Story and photos by Robin Grey
On the afternoon of Saturday 8th February, members of the Firth Park singing group hosted their first ever Big Sing! event at the Clock Tower on Firth Park Road with support from the National Lottery Community Fund.
This free event was an enormous success with more than 75 people of all ages and backgrounds joining in an epic hour’s sing-a-long supported by guitar and accordion. Songs included Amazing Grace, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Que Sera Sera, as well as tracks by Elvis, Louis Armstrong, The Beatles, ABBA and music from films such as The Lion King, Shrek and Grease.
Local community musician Robin who led the Big Sing! said:
“With the days still short and cold, February is often a difficult time of the year for many people. Singing is a great natural way of lifting your mood, known to release endorphins, a brain chemical that makes you feel happy. Singing in groups is also a really good way of making friends and feeling part of a community which is vital for maintaining your health.”
The event was hosted by Friends Of Firth Park, a well known local community group who run a range of activities around the area. Regular volunteer Denise said:
“We have so much joy singing together at our weekly Friday morning sessions. We organised this on a weekend so we could welcome those at work or school when we normally meet. It was emotional being part of such a large group of people singing together.”
Local resident Nerva said:
“My friends came and enjoyed it very much, they all thought we should have more big singing events like this. I hope we can organise something similar at SADACCA, the community centre in the Wicker which I also go to.”
Regular singing group member Alicia said:
“My daughter came and had a really good time. She has recently been thinking of joining a choir and this has inspired her to go along to one.”
A plan has been made for a follow up event on Saturday 18th April from 5-7 pm, also at the Firth Park Clock Tower, and this second Big Sing! will be followed by a bring-and-share community ‘potluck’ meal. Please do put the date in your diary and come along.
Friends of Firth Park singing group meet every Friday from 10.30am – 12.30pm in the Bowling Pavilion. It is a friendly session with tea and biscuits served at half time. All are welcome and no experience is necessary, and welcomes people with dementia and additional needs. Entry is free though donations are welcome into the ukulele case.
You can contact Robin on 07930 410 280 or mail@robingrey.com with any questions
