More about US
Many of our concerts help with fundraising for local and national charities or for a specific project. In recent years we have supported local churches, and helped to raise money for ‘Water for Kalamba’, Mary's Meals, children with Batten Disease and the local MS Society. We are happy to sing at weddings and funerals; many of the congregation have said how uplifting it is to hear singing at these occasions.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and friendly group, which not only sings together but has a lot of fun along the way. We are always keen to hear from potential new members – it helps if you can read music, but it is not necessary. More important is enthusiasm, the ability to follow a tune, and a willingness to practise at home.
We would also like to reach out to aspiring young musicians who would be interested in performing with us at our concerts.
Our Centenary Year
Our Centenary year has been amazing so far!
February saw many current and former members come together for 'A bit of a Do' at the Mercure Hotel in St Helens. What a wonderful evening was had by all - not only a celebration at the start of a momentous year, but also the 80th Birthday of our Secretary, Marie. It was lovely to hear anecdotes from past members and learn about our plans for the year.
A few weeks later we were excited to be interviewed live on a local radio station! It really was a 'Grand Day Out', as, after the interview at lunchtime, Tony, Angela and Carol had lunch in the Anglican Cathedral (if you have not sampled the menu, it's highly recommended!)
In March we had a new venture - a film evening at the lovely Lucem House. This is a gem of a venue - just right for a smaller informal gathering. We were treated to a showing of the 1996 production of 'The Pirates of Penzance' and it has to be said the quality was superb.
We returned to St Mary's Club in Birchley in April - this time with Old Hall Brass Band for a special 'Last Night of the Proms'. There was plenty of flag-waving, cheering and dancing - impossible to keep still with such stirring music!
At the end of May we participated in St Helens Heritage Day at the Town Hall - one of a number of events celebrating the industrial and cultural heritage of our town. It was amazing to see how much is happening to keep the spirit of St Helens alive - we do have much to be proud of. One of our members happened to be celebrating a birthday that day - so it was a double celebration!
June started with a concert at Holy Trinity Church in Downall Green, appropriately entitled '100 not out'. Not only were our hosts so welcoming, they even prepared a cake to celebrate our Centenary! It was delicious!
Centenary Concert
Our Centenary Concert at St Julie's in June was truly an evening to remember. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of St Helens as the guest of honour. The programme incorporated music from almost every decade of the last century, showcasing the wide variety of musical styles we have in our repertoire. In recognition of our 'Gilbert & Sullivan' years we were treated to a section featuring numbers from 'The Pirates of Penzance' and 'The Gondoliers'. We even had a star turn from our very own 'The Spitfires'! What an uplifting and inspiring evening to mark our 100th year!
What's next in 2026?
We started September with a private event entertaining members of the MS Society - they are very dear friends and are so inspirational with their positive outlook on life.
We are now preparing for our Autumn/Winter programme. Some dates are on the website; more are in the pipeline, so do keep checking back to see what we are up to. We are already planning for 2027!
Would you like to be part of our amazing forward-thinking choir? Or are you planning an event or a fundraiser? Contact us on 01744 612485 or email thesthelenssingers@gmail.com and we will be happy to have a chat with you.
Rehearsals - Monday evenings 7.30pm - 9.30pm, St Julie's Church Hall,
Howards Lane, Eccleston, St Helens WA10 5HJ
All are welcome to join us.