ExCo
Ray was a choirboy so he has always had a passion for music and singing. He told his family, “I would love to sing with a choir, and I would love them to sing Christmas carols outside my door, just like you see in the movies!”
Claire Payne, founder of The Pop Chorus said: “Cllr Joanne Burton (Sarisbury & Whiteley Ward) contacted me after she received a request from Ray’s family. She asked if the choir could sing carols and make his wish come true. I agreed immediately and over 30 local members came along that night.
Ray was really overwhelmed and he stood at the window and sang his heart out. His voice was amazing, even from behind the glass, and he almost out sung the choir! Knowing that he was a war veteran made all of us feel emotional and singing with him was really heart-warming and very special.”
Singing releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, often referred to as "happy hormones", so it is the perfect way to reduce stress and boost mental health. Claire started The Pop Chorus earlier this year to make a difference to local people who are struggling with their mental health and singing has really helped her too. Members get together weekly and meet new people, and members with grown up children have found a new focus in their life through the choir.
They enjoy helping others and are supporting Fareham-based charity, Sophie’s Legacy and Blood Cancer UK. Their Christmas performance is at 6.30pm at the Sir Joseph Paxton pub, Locks Heath on Wednesday, December 17 and Santa is coming too!
Claire told us: “I’ve wanted to start a choir for many years but couldn’t find a vocal coach. This year has been incredible as I found our fantastic choirmaster, Aled Price and he brings joy to our members every week. The choir has really grown - we started with just seven people and we now have 30 members at our Park Gate sessions and over 40 members in Burridge.
"We sing a variety of pop songs each week and everyone has fun. We also run a Teen Choir in Burridge which has almost 20 members and it’s wonderful to see them put their phones down for an hour and be children again.”
If anyone is interested in joining, adults can come to the Sir Joseph Paxton pub in Park Gate from 7.30pm every Tuesday and Burridge Village Hall from 7.35pm every Wednesday. Teen Choir is at Burridge Village Hall from 6.25 - 7.25pm every Wednesday. Sessions are £7 for adults and £6 for children aged 10 – 16 yrs and your first session is free. Contact Claire on 07766 253553 or email [email protected] for more information. Website thepopchorus.co.uk
