Singalong

Group: Singalong

Meets: Third Wednesday of each month at 2.20pm.  

 Extra meetings in members' gardens in Aug & Sept

Venue: Tonbridge

Details:

From Elvis to the Beatles, Cliff to the Carpenters, Abba to Adele and plenty more - led by a group of five musicians, who add to the spontaneity and wit, our sessions last for an hour plus, with songs from our past, which evoke memories of special moments, varied occasions and concerts attended. We are currently adding popular songs from the 70s and 80s to our established wide repertoire of over 90 songs. First 'taster' meeting free (Jan-Nov only). Make new friends with 30-45 similarly-minded people each month, most of whom claim not to be tuneful singers, but nevertheless love singing.  Our philosophy is simple - we are not a choir but believe that music and mirth are two of the best therapies. Our monthly meetings are from 2.20pm every 3rd Wednesday in Tonbridge with ample free parking and regular 218/219 buses right to the door. We also have occasional special guest musicians, very popular summer meetings in members' gardens* (ask for dates and venue) for those who enjoy beautiful surroundings and are not away on holiday, plus a Christmas event with seasonal songs and carols. Membership £7 every 4 months (Jan-Apr, May-Aug and Sep-Dec).

*Two Garden meetings in August and early September this year, with a usual maximum of around twenty dependent on garden size, must be booked in advance. 

Contact: Email the group leader(s) at singalong@tonbridgeu3a.uk  

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Group Leader: Pat France, Marion Harris  & John Lawrence

About 14 years ago, I was invited to an informal meeting by Annie Black and Steph Lawrence (not a relation, though coincidentally she lives two doors from where I spent my youth and teenage years in Tonbridge!) about starting a Singalong group within Tonbridge u3a.

 About a dozen people attended, and we held our first session at Steph’s house. As there were likely to be more coming, we soon decided to move to the URC in the High Street, as parking and key bus routes were close by.

 In the next 9 years, membership gradually grew, with Steph and myself continuing to run the group at the URC, but in time we outgrew the facilities and the best option was to move to St Philip’s Church, where we are now at full capacity, except for special events like our visit from top guitarist, singer and composer Bryn Haworth in May, to which we can invite a few more. 

Steph has been an ideal co-leader, reliable and adaptable, even making the mulled wine for our Christmas session. However, she has recently had to deal with weakening health and memory loss, and I recently received an email from her saying how much she loved the group, but that she was sadly unable to continue. 

Members were in agreement that we send flowers and a signed card to thank her for all that she has done to promote and strengthen the group. 

John Lawrence