in the same order that you currently sit in, thank you.
Musical Files: Layout Fixed
Please note that the layout problem of the musical files pages for mobile phones has now been solved. This should make it much easier for people accessing the website via their mobile to find the correct file that they are trying to listen to as the title and file are now correctly aligned.
Thank You
We would like to say a huge 'thank you' to Julie for leading the choir session this morning. We all thought that she did a fantastic job!
Christmas Music
Please check that you have handed in all of your Christmas music. We have discovered that some pieces are missing and would like to ensure that we have the full set ready for Christmas 2022.
Choir Seating
At the next choir session, we are going to try and sit facing the opposite direction in the church hall. Whilst we are always happy to see the sun, it is proving difficult for choir members to see their music when it shines through the windows of the hall. It will be helpful if you could sit in the same order that you currently sit in, thank you.
Musical Files: Layout Fixed
Please note that the layout problem of the musical files pages for mobile phones has now been solved. This should make it much easier for people accessing the website via their mobile to find the correct file that they are trying to listen to as the title and file are now correctly aligned.
19th January 2022
Musical Files Available
Please find the musical files in the 'Soprano Lines (Current)'/ 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of the website should you wish to practise at home or familiarise yourself with the tune. Apologies to those people accessing the music pages via their phone as the song title and musical files are misaligned for some reason. We are working to try and fix this problem.
Musical Files Available
Please find the musical files in the 'Soprano Lines (Current)'/ 'Alto Lines (Current)' pages of the website should you wish to practise at home or familiarise yourself with the tune. Apologies to those people accessing the music pages via their phone as the song title and musical files are misaligned for some reason. We are working to try and fix this problem.
13th January 2022
Welcome Back!
We were pleased to welcome everyone back to Choir for our first session of 2022. We enjoyed singing two new songs: 'The Water of Tyne' and 'The Ballad of Geordie Washington'. If you were unable to attend today, please collect your new music next week and write your choir member's number in the top corner. We are also collecting Christmas music so that it can be organised and filed for next year's festive season.
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM was held today and the Committee for the forthcoming year was elected. Thank you to those members who have agreed to continue with their roles. If anyone else would like to become more involved in the running of the choir, please speak to one of our members next week. If you were unable to attend today's meeting and would like a copy of the notes that were distributed, please speak to Maureen.
Subs Price Increase
Please note that from this month, the price of our monthly subs has increased from £12 to £15 in order to cover increasing costs. We would be very grateful if you could bring the outstanding £3 to next week's meeting if you were not aware of this change in price and have paid £12 for January. If you would like to set up a standing order to pay your subs, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to share the necessary details with you. Thank you.
Choir Discipline
Please could all members ensure that you are seated with your music folder and ready to start promptly by 10.30am each week. It is important that we make the most of each session, particularly when we are rehearsing for performances. We feel that the additional time gained from a prompt start to each session, both at the beginning and immediately following the ventilation break halfway through, will help us to reach our full potential. We also politely ask that you remember to switch off your mobile phone or put it on silent mode prior to the choir rehearsal starting.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Welcome Back!
We were pleased to welcome everyone back to Choir for our first session of 2022. We enjoyed singing two new songs: 'The Water of Tyne' and 'The Ballad of Geordie Washington'. If you were unable to attend today, please collect your new music next week and write your choir member's number in the top corner. We are also collecting Christmas music so that it can be organised and filed for next year's festive season.
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM was held today and the Committee for the forthcoming year was elected. Thank you to those members who have agreed to continue with their roles. If anyone else would like to become more involved in the running of the choir, please speak to one of our members next week. If you were unable to attend today's meeting and would like a copy of the notes that were distributed, please speak to Maureen.
Subs Price Increase
Please note that from this month, the price of our monthly subs has increased from £12 to £15 in order to cover increasing costs. We would be very grateful if you could bring the outstanding £3 to next week's meeting if you were not aware of this change in price and have paid £12 for January. If you would like to set up a standing order to pay your subs, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to share the necessary details with you. Thank you.
Choir Discipline
Please could all members ensure that you are seated with your music folder and ready to start promptly by 10.30am each week. It is important that we make the most of each session, particularly when we are rehearsing for performances. We feel that the additional time gained from a prompt start to each session, both at the beginning and immediately following the ventilation break halfway through, will help us to reach our full potential. We also politely ask that you remember to switch off your mobile phone or put it on silent mode prior to the choir rehearsal starting.
Thank you for your co-operation.
4th January 2022
Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you had a good Christmas.
Annual General Meeting
We will be returning to Choir on Thursday 13th January 2022 and will commence at 10am with the Annual General Meeting. During the meeting we will be electing a new committee so if you feel that you would like to become a committee member, please get in touch with Maureen. Nominations will also be taken at the meeting. The present committee have all stated that they are willing to stand but there are still places available.
Masks
We have been advised by St Andrews' Church that when we return, we will probably have to song with our masks on. Due to this, Duncan has said that he will be looking at music that will be easy to sing in this situation and obviously we will need to take a break during the session to ventilate the room. Please ensure that you bring a mask with you to each session.
Return of Christmas Music
We would appreciate it if you could bring all of your Christmas music back on 13th January so that it can be returned to the files and organised for next year. Thank you.
Subs
Please note that £12 subs will be due on 13th January 2022. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will give you the details. Thank you.
Happy New Year, everyone! We hope you had a good Christmas.
Annual General Meeting
We will be returning to Choir on Thursday 13th January 2022 and will commence at 10am with the Annual General Meeting. During the meeting we will be electing a new committee so if you feel that you would like to become a committee member, please get in touch with Maureen. Nominations will also be taken at the meeting. The present committee have all stated that they are willing to stand but there are still places available.
Masks
We have been advised by St Andrews' Church that when we return, we will probably have to song with our masks on. Due to this, Duncan has said that he will be looking at music that will be easy to sing in this situation and obviously we will need to take a break during the session to ventilate the room. Please ensure that you bring a mask with you to each session.
Return of Christmas Music
We would appreciate it if you could bring all of your Christmas music back on 13th January so that it can be returned to the files and organised for next year. Thank you.
Subs
Please note that £12 subs will be due on 13th January 2022. If you would like to pay via your bank, please speak to Marjorie who will give you the details. Thank you.
19th December 2021
Community Carol Service, Stanley
Despite Covid and all of its restrictions in 2021, The Inspire Ladies’ Choir managed to end their year at a lovely Community Carol Service at St Andrew’s Church, Stanley.
We were invited to take part by Julie, our wonderful pianist, who regularly plays the organ at the church. The three carols we chose to sing were: ‘When Mary Sang her Lullaby’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Ding Dong Ring out the Carillon’. The service was a huge success and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the organisation of this event.
Community Carol Service, Stanley
Despite Covid and all of its restrictions in 2021, The Inspire Ladies’ Choir managed to end their year at a lovely Community Carol Service at St Andrew’s Church, Stanley.
We were invited to take part by Julie, our wonderful pianist, who regularly plays the organ at the church. The three carols we chose to sing were: ‘When Mary Sang her Lullaby’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Ding Dong Ring out the Carillon’. The service was a huge success and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the organisation of this event.
Merry Christmas One and All!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2022. We look forward to meeting up again on Thursday 13th January 2022.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2022. We look forward to meeting up again on Thursday 13th January 2022.
14th December 2021
U3A Christmas Performance
The Inspire Ladies’ Choir were delighted to be invited to perform at the U3A’s Christmas meeting. As it had been two years since our last public performance, we were eager to perform to an audience once again. We enjoyed singing a selection of songs from our repertoire, singing some traditional tunes and, of course, a range of Christmas carols. The morning proved to be successful and culminated in the choir and congregation joining together to sing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, with some of our brave choir members brilliantly tackling the more challenging descant part of the carol. (Photographs to follow).
Stanley Carol Service
Sunday – If you are going on the bus, it will leave from outside St. Andrews at 3.15pm. If you are travelling by car, please arrive no late than 3.45pm. Please wear your black outfit with your flower on the right side. We would like you to bring your music in order in your red file. The songs we will be singing are: ‘When Mary Sang her Lullaby’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Ding Dong Ring out the Carillon’. We will be rehearsing these songs at our session on Thursday 16th.
10th December 2021
U3A Event
This Christmas event will take place at St Andrew's Church on Tuesday 14th December. We have kindly been invited to attend the full event and join in with the quiz. However, if you are simply coming along to perform, please arrive no later than 10.30am wearing either a Christmas jumper or a brightly coloured jumper.
For those people who were unable to attend the choir session on Thursday, please note that we will be singing on the stage in standing in two rows. To conform to Coronavirus guidelines, we will sing for twenty minutes, with a break to clear the room for ventilation purposes, followed by a further twenty minutes of singing time.
Please ensure that you bring your music in a red file with the music placed in the correct order according to the handout given out previously. We politely request that your music stays in the file at all times during the performance. Therefore, if you normally keep your music in poly-pockets, it may be worthwhile checking to see if any pieces of music need to be hole-punched in order for you to access each page easily.
Thursday 16th December Session
As this will be our final session before our Christmas break, we are hoping to make it a little bit different and have pre-ordered bacon and sausage sandwiches from a local cafe. If you were not at the session and have been unable to place your order, or did not wish to order a bacon/sausage sandwich, please feel free to bring along party food for one. The usual tea and coffee will be available to purchase. Please remember to bring cash to pay for the sandwich if you have ordered one.
Return Date and AGM
Choir returns on Thursday 13th January 2022, which will coincide with the AGM. We would be extremely grateful for new committee members who would be willing to give some of their time to help with the day-to-day running of the choir. Without our wonderful committee volunteers, we would be unable to run our choir so successfully. Unfortunately, our committee is decreasing in size so we would welcome any new members. If you would like to find out more information before making a commitment, please speak to Maureen or Teresa who will happily provide you with information.
January subs will be due on this date, thank you.
Felling Choir Concert
This Christmas event takes place on Saturday 11th December 2021 at Felling Methodist Church, starting 2pm. £6 is payable on the door and everyone is welcome to attend.
Music Makers Carol Concert
This Christmas event takes place on Saturday 18th December 2021 at St Nicholas' Church, The Barnes, Sunderland. The service begins at 3pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
Crackers, Cakes and Carols
On Thursday 9th December, many members of the choir enjoyed Christmas afternoon tea at The Stables, Herrington. This was followed by a singalong of Christmas carols with members of the public invited to join in with the festivities. We would like to thank Julie for accompanying everyone on the piano and to Rita and Sally for their solo performances. For more photographs, please refer to our 'Gallery' page.
U3A Event
This Christmas event will take place at St Andrew's Church on Tuesday 14th December. We have kindly been invited to attend the full event and join in with the quiz. However, if you are simply coming along to perform, please arrive no later than 10.30am wearing either a Christmas jumper or a brightly coloured jumper.
For those people who were unable to attend the choir session on Thursday, please note that we will be singing on the stage in standing in two rows. To conform to Coronavirus guidelines, we will sing for twenty minutes, with a break to clear the room for ventilation purposes, followed by a further twenty minutes of singing time.
Please ensure that you bring your music in a red file with the music placed in the correct order according to the handout given out previously. We politely request that your music stays in the file at all times during the performance. Therefore, if you normally keep your music in poly-pockets, it may be worthwhile checking to see if any pieces of music need to be hole-punched in order for you to access each page easily.
Thursday 16th December Session
As this will be our final session before our Christmas break, we are hoping to make it a little bit different and have pre-ordered bacon and sausage sandwiches from a local cafe. If you were not at the session and have been unable to place your order, or did not wish to order a bacon/sausage sandwich, please feel free to bring along party food for one. The usual tea and coffee will be available to purchase. Please remember to bring cash to pay for the sandwich if you have ordered one.
Return Date and AGM
Choir returns on Thursday 13th January 2022, which will coincide with the AGM. We would be extremely grateful for new committee members who would be willing to give some of their time to help with the day-to-day running of the choir. Without our wonderful committee volunteers, we would be unable to run our choir so successfully. Unfortunately, our committee is decreasing in size so we would welcome any new members. If you would like to find out more information before making a commitment, please speak to Maureen or Teresa who will happily provide you with information.
January subs will be due on this date, thank you.
Felling Choir Concert
This Christmas event takes place on Saturday 11th December 2021 at Felling Methodist Church, starting 2pm. £6 is payable on the door and everyone is welcome to attend.
Music Makers Carol Concert
This Christmas event takes place on Saturday 18th December 2021 at St Nicholas' Church, The Barnes, Sunderland. The service begins at 3pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
Crackers, Cakes and Carols
On Thursday 9th December, many members of the choir enjoyed Christmas afternoon tea at The Stables, Herrington. This was followed by a singalong of Christmas carols with members of the public invited to join in with the festivities. We would like to thank Julie for accompanying everyone on the piano and to Rita and Sally for their solo performances. For more photographs, please refer to our 'Gallery' page.
25th November 2021
Lynn's Funeral
Please refer to the email sent for details. If you are able to attend, we thought it would be a nice gesture to wear our red choir fleeces.
9th December Afternoon Tea
After voting on whether or not we would like the time of our choir session to change on this date in order to tie in with the bus to The Stables from St Andrew's Church, we decided that choir will go ahead at the usual time of 10.30, with the usual refreshments being served from 10am.
14th December U3A Concert Dress Code
We would like everyone to wear a Christmas jumper and black trousers where possible please. If you do not wish to do so, or do not have a Christmas jumper, please wear a coloured jumper of your choice.
Diction and Breathing
Today, we worked on our diction in the performance of some of the songs which we are due to sing in front of an audience over the next few weeks. We concentrated on the most appropriate place to take a breath and learned that it is important to pronounce the consonants (eg 't' and 'd') at the end of words to make it clear for the audience to understand what we are singing. We also focussed on when to pronounce the final sound of the word when the word is held on for more than one beat. The final sound should be vocalised at the point of starting the next word. This is something that we will be working on over the next couple of sessions in order to polish our performances.
19th December Stanley Carol Service
Family and friends are invited to attend this carol service. The more the merrier!
Subs Due
This is a polite reminder that subs are due on 2nd December (£12), thank you. If you would prefer to pay by bank transfer, please speak to Marjorie.
11th November 2021
Armistice Day 11.11.2021 and Remembrance Sunday
At 11am today, we observed a minute's silence to mark Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War 1 in 1918. Many members of our choir commemorated this important date within their local community and have created poppy displays in their villages.
Armistice Day 11.11.2021 and Remembrance Sunday
At 11am today, we observed a minute's silence to mark Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War 1 in 1918. Many members of our choir commemorated this important date within their local community and have created poppy displays in their villages.
Funeral Arrangements
Please arrive at Birtley Crematorium at 2.15pm on Thursday 18th November wearing your black uniform and coloured crochet flower. You need only bring your 'Flying Free' music with you.
Richard's Memorial Service
Please meet at 3pm for Richard's service. The return bus is booked for 5.15pm. There will be a Faith Tea afterwards but, unfortunately, there may not be time for those travelling together by bus to attend this. Black uniform and flower are required.
Please take the following music with you in a black folder:
-When I Close my Eyes
-Go Now in Peace (to be issued on 18th November)
-Never Say Goodbye
The Stables Afternoon Tea 9th December
We would be grateful if you could pay for this event as soon as possible (£11 plus bus fare if applicable). The bus to this venue will leave at 1.30pm to arrive in time for food being served at 2pm.
U3A Christmas Concert 14th December
This will be held at St Andrew's Church, where we have been requested to sing for approximately 30-40 minutes. We have been invited to attend from 10am. More details to follow.
Christmas Concert at Stanley 19th December
The bus for this event will leave from Concord at 3.15 for a 4pm start. It is expected that we will return at 5.30pm. Please confirm with Maureen if you require transport to this event as places are limited on the 16-seater coach.
Email Replies
We would be very grateful if you could reply to emails that are sent out if a reply is necessary. If you are unable to access emails or would prefer an alternative method of communication, please speak to Maureen. Thank you.
Chairs
At the end of each choir session, could you please ensure that chairs are stacked against the wall in groups of no more than four. This is to ensure that Health and Safety standards are maintained.
Many thanks for your co-operation.
Diary Dates
The last choir session this year will be on Thursday 16th December.
The first session of 2022 will begin at 10am (refreshments) with singing commencing at 10.30am as usual on Thursday 13th January.
Reminder
If you would like to practise singing in the shower, you can listen to the accompanying music in the 'Alto/Soprano Lines (Current)' section of the website. This contains music that we have covered with Duncan. Most of the music that we covered with Richard can still be found in the 'Archive' section.
4th November 2021
Forms to View
Please view and complete the forms relating to the following:
- Sunday 19th December
Concert at Stanley. (A bus will be available at a cost of £5.50 per person).
-Saturday 20th November
Richard's Memorial Service 4pm. (Please note that the usual uniform code applies. This will be confirmed at the session on Thursday 18th).
-Thursday 9th December
Afternoon Tea at The Stables. (The price of this event is £10.95. For ease, we will be charging £11 with the surplus 5p being donated to choir funds).
Choir Session on 11th November
Please note that next week's choir session will be slightly different as we will not have our musical director or pianist. We would like you to still come along so that we can sing for a short while then enjoy a cuppa and a catch-up. We will observe a minute's silence at 11am.
U3A Concert 14th December 2021
If you have not yet done so, please let Maureen know if you would be able to attend and perform a short concert for the U3A's Christmas event at St Andrew's Church Hall. The approximate time is 10.30am but we will clarify this closer to the time.
Choir Session on 9th December
On the day of our Christmas Afternoon Tea, we are hoping that the morning choir session will still go ahead as we need to continue to rehearse for our upcoming concerts. If this changes we will let you know but in the meantime, please assume that the session will run as normal.
28th October 2021
November Subs
This is a polite reminder that subs are due at the next meeting on 4th November. Please pay £12 cash or speak to Marjorie if you would like to set up a standing order with your bank.
New Music
We have recently distributed some new music. If you have been unable to attend the last two meetings, please speak to Maureen who will provide you with the music that you are missing.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Can you believe that Christmas is almost upon us once again? We are pleased to announce that we will be meeting at The Stables at 2pm on Thursday 9th December for Christmas Afternoon Tea. If you would like to join us, please fill in the form that will be available at the desk where you pay your subs. It would be helpful if you could let us know whether you will require transport to this event as we are hoping to provide a bus to the venue for a small fee. The cost of the Afternoon Tea is £10.95.
Potential Christmas Performance Date
If you have not had the chance to read your emails, please read the message sent by Maureen regarding a performance date for the choir. Maureen requires a reply to say whether you would be available for a short performance on the morning of Tuesday 14th December at St. Andrew's Church.
New Members
We were delighted to welcome more new members to our choir this week. If you know of anyone that may wish to join, please invite them to come along for a trial session from 10am on Thursday morning. They will be made most welcome.
7th October 2021
African Alleluia
Please note that the audio files for this piece can now be found on the 'Soprano / Alto Lines (Current)' pages. Apologies to those people who are accessing these pages on a mobile phone. There is an issue with the layout, which we hope will be rectified soon.
African Alleluia
Please note that the audio files for this piece can now be found on the 'Soprano / Alto Lines (Current)' pages. Apologies to those people who are accessing these pages on a mobile phone. There is an issue with the layout, which we hope will be rectified soon.
6th October 2021
Audio Files Available
The audio files for 'Bonny at Morn' and 'Dance to Your Daddy' can be found on the 'Alto / Soprano Lines (Current)' pages. These can be used to help you to iron out those tricky bits in the songs in preparation for the group session. Please note that the audio files for Soprano 1 and Soprano 2 are labelled separately when appropriate.
Audio Files Available
The audio files for 'Bonny at Morn' and 'Dance to Your Daddy' can be found on the 'Alto / Soprano Lines (Current)' pages. These can be used to help you to iron out those tricky bits in the songs in preparation for the group session. Please note that the audio files for Soprano 1 and Soprano 2 are labelled separately when appropriate.
2nd October 2021
Richard's Celebration of Life
The date for Richard's Celebration of Life has been confirmed as Saturday 20th November 2021 at 4pm. The venue for this memorial service is Wesley Memorial Church, Low Fell.
Richard's Celebration of Life
The date for Richard's Celebration of Life has been confirmed as Saturday 20th November 2021 at 4pm. The venue for this memorial service is Wesley Memorial Church, Low Fell.
30th September 2021
Musical Chairs
If you were unable to attend the session today, please speak to Maureen next week to find out where your newly-allocated seat will be. We have rearranged the seating slightly to make it easier to distinguish between First Sopranos, Second Sopranos and Altos.
October Subs
Polite reminder: At the next meeting (7th October), £12 subs are due for the month of October. Thank you.
Musical Chairs
If you were unable to attend the session today, please speak to Maureen next week to find out where your newly-allocated seat will be. We have rearranged the seating slightly to make it easier to distinguish between First Sopranos, Second Sopranos and Altos.
October Subs
Polite reminder: At the next meeting (7th October), £12 subs are due for the month of October. Thank you.
23rd September 2021
New Members and Updated Photograph
We were pleased to welcome more new members to our choir today. The choir would like to thank Eddie for taking our most recent photographs, which can be seen on our 'Gallery' page.
New Music
Today we received two new pieces of music: 'Bonny at Morn' and 'Dance to Your Daddy'. If you were unable to attend today, please speak to Doreen the next time you are at rehearsal and she will able to provide you with these pieces. In due course, the 'Alto/Soprano Lines (Current)' pages will contain audio files that will allow you to rehearse this music at home.
Photograph Consent Form
Please speak to Maureen if you have not yet signed this form and she will be happy to provide you with one.
New Members and Updated Photograph
We were pleased to welcome more new members to our choir today. The choir would like to thank Eddie for taking our most recent photographs, which can be seen on our 'Gallery' page.
New Music
Today we received two new pieces of music: 'Bonny at Morn' and 'Dance to Your Daddy'. If you were unable to attend today, please speak to Doreen the next time you are at rehearsal and she will able to provide you with these pieces. In due course, the 'Alto/Soprano Lines (Current)' pages will contain audio files that will allow you to rehearse this music at home.
Photograph Consent Form
Please speak to Maureen if you have not yet signed this form and she will be happy to provide you with one.
22nd September 2021
Audio Files Uploaded
The music for 'Pure Imagination' can now be found on the 'Alto and Soprano Lines (Current)' pages.
Audio Files Uploaded
The music for 'Pure Imagination' can now be found on the 'Alto and Soprano Lines (Current)' pages.
17th September 2021
Inspire Music
There has been a slight change of plan with regards to those members who are changing their choir number. Rather than returning your current music, we would be grateful if you could simply change the number in the top corner of your music sheets to the new number that you have been allocated. Thank you.
Inspire Music
There has been a slight change of plan with regards to those members who are changing their choir number. Rather than returning your current music, we would be grateful if you could simply change the number in the top corner of your music sheets to the new number that you have been allocated. Thank you.
16th September 2021
Committee Meeting
If you were not at today's rehearsal and would like a paper copy of the information arising from our most recent committee meeting, please speak to Maureen next week.
Volunteers
We are asking for volunteers to help with tea-making and putting chairs out prior to the start of the session. Please speak to a committee member if you would be able to help. Thank you to Gill and Maureen for taking over these duties in the interim.
Music
If you have been informed that your choir number is changing, we would be be grateful if you could please return all current music from your folder in order for you to receive the music allocated to your new number. Thank you.
Contact Details
Please advise Maureen of any changes made to your address or telephone number so that she can update the information we have.
Soprano and Alto Lines Practise Music
Please note that music focussed on during rehearsals from 2021 onwards can be found under the following headings:
'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'.
Any music used prior to this date can now be found in the 'Archive' section of the website.
Upcoming Events
(See also 'Diary Dates' page).
Richard's Memorial Service
We have had news to say that this has been rearranged and will now take place on Saturday 20th November. We will update you when we find out more information.
Christmas Lunch
This will be held at Cross Keys, Washington Village on Thursday 9th December 2021 at 1pm. When we receive the menus, members will be able to choose their meal in advance. Money should be paid on booking which, unfortunately, will be non-refundable. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements.
Christmas Concert
This will be held at St Andrew's Church, Stanley at 4pm on Sunday 19th December 2021. A bus will be available for members at a cost of £5 per person. In due course, a sheet will be available for names; payment will be made at the time and will be non-refundable.
Photographs
Next week, we will be taking a group photograph. Please arrive wearing a black uniform and bring your crochet poppy if you have one. Anyone who requires a poppy, please speak to Maureen who will be able to provide you with one. We will also be completing a photograph consent form to confirm whether or not you are willing for your photograph to be used on the choir's website.
Committee Meeting
If you were not at today's rehearsal and would like a paper copy of the information arising from our most recent committee meeting, please speak to Maureen next week.
Volunteers
We are asking for volunteers to help with tea-making and putting chairs out prior to the start of the session. Please speak to a committee member if you would be able to help. Thank you to Gill and Maureen for taking over these duties in the interim.
Music
If you have been informed that your choir number is changing, we would be be grateful if you could please return all current music from your folder in order for you to receive the music allocated to your new number. Thank you.
Contact Details
Please advise Maureen of any changes made to your address or telephone number so that she can update the information we have.
Soprano and Alto Lines Practise Music
Please note that music focussed on during rehearsals from 2021 onwards can be found under the following headings:
'Soprano Lines (Current)' and 'Alto Lines (Current)'.
Any music used prior to this date can now be found in the 'Archive' section of the website.
Upcoming Events
(See also 'Diary Dates' page).
Richard's Memorial Service
We have had news to say that this has been rearranged and will now take place on Saturday 20th November. We will update you when we find out more information.
Christmas Lunch
This will be held at Cross Keys, Washington Village on Thursday 9th December 2021 at 1pm. When we receive the menus, members will be able to choose their meal in advance. Money should be paid on booking which, unfortunately, will be non-refundable. Please advise if you have any dietary requirements.
Christmas Concert
This will be held at St Andrew's Church, Stanley at 4pm on Sunday 19th December 2021. A bus will be available for members at a cost of £5 per person. In due course, a sheet will be available for names; payment will be made at the time and will be non-refundable.
Photographs
Next week, we will be taking a group photograph. Please arrive wearing a black uniform and bring your crochet poppy if you have one. Anyone who requires a poppy, please speak to Maureen who will be able to provide you with one. We will also be completing a photograph consent form to confirm whether or not you are willing for your photograph to be used on the choir's website.
9th September 2021
Say, "Cheese!"
We were delighted to welcome more new members to our choir today. They joined just in time to appear in our latest group photograph!
Say, "Cheese!"
We were delighted to welcome more new members to our choir today. They joined just in time to appear in our latest group photograph!
Payment of Monthly Subs
If you would like to set up a standing order to pay your monthly subs, please speak to Marjorie who will be happy to help you with this. If you wish to continue to pay £12 in cash, please pay at the start of the meeting on the first Thursday of each month. See the 'Diary Dates' page on the website for dates.
8th September 2021
Music Available to Rehearse
If you would like to practise 'Bird Fly High' or 'Funiculi, Funicula', the music has been uploaded on to the Soprano Lines and Alto Lines pages of the website. At the moment, they can be found at the very bottom of each page, written in bold.
Music Available to Rehearse
If you would like to practise 'Bird Fly High' or 'Funiculi, Funicula', the music has been uploaded on to the Soprano Lines and Alto Lines pages of the website. At the moment, they can be found at the very bottom of each page, written in bold.
2nd September 2021
Welcoming Our New Musical Director
Today, we welcomed our new Musical Director, Duncan Brown, to the Inspire Ladies Choir. It was a most enjoyable session, where we began to learn two new songs: 'Bird Fly High' and 'Funiculi, Funicula'. Please check the website at a later date where we will be adding musical excerpts to allow you to practise the lines of our new songs at home.
DID YOU KNOW?
Interestingly, the composer of 'Bird Fly High' also composed the well-known Christmas carol 'Little Donkey'. Eric Boswell was born in Millfield, Sunderland, where he began to study music with the organist and choirmaster of Bishopwearmouth Church. He had a very successful career until he passed away in 2009 aged 88.
Thank You
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for leading rehearsals over the past few weeks in order for us to practise songs in preparation for Richard's memorial service. We appreciate this very much.
New Choir Members
We were pleased to welcome new members of the choir to the session today. If you know of anyone else that would like to join our choir, please spread the word!
Donations for Richard's Hospice
If anyone would like to donate funds to Richard's hospice collection, please forward your contribution to Marjorie. Thank you.
Welcoming Our New Musical Director
Today, we welcomed our new Musical Director, Duncan Brown, to the Inspire Ladies Choir. It was a most enjoyable session, where we began to learn two new songs: 'Bird Fly High' and 'Funiculi, Funicula'. Please check the website at a later date where we will be adding musical excerpts to allow you to practise the lines of our new songs at home.
DID YOU KNOW?
Interestingly, the composer of 'Bird Fly High' also composed the well-known Christmas carol 'Little Donkey'. Eric Boswell was born in Millfield, Sunderland, where he began to study music with the organist and choirmaster of Bishopwearmouth Church. He had a very successful career until he passed away in 2009 aged 88.
Thank You
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for leading rehearsals over the past few weeks in order for us to practise songs in preparation for Richard's memorial service. We appreciate this very much.
New Choir Members
We were pleased to welcome new members of the choir to the session today. If you know of anyone else that would like to join our choir, please spread the word!
Donations for Richard's Hospice
If anyone would like to donate funds to Richard's hospice collection, please forward your contribution to Marjorie. Thank you.
29th August 2021
Richard's Celebration of Life
Unfortunately, Richard Jennings' 'Celebration of Life' service on Saturday 4th September has had to be postponed due to a rise in Coronavirus cases in the area. We will inform you when we receive more information regarding the rescheduling of this.
Richard's Celebration of Life
Unfortunately, Richard Jennings' 'Celebration of Life' service on Saturday 4th September has had to be postponed due to a rise in Coronavirus cases in the area. We will inform you when we receive more information regarding the rescheduling of this.
19th August 2021
Return to St Andrew's Church
We are delighted to announce that the Inspire Ladies' Choir has returned to St Andrew's Church, Concord, Washington, following a break due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The choir will continue to meet every Thursday in the main hall. Refreshments will be available to purchase from 10am and singing will commence at 10.30. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
If you are interested in joining our choir, please fill in the contact form on our website and we will be happy to provide you with more information.
Return to St Andrew's Church
We are delighted to announce that the Inspire Ladies' Choir has returned to St Andrew's Church, Concord, Washington, following a break due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The choir will continue to meet every Thursday in the main hall. Refreshments will be available to purchase from 10am and singing will commence at 10.30. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
If you are interested in joining our choir, please fill in the contact form on our website and we will be happy to provide you with more information.
12th August 2021
Cross Keys Please note that today will be our final choir session at Cross Keys, Washington Village, as we will be returning to St Andrew's Church from Thursday 19th August 2021. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Cross Keys for allowing us to use their facilities over the last few weeks. This has allowed us to sing and socialise together, which we have missed over the last few months. |
11th August 2021
Richard Jennings
Following the very sad news of the recent passing of our Choirmaster, Richard Jennings, some members of the choir attended his funeral at Saltwell Crematorium. This was a wonderful service and we had the privilege to stand and sing two hymns, which we felt was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his time to music.
Richard's Celebration of Life will be held at Wesley Memorial Church, Low Fell on Saturday 4th September 2021 at 4pm. Members of the choir are welcome to attend to perform a selection of hymns chosen by Richard.
Richard Jennings
Following the very sad news of the recent passing of our Choirmaster, Richard Jennings, some members of the choir attended his funeral at Saltwell Crematorium. This was a wonderful service and we had the privilege to stand and sing two hymns, which we felt was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his time to music.
Richard's Celebration of Life will be held at Wesley Memorial Church, Low Fell on Saturday 4th September 2021 at 4pm. Members of the choir are welcome to attend to perform a selection of hymns chosen by Richard.