IT was inspired by a TV reality show and now a Southampton residents’ choir is hitting more fundraising notes to help a wide cross-section of the community.

The Living Lordswood Community Choir made its debut last December with a Sing Christmas concert.

It followed the success of the BAFTA award winning TV series The Choir in which Britain’s famous choirmaster Gareth Malone taught choral singing to people who had never had the chance or experience to sing before.

Now the choir, which is currently rehearsing for its second community concert, Sing in The Summer, on June 21, is set to spread more joy.

Daily Echo:

Choir members in action during rehearsals

And they are pulling out all the stops for two good causes.

Money raised will go to The Rose Rose Association, which is based in the Lordswood area and provides high quality services for disabled children and young people with multiple and complex needs, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Daily Echo:

Choirmaster Ian Williamson

Now the hunt is on for sponsorship and donations, and letters have been circulated to local businesses. Any sponsorship or donation will be acknowledged in the concert programme.

The Lordswood choir has an age range from ten to 70 plus, and is open to everyone whatever their musical ability, age, gender and background. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music.

Organiser of the Living Lordswood Community Choir Peter Short believes the key to the success of the choir is a sense of community and added: “It is a local choir for local people and is designed to bring joy and hope to those in the neighbourhood.”

Once again the choir will come under the baton of local resident and choirmaster Ian Williamson.

  • Anyone who can help with advertising should contact choir member Zena Hutton by emailing zena-hutton@hotmail.co.uk.

More information is available on the Living Lordswood Facebook page and webpage on livinglordswood.org.uk.