ONE of the area’s leading local choirs Crowle Singers, based in the village near Worcester, is preparing to hit the high notes this week for its first public performances since the Covid crises hit. 

The choir will be staging concerts of seasonal songs in Crowle Church with tickets available from the village shop. There will be a concert at 7pm on Friday and another at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Director of music Kevin Dowson said: “Just like musical groups across the country the pandemic put all plans for the 2020 season on hold, but we managed to keep going with a series of home recorded video performances.

Then last Christmas we decided to produce a virtual Carol Service; the idea being that if people  couldn’t attend the service in person, ‘let’s take the service to the people!’

“This project involved  not only members of the local community videoing their readings at home, but also readers and  instrumentalists from the local primary school. The end result was a Carol Service that really  brought people together from the safety of their own homes.

 “It wasn’t until last June the choir got together in the open air to sing again and in September resumed regular rehearsals, but this time in the main body of Crowle  Church where there’s a high roof and plenty of space. 

“In these Covid times a building with such a large volume of air is the best place to present such a concert, especially as we have also planned to have limited/socially distanced seating and we are asking the audience to wear masks.

“As ever the concert programme presents both favourite and new pieces together with a virtual  inaugural performance of ‘Crowle Voices’, a new singing group for local villagers who simply love to sing.

"No need to read music, just come along and enjoy singing a wide range of popular songs whilst enjoying the companionship of others. A real tonic in these uncertain times.” For ticket information email: kevindowsonmusic@gmail.com