Story & photo: Saleema Imam
Three-part harmonies wafted from the Welcome Centre as I approached Christ Church to visit the Tuesday afternoon singing group run by SAGE Greenfingers. Josephine, Lorna, Hazel, Barbara, Carol, Cynthia, Diana and tutors Helen and Kate made me welcome and invited me to join them in singing ‘Rosa Parks’ which they were rehearsing.
First run at the Burngreave Vestry Hall from October last year, calling itself ‘Sing through the winter’, this friendly group invite all women to their sessions. On average 12 women turn up each week to share the sessions previously funded by New Deal, now by the City Council. The sessions finish in July, but Greenfingers very much hope to continue them if funding is available.
“Previous singing experience is not a requirement, just being able to enjoy making music in the company of others”, said Helen.
“It’s the process of learning what you can do individually and with others that is important. It’s amazing to see relationships developing and the increase in confidence that somen participants now show. All the feedback is positive.”
During tea break Lorna talked about and played her personal favourite tracks from home. Each week someone different brings in their own music to share.
Suitably refreshed, we then launched into ‘All Will Be Well’, another four-part harmony song new to the group. The session ended with arrangements being made to visit a concert together and as I left, Carol called,“Come again.”
For more information, contact: Kate: teftenkate@gmail.com
Helen: 0114 266 1943