Cop commissioner’s cash helps choir go online
A CHOIR based in Hale Village has received a grant from Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane.
Merseywave will now be able to take their sessions online and interact.
A spokeswoman for Mr Keane’s office said that as well as musical activities, choir members can now access technical and emotional support.
It will also provide CDs, print music sheets to be posted and deliver online members meetings to those in self-isolation.
The choir, which usually runs a community choir and youth club in Hale Village with more than 100 members, had ceased all activity because of the pandemic leading to a drop in mood among members.
It is hoped their technical boost will mean they can once again start making music via twice-weekly meetings on the video conference Zoom web platform.
Merseywave was established in 2012.
Jason Ellis, Merseywave music director, said: “We have adopted an intuitive ‘community action response’ to provide a vital focus for our members who were starting to feel isolated.
“These funds will enable us to share valuable information to support the community through a shared love of music.
“Our community choir is like a family and like the rest of the country, we are finding it hard to adjust to life without direct support.”
Commissioner Keane said: “Community groups like this provide a vital support network to many residents in Cheshire.
“The pandemic has resulted in people losing that support and becoming isolated physically and mentally. Meserywave are working hard to think differently about the support they offer and how they stay connected.
“The online sessions will undoubtedly provide a welcome distraction to members and enable them to stay safe and well at home.”