It’s 7pm on a Tuesday, and 30-or-so people are bustling into St Peter and Paul’s Church in Eccles, shedding coats and scarves, and greeting each other with waves and wide smiles. Darkness blankets the sky, but inside, warm, yellow light illuminates the hall, and the heating offers a welcome reprieve from the sharp winter air. While the city of Salford settles down for the evening, Monton Voices Community Choir are just waking up.
Everyone gathers at the front of the church, sitting in groups that distinguish their vocal range with songbooks at the ready. Just before the first song begins, Michael Critch-Higham, the treasurer of the choir who eagerly introduced himself to me upon my arrival, turns around. “You are aware we do this naked,” he jokes, prompting a chorus of laughter. “No, we don’t,” another member assures me. “Well…” somebody else says, “Michael does, anyway.”
The choir began in 2000, and are currently celebrating their 25th anniversary year. Irene Hitchcock, who has been a member since its conception, tells me about the early days. “It was advertised in the paper shop on Monton Road, ‘Sing on summer’s evening, 10-week course,’” she says nostalgically. “And we’re still here” laughs Lynn Ozimek, another original member.
Throughout their two-hour practice, the group run through a collection of festive tunes in preparation for their four upcoming Christmas concerts, and when the pianist begins to play the opening chords to ‘Mary, did you know?’, Irene trails her finger underneath the words as she follows the tune.
Over the years, this Salford choir have performed for every audience and every cause imaginable. From charity events for The Christie and St Annes Hospice, to singing outside in the cold at Christmas. “They brought a real-life donkey to Eccles precinct one year,” choir member, Dot Jordan, tells me through the reminiscing laughter of the group. “We did a flash mob for a wedding once at Worsley Old Hall,” adds Brennan Wilson, the choir’s chairman, and currently their only bass, “We had to put on our best togs and mingle amongst the guests, and then we suddenly stood up and started singing during the ceremony.”
I’m assured that you don’t have to be a good singer to join, there’s no auditions and everyone is welcome. Currently, there are more than six decades between their oldest and youngest members, with one chorister only 16 years old, and others in their 80s.
As I sit with a group of veteran members, they describe all they’ve gained from being a part of the choir. “It’s just about turning up every week and singing,” Lynn explains, “It’s good for you, you know. Its good exercise, its good socially, it keeps your brain working.”
“And we love each other, we care about each other, we know each other,” Dot continues.
“And sometimes, I think I’m so tired tonight, but when I make the effort, when I come here, I’m just lifted,” concludes Doreen Manson.
They end their weekly practice, quite charmingly, with an adorable rendition of Robbie Williams’ ‘Angels’, and then gather at the front of the hall, proudly brandishing their songbooks for a group photo. Even after 25 years, the Monton Voices Community Choir is brimming with community and friendship and laughter.
“I don’t think people realise,” Brennan tells me, “how much fun it is to sing.”
More information on the choir and their concerts can be found here.
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