September 27 - U3A Choir - University of the Third Age

Meeting U3A Kingston Singers

Ostrich recently visited the U3A Choir - Kingston Singers, at their weekly choir practice. We were there to talk about Older People's Day on the 1st October 2013, in our capacity as official partners.

There are approximately 60 members of the choir, who meet at Malden Manor each Thursday. The many members come from all walks of life, stretching across the third age range.

The overwhelming feeling in the room was happiness. All the members had their music ready and when Glyn Harvey (the choir master) called order they were all ready to sing. Their repertoire is broad, hymns, musicals, opera, classical, modern... They perform several times a year at various functions, and Christmas seems to be a very busy time for this popular choir.

During our morning with the choir we were made very welcome and had the opportunity to speak with individual members to hear why they enjoy being part of the choir and what it means to them.

The benefits of singing in a choir

Jeanne Coleman enjoys coming to choir for the social interaction. Norma Vogado enjoys the choir she says “after choir she feels 2 feet taller”.

Doreen Attree and Daphne Pharaoh have been choir members for 16 years!! They both look forward to Thursday mornings. They agree that the singing can be a challenge, but helps their breathing, and improves their learning skills (especially when they have to sing in Italian!!). They both enjoy the social side of the choir, travelling to different venues, meeting new people and getting together with other choir members for dinner, etc.

Alan Piddington has been a member of the choir for 3 years; he says he "just loves singing". David Veaser has been a member for 14 years and just loves it!! It is good to see so many men enjoying this choir.

This wonderful group of people have fun being part of a choir, enjoying the challenge of learning each new piece, making friends and socialising at many different venues throughout the year.

If you want to join a U3A choir, click on this link to find one in your area: http://www.u3a.org.uk/