Singergie’s full of energy
Choir started in lockdown beat isolation through the joy of singing
This week the Courier is delighted to launch a brand new feature for our readers to get involved with – Club of the Month.
Every month we’ll shine the spotlight on one of the many clubs, groups and organisations that make life that little brighter in West Lothian.
It could be any kind of group or club – a kids’ sports team, arts and crafts club, mother and toddlers, drama or senior dance – we’d love to hear from you!
This week we’re kicking things off with the Singergie choir, set up in October last year by members who were feeling fed up as a result of lockdown.
Founder and coach Lynne Jack said members felt there was a real need in the community for something that could bring them together after so much forced isolation.
They wanted something that was fun, open to everyone, and didn’t cost a fortune and so the Singergie choir was born.
There are no auditions, no experience needed – just come along and enjoy!
Lynne said: “It’s been tremendously successful. We thought we’d be doing well if we got 20 people there on our first night, but we had 57, and it’s never really gone below that.
“There are no fees and this was really important to us. There are so many formal studies that have researched the benefits of singing with a group of people to physical, emotional and mental health, and we didn’t feel that should just be available to those who can afford it.
“Especially now with lots of people struggling from losing jobs, furlough etc. So we registered it as charity and we apply for grants, funding, sponsorship etc. as well as do our own fundraising activities because there are substantial costs to providing a
good professional choir. We’re open to conversations with any company who might like to sponsor us.
“We are just enjoying singing for the moment, but we’ll support the other community groups in the area at local events such as gala days etc. Who knows, maybe we’ll do a big show one day, but it’s not on the cards just yet.
“We are expanding rapidly though. We have opened our first two Glasgow choirs, and week after next we open our first Edinburgh choir in South Gyle.
“The response to Singergie has been incredible, and we’ve been asked to open choirs all over Scotland. “There’s definitely a need for it.” Singergie choirs meet in East Calder Bowling Club on Fridays from 10am until 12pm and Mondays from 7pm until 9pm at The Village in East Calder.
For more information visit https://singergie.com/
■If you want to have your group featured in Club of the Month email debbie.hall@reachplc.com
There are many studies that researched the benefits of singing with a group of people to physical, emotional and mental health, and we didn’t feel it should just be available to those who can afford it
Lynne Jack