Sheffield singing group given National Lottery funding to continue their weekly meet-ups

The group, which has been run by Friends of Firth Park for a year, has been given money from the National Lottery Community Fund.

No experience is necessary to join the group, which now has about 30 regular members, and everyone who would like to join is welcome. The age range of the group 50 to 80 years old.

The group's music leader Robin Grey, who plays guitar and ukulele, said: “Singing is a natural anti-depressant and is known to release endorphins, a brain chemical that makes you feel happy.

“Singing in groups is also a really good way of making friends and feeling part of a community, which is proven to have a vital role in maintaining health.”

Most people who attend the group live near Firth Park, but some members do travel from the other side of Sheffield to spend their Friday morning singing together.

The group has seen its numbers grow, and now over twenty singers attend each week.

One member, Teresa Brill, said: "It's very informal, with the spirit of a camp fire sing-a-long, just without the camp fire."

Another member, Maggie Hoyles, said: "There's a lovely atmosphere and we have a lot of fun.

“I have made lots of new friends since joining the group and we have lots of laughter, as well as enjoying such a variety of songs. We don't have to have good singing voices, but it's fun and a lovely social occasion.”

The group chooses its own repertoire, and it includes pop classics by The Beatles, Bill Withers, The Supremes and Elvis and also folk and jazz standards like Fly Me To The Moon and Wild Mountain Thyme.

Part of the grant the group have been given will be used for seasonal community 'Big Sing' events, the first of which will be in the park's Clock Tower later on in the year.

The new year starts with a meeting of the group on Friday, September 20 at the Bowling Pavilion in Firth Park from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Tea and biscuits will be served, to enjoy with the music. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit the Friends of Firth Park Facebook page or e-mail Robin at [email protected].