Zooming through the lockdown

Weekly Zoom choir rehearsals have meant more than a singalong to the Cransley Hospice Community Choir during the lockdown, especially those shielding at home.  Their carefully chosen uplifting songs have cheered everyone up and brought the group closer together, albeit virtually.

The group of singers usually gather once a week for choir practice in Kettering but since the beginning of lockdown, the choir haven’t been able to meet.  Ruth Humphrey, the inspiring leader of the choir wasn’t going to let a world pandemic stop the singing or the fun, laughter and sense of community that’s so important to the group.

Having previously never even heard of Zoom, the weekly Zoom call was a whole new experience for the singers!  With the help of each other, over half the choir managed to join the weekly practice sessions.

Pam Humphrey, administrator for the choir recalls “The first rehearsal was hysterical!  Lots of “can you see me, I can hear you” and with the usual internet hitches, people were dropping out or freezing which had everyone in stitches!” “Ruth now has it well organised and mutes us all, but we had the occasional solo when we first started!”

As well as singing, the group have raised almost £100 for Cransley Hospice by holding a virtual “Who am I quiz?” where singers had to try and match names to the members babyfaces.

The singers can’t wait to be together again for rehearsals and remain hopeful, subject to the government guidelines to be able to put a concert on later in the year, no doubt raising the roof with a burst of “Somewhere over the rainbow”.

Keep checking the Cransley Hospice website www.cransleyhospice.org.uk and social media channels for information and dates.