An update on plans for a return to in-person rehearsals, upcoming choir picnic, and some events for your calendar.
Planned Return to In-person Rehearsals Restrictions permitting, we are currently planning to resume in-person rehearsals from September, and at a new venue. Due to covid, we decided to look for a non-hospital venue for the rest of the year, and beyond if it works well. Rehearsals are planned for the below dates at St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, 97 Lorrimore Road, London, SE17 3LZ. 15:45-19:00 on Sunday 5th September 15:45-19:00 on Sunday 3rd October 15:45-19:00 on Sunday 14th November We will then have our usual month off in December, hopefully with some Christmas Carolling events to be planned nearer the time. The venue is for 100 people, so plenty of room for distancing, and is an accessible venue with its own kitchen. The nearest tube stations are Kennington (Northern Line, 8min walk), Oval (Northern Line, 15min walk), and Vaxhall Station (Overground, 23min walk). There is also free parking outside the venue on Sundays and it is not in the Congestion Zone. The first month is free for new members as a "taster session", so please get in touch if you would like to join us for one of our in-person rehearsals. This is also open to anyone who already did an online taster session. Online Rehearsals Online rehearsals continue as normal on Tuesday evenings, and on demand afterwards. It is currently the intention to continue an online element when in-person rehearsals resume to allow our members who are not in London to still participate (it will also offer a catch up opportunity for anyone who has to miss a rehearsal).
What is coming up for NHSC? Choir Social We are currently planning a socially distanced picnic to be held in Greenwich Park in July. Please get in touch for details if you would like to join us! Fight Song For anyone who is not already aware, our friend and choir member Maria Gilroy passed away earlier this year. As a tribute to her, we will be recording a special version of Fight Song, and we would encourage anyone who would like to contribute to take part, whether you are a current or former choir member, friend or colleague. Please get in touch if you would like to participate. Collaborations NHSC are currently working on a number of exciting collaborative projects with the #NHSPay15 campaign, a singer/songwriter (also an NHS Doctor), development of a musical about the NHS, and ongoing projects with our choir director and sister choir SCC. We will keep you posted on developments! Get Centene Protest On Monday 5th July (the NHS' birthday), NHSC are joining other NHS colleagues to protest the sell-off of GP practices to American Health Insurance giant, Centene. We are meeting at the Department of Health at 6pm to sing at 6.30pm. Please join us if you are able (either to sing or support the protest) - contact us for further information.
If you are considering joining a choir, and are not already a member, then NHSC just might be the right fit for you! We are a political choir that is open to all - NHS staff and supporters - with a focus on protecting and supporting our NHS and promoting wellbeing through singing. At present, all rehearsals are held online. We plan to resume face to face rehearsals once it is safe to do so, however the online option will also still be available for anyone who is unable to attend in person.
If you'd like to sign up for a free taster month, just get in touch through our website or via email to info@nhsupporterschoir.co.uk.
Thank you all for your continuing support during this challenging period.