A singalong project in Portchester gets one step closer to receiving much needed funding for vital equipment to make them “self-sufficient”.

An application from Portchester Community Choir for just over £2,000 for the purchase of technology and storage equipment for their Singalong Outreach project has been recommended for approval.

Fareham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Community Councillor Connie Hockley approved the bid for £2,047.21 on Thursday, 21 November 2024. 

Cllr Hockley (Con, Titchfield) said: “Singing is not only uplifting for the people listening, but also has great mental health benefits to those performing. With over 70 members now part of the choir, I cannot think of a more worthy local group to benefit from our Community Fund.”

The choir receives requests from local groups asking if they could take singing to people who cannot attend their performances for groups of 20-30 people, said the officer’s report.

The report said: “Care homes and groups like Dementia Care Hub have already benefited through their trial sessions and they would like to continue and expand these extremely beneficial performances.”

The money will be used to make the group self-sufficient by buying a laptop, portable speaker, printer to print their song sheets, a microphone and headphones plus storage for these items. Currently Portchester Community Choir uses members’ personal equipment which is not fit for purpose, said the report.

Councillor Hockley said; “I am delighted to be able to allocate community funding to the Portchester Community Choir. It will help the group purchase equipment for its singalong outreach project that will, in turn, bring joy to so many people in the community, who would otherwise not have access.”

The next step is a “call-in” period until December 2, to give the scrutiny panel an opportunity to reconsider the decision before approval on December 3.