An Edinburgh singing group that has brought together members of the Drumbrae and Corstorphine community in heartwarming fashion.
The Corstorphine Singers was launched with the help of Vikki Fairgreave and Dorothy Maitland amongst others in the two adjacent communities at the beginning of 2022.
Dorothy wished to set up a group after no longer being able to take part in the Rannoch Singers - which was held at night - after experiencing issues with her vision.
But when she felt ready, she contacted Vikki from Singing for Smiles, who coaches the team at Rannoch Singers, to see if she would be interested in a new afternoon group.
Vikki said that she would love to help Dorothy and so a call to arms went out on social media to see if like minded people would want to take part.
The group has helped its members battle isolation whilst also improving their mental health by having a good old sing song in a group setting.
On her quest to start a new singing group during the daytime for her community, Dorothy said: “I was a member of the well established Rannoch Singers who meet on a Tuesday evening in St Andrews Church.
“Unfortunately due to my failing sight I was becoming extremely nervous about going out and trying to cross Drumbrae Drive.
“I decided after a lot of thought that I would have to give up on the Rannoch Singers which was extremely enjoyable for me.
“I really missed it and as restrictions were being lifted I wondered about starting up a singing group in Corstorphine but during the day and not at night.
“I spoke to Vikki Fairgrieve from Singing for Smiles who coaches the Rannoch Singers and asked her if she would be interested in coaching an afternoon group in the area.
“She said she would definitely be up for it and gave me her availability during the day.
“The next thing was to find a venue and low and behold the Corstorphine Community Centre was available for a couple of hours on a Tuesday afternoon and so was Vikki.
“I proposed the group on the Clermiston Chat, Corstorphine a friendly village and Drumbrae Discussions Facebook pages. The response was excellent.
“So many people were looking to get out and about again after the pandemic, to make new friends and have fun.
“Singing really does lift your mood and many of us were feeling low after enduring the Covid pandemic and the restrictions that came with it.
“We set the first session to be Tuesday 25th January and I couldn’t believe the response.”
Dorothy says that there was a massive queue outside the community centre with those looking to take part in the group.
On this she added: “The queue inside and outside the community centre was massive.
“It was a panic to make sure we had enough seats with over 50 people attending the first week.
“At week four we had 39 people committed to a session and they have been regular attendees ever since.
“We run it in eight week blocks - you pay £40 for the eight weeks at the start of the block.
“This ensures we can pay our overheads - the hall hire and singing tuition. Any extra money goes to the benefit of the group - we have purchased t-shirts for events for everyone, name badges and clip boards for our song sheets.
“A committee was set up who are very willing and enthusiastic to help.
“We now have our own Facebook pages The Corstorphine Singers Information Page and The Corstorphine Singers private group for members.
“Everyone is becoming more confident and finding it a really enjoyable way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s all about bringing men and women of all ages together in a safe environment to meet new people and have fun.
“Many of our group feel they have benefited mentally from coming along and that’s what it's all about - making people feel good and less isolated.
“In four months we have come a long way and have to thank our coach Vikki for getting us to a standard to take on our first gig at The Corstorphine Fair.”
The group are performing today (Saturday 4 June) at the Corstorphine Fair and members shared how the group had helped them.
Diane Shepherd said: “No matter how I feel before I arrive, I leave feeling so relaxed. I’d never sang before but it’s brilliant. I love making new friends there.”
Catriona Borrowman added: “It’s made me remember how much I enjoy singing. The time just flies by during our sessions. Everyone is just so friendly.”
Liz, who is new to Edinburgh said: “As a newcomer to Edinburgh the choir has provided a warm welcome. Singing makes me feel so good and gives me hope for the future.”
Vera said: “No matter how you feel before, after singing with our group, you always leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.”
For more information on the group, please visit: thecorstorphinesibgers@gmail.com
