Meet Our Members
Singing Is A Lovely Way To Get Some Exercise And Have Fun - Allette Story
I joined North Ferriby Ladies Choir over six years ago. I was a bit apprehensive at first because although I love singing I cannot sight read very well. However, I was made to feel very welcome and Pat, the pianist, will always make a tape for anyone who wants to learn the music at home. Some dark winter evenings I think I will just stay home in the warm, but I know that if I do get up and go to choir I will feel really well and energised at the end of the session. I enjoy the fact that we sing such a wide range of music and although we take learning the music seriously we have a lot of fun too. We sing at concerts, usually for charity, at festivals, and often have a ring side seat from the choir stalls at weddings. If you think you might enjoy it, why not come along for a week or two and try it, I can thoroughly recommend it.
What The Choir Means To Me – Katrina's Story
After many years of not singing, I really missed the pleasure it gave. I got a South Hunsley prospectus and found ‘Sing for Fun’ in South Cave. I joined and was sitting with ladies who were members of North Ferriby Ladies. One of them said she didn’t know why I didn’t join them and arranged to pick me up the next week. I have now been part of the choir for about 8 years. It is a pleasure to be with such a happy group of ladies.
What The Choir Means To Me – Zoe's Story
I have been a member of the Ferriby Ladies Choir for 36 years and I am the longest serving member. At that time, I had just lost my husband and with two small boys to care for, I was much in need of some ‘me’ time. A friend asked me to join the choir and, with much trepidation, I went along and felt much better for a good sing.
The members of the choir were all very friendly and supportive. This has been an outstanding feature of the choir. A number of people have suffered illness or bereavement during that time and know that the choir is always there for them.
After six years, John asked me to marry him. I said yes, on the condition that I went to church on Sundays and Ferriby Ladies on a Wednesday – he agreed. Fortunately, I had not left for choir the night he became very ill, so I gave choir a miss and went with him to the hospital. I am glad to say he made a good recovery!
During my time with the choir, we have had three conductors – each very good in their own way. The first was Jennifer Heelas, with Barbara Lloyd as pianist. Jennifer was with us for over twenty years. The second conductor was Peter Bullock – a very brave man to stand up in front of twenty five women, but he managed to keep us on track and we actually got our highest mark ever at a festival with him conducting.
We now have Heidi Richal with Pat Scaife as our loyal pianist. What a team! They are both dedicated to the choir, as we are.
Uniforms are a subject I could write about for days. No colour, style or shape will suite everyone. I think we have had six changes, each one a headache, so hopefully we will not change again for a while.
We sing at festivals, concerts, weddings, funerals, homes for the elderly, and for our own entertainment, often for charity. If anyone requires us, we will gladly consider any event. The most exciting event the choir has ever undertaken is to sing with 1,600 voices and two brass bands at the Royal Albert Hall.
We meet every Wednesday evening at North Ferriby school at 7.30pm. We are always pleased to welcome new members – no audition necessary.
As you can see from this epistle, I would be at a loss to know what to do with myself on a Wednesday evening without the Ferriby Ladies Choir. Long may it continue!