Social distancing could have meant an end for a Runcorn choir which could no longer meet to rehearse…
But not for the resourceful Runcorn Community Choir, founded partly thanks to a Halton Borough Council grant, which often performs for its care homes took its sessions online during the Coronavirus pandemic.
And look at the uplifting results. The perfect tonic for troubled times. Halton really has got talent!
Runcorn Community Choir, also recently got a grant from Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, allowing it to rehearse and record via an online platform and provide technical and emotional support.
The choir, which usually meets for weekly rehearsals and regularly performs in care homes, had ceased all activity.
The group will now be able to provide CDs, print music sheets to be posted and deliver online members meetings to those in self-isolation.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “The choir will be known to many with its work in our care homes and charity performances.
“A large majority of the members are vulnerable due to age or health issues with many having to shield or self-isolate during the outbreak which had led to them feeling socially isolated.
“The choir will now be able to provide activities, offer technical assistance and enable members to meet safely online via Zoom meetings. Members will now be able to connect and start making music once more.”
Kath Wurbacher, chair of Runcorn Community Choir, said: “It seems likely that it will be some time before we are able to meet as normal for our rehearsals so this money will help us to keep our choir together in a virtual way, supporting our choir members so that we can look forward to resuming our performances for the people of Runcorn and surrounding areas.”
PCC David Keane said: “It’s great to see Runcorn Community Choir thinking of different ways to keep their sessions running and to support their members.
“Community groups like this provide a vital support network to many residents in Cheshire. The pandemic has resulted in people losing that support and becoming isolated physically and mentally.”
Jason Ellis, Musical Director, is solely responsible for the virtual choir video. Members of two other choirs he is involved with are on the YouTube clip too…
