The choir itself started in 2014 when Fitmums & Friends founder, Sam had a little idea – she wondered if it would be possible to teach a group of runners to sing well enough to put on a performance. It seemed a good thing to do to cheer up the dark winter months. To the surprise of many (!), it seems we could sing and a much-loved, annual fundraising initiative began.

The choir is open to everyone in our communities – you don’t need to be a Fitmums & Friends member already. The choir is about bringing people together to enjoy the camaraderie of meeting up each week for three months with a focus on trying to sing! It really is for everyone – we are truly inter-generational so everyone from children to older people is most welcome! Children from our Junior sections are encouraged to join in and of course their parents/grandparents are welcome too. And you really don’t need to be able to sing! If you are a non-member, we also don’t make you run – honest!

This year, our Choir Lead will once again be Ruthie Richards who is a Beverley Fitmums member. 

Rehearsals

We'll be rehearsing on Sunday afternoons (3pm-4pm), starting Sunday 13 January through to Sunday 24 March 2019 at the Civic Hall, Cottingham. The last two rehearsals will be slightly extended (1.5 hours).

Performance

Our 2019 performance will take place on the evening of Saturday 30 March at the Civic Hall, Cottingham.

Choir membership

Choir membership costs £20 per person (this works out at just £1.37 per week), with no charge for children under 16 years. We do need payment upfront to ensure we can cover all costs: venue hire, music, choir lead, etc. Payment can be made at the first rehearsal on Sunday 13 January or via the Fitmums Shop here. If you are keen to get involved but the membership cost presents a problem, then you just need to chat to us (please do). 

Proceeds

This year all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Fitmums & Friends which became a charity last year. Fundraising supports the charity to maintain the many activities available via volunteers in our communities. As examples, funds from the 2019 choir will specifically help to support:

• the ongoing development of the volunteer Leaders, who deliver sessions week-in, week-out, through extra training courses
  
• the training and support of Mental Health Champions who are present in nearly all clubs and work to eliminate the stigma of mental health and offer valuable support
  
• the reward scheme for the Events Team which works to promote the support offered by Fitmums & Friends and boosts recruitment to clubs
  
• training of guide runners to help people with visual impairment
  
• the development of a new registration system which will provide many benefits to members including feedback and motivational messages after activities
  

Cottingham Music Festival

Once again, Ruthie has faith that we can enter this festival even though we will only have had a few rehearsals. This is expected to be on the evening of Friday 8 February or on Saturday 9 February, so please do save these dates if you can. Last year, we amazingly came second in our category. 

Want to help?

If singing isn’t for you but you’d like to help out with the organisation or on the performance night, please let us know – there are always jobs available and we welcome extra support. 

What next?

You just need to register by emailing Vickie on admin@fitmums.org.uk and pay the choir membership (as above).