A popular choir for people who can't sing is set to launch in a new area of Nottingham.
Binny Watkins of Arnold was inspired to set up the choir for people like herself who “couldn’t carry a tune if it came with handles”, after previously becoming a member of the Tuneless Choir in West Bridgford.
Mrs Watkins, a program manager, said: “I just love belting out a tune, and was delighted to find somewhere I could do it without offending anyone.
"The Tuneless Choir tagline is 'singing like no one is listening’ and that’s just what we do."
After teaming up with self-employed singer, Mary Hastings, the pair are due to launch the new group in Sherwood, making it the fourth group in Nottingham.
Mrs Watkins, 57, added: "I was buzzing after my first visit – it was energising, uplifting and I could bring out that inner diva.
"I was delighted to find I could set up a choir nearer my home in Arnold.
“Being tuneless myself, I needed to find someone musical to lead the choir. I feel very lucky that Mary Hastings has agreed to team up with me.”
Ms Hastings leads sessions at Beeston Memory Café, for people with dementia and their carers, and has extensive experience working in care homes and hospitals.
She came across a Tuneless Choir in action at Nottingham’s Light Night earlier this year.
The 58-year-old said: “It was an energetic and exciting occasion. The audience were asked to join in and did so with gusto.
"I realised that Tuneless Choirs ticked all of my boxes as a positive, accessible experience of music for everyone and I was really interested to learn more.”
Since then Ms Hastings has spent time with both the West Bridgford and Beeston Tuneless Choirs and learned that the enthusiasm at Light Night wasn’t an isolated example.
She added: “Tuneless Choir evenings are full of chat, laughter, singing and sociability and getting it ‘right’ isn’t a requirement – you just need to be prepared to have a go.
"I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be involved in setting up and leading a new Tuneless Choir in Sherwood. It’s going to be hard work, fun, exciting and more fun!"
The choir will sing familiar songs with a strong melody and Ms Hastings already has some picked out some selections.
She said: “Being a Scot, two of my favourites are ‘500 Miles’ by The Proclaimers, and ‘Sailing’ by Rod Stewart, but we’ll cover a dozen or so songs at each session.
"There’ll be no separate parts such as soprano or bass, everyone will just sing however they feel comfortable.
"There’s no judgement and no tuition. It’s a return to the times people sang together for fun, to be sociable and to feel good."
The pair hope the choir will help people relax and form friendships, and then create a group that can support the local community and charities.
Tuneless Choirs around the country have raised more than £10,000 for Mind, the mental health charity over the last 18 months, and supported many events including the fifth birthday celebrations of the ‘Sharing Sherwood’ community café.
Nadine Cooper and Bernie Bracha, who set up the original choir in West Bridgford, now help others start their own, with Sherwood bringing the total number of Tuneless Choirs in the country to 32.
Ms Cooper said: “We wish Binny and Mary the best of luck with their brand new Tuneless Choir.
"Many people have been told to stop singing by partners, children, teachers and even vicars.
"We hope those in Sherwood and surrounding areas will relish the opportunity to do it again, knowing they aren’t under scrutiny, and that it brings them a great deal of pleasure.”
The choir will take place on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 8pm to 9.30pm at the United Reformed Church on Edwards Lane in Sherwood.
Launch night is Tuesday, June 18 and, in addition to the usual light refreshments, fizz and cake will be on offer.
The cost is £10 to attend the launch or a first session with the choir. Members can then pay-as-you-go for £7 a session or sign up to a term for the equivalent of £5 per session.
Anyone interested in attending the launch is asked to purchase a ticket in advance on the Tuneless Choir website at www.tunelesschoir.com/sherwood.
Those unable to make the date will be welcome at future sessions and are advised to sign up to emails on the same webpage.
