The choir is retiring after 15 years service
- Helen Jane
- Nov 30, 2024
- 1 min read
After 15 wonderful years, our signing choir will be retiring. This decision, though difficult, feels right given the challenges of in-person gatherings, travel demands, rising venue costs and personal commitments.
What started in 2009 as a small group at my school quickly blossomed into a vibrant, intergenerational community of Woolston Schools Signing Choir. Together, we’ve created unforgettable memories, from countless performances in all kinds of weather to supporting causes like Disability Awareness Days, the Girls Who Dare event, and the Platinum Jubilee, to name a few while raising funds for our Deaf Community locally and in Nepal. Watching members pursue BSL studies fills me with pride.
Being nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was an honour and although we never received the logo our efforts to the community was acknowledged with a visit to The Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. This prompted the name change as feedback was that the choir’s name wasn’t demographic enough. This is why and when we rebranded to BSL For You Signing Choir.
In 2017, David joined me as a co-leader, bringing fresh energy and dynamic contributions that enhanced our choir in invaluable ways. Together, we reshaped and enriched the choir’s journey.
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and friendship. Having an original member still with us is a testament to how far we’ve come. Though we’re saying goodbye as a choir, we’ll always be friends. I’ll forever cherish the signed music, memories, impact we made and connections we’ve built.
With gratitude,
Helen
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