Choir is tuned into fun and friendship

The choir was founded by Rev Linda Tomkinson, Pioneer Reverend of Mereside, to provide somewhere for people in the community to come and sing, and make new friends along the way.

The choir is part of a new Church of England church plant on the Mereside Estate called Freedom Church Mereside.

The choir has about 15 members and are always happy for new people to join them.

Michelle Reynolds, a member of the group, said: “We are people from all walks of life, some can’t read music, it’s very informal but together as a group we sound fabulous! “

“Members feel that no matter what kind of day you’ve had, you know you can come here and have fun.

“They enjoy talking to different people and have found the choir has boosted their confident.”

It is free to join and there isn’t an entrance audition.

Members are given a silky purple scarf for performances. The choir has performances lined up at local churches but performing is optional for members.

Michelle added: “ “You get support and encouragement, it’s more than just coming here to sing, it’s about building friendships and supporting each other.”

“People can just come along, enjoy singing and have a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit if they wish.

“At each session we have a fun warm-up then singing, with a tea-break half-way through.

“At the end of each rehearsal we have ‘pause for thought’ where we take a few minutes to pause in our busy days to think about the lyrics we have sung, or about other things that are going on in our lives.”

The choir rehearse every Monday night at 7.30pm until 9.30pm at the Tarnside Community Centre, Tarnside, Mereside, Blackpool. FY4 4RD.

For more information please contact Michelle Reynolds on 07592150089 or email [email protected]

n The Mereside Community Choir will perform at the Clifton Christmas Switch-On and Gala on Friday, December 2.

The Christmas Gala will take place at Tarnside Community Centre, Langdale Road, where the choir will perform as well as Blackpool Music Service.

There will also be a visit from Santa.

Then at 7pm, Langdale Road lights will be switched on opposite the shops.

The gala has been organised by Coun Luke Taylor and Coun Adrian Hutton, with support from local businesses and organisations, residents as well as United Utilities and Glasdons.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Supoort.