Newspaper Article 2016 – Sing your heart out just for the joy of it

Hastings Leader

Sing your heart out just for the joy of it

17 Aug 2016   BY BRENDA VOWDEN [email protected]

There’s something to be said about a good old sing-a-long.

If you’re the type of woman who belts it out in the shower or car but is not too keen on sharing your singing voice with the world, the Heretaunga Women’s Centre’s singing group might be just the place for you. Manager Margot Wilson heads the group, which began last year and has up to 10 people enjoying what she describes as campfire singing.

“Most people know the songs – quite a lot of the time people share a memory they have of a song.”

Margot, who has music on both sides of the family, says everyone in the group is offered the chance to choose a song. “It’s actually about connecting through music.”

Most people who go to the group once, go back.

“We don’t care if you’re tone deaf – it doesn’t matter. We’re not trying to be a great choir. We’re singing for the joy of it.”

Margot is used to accompanying music groups – she performed in shows and played in bands for more than 20 years and has learned piano, violin, cello and guitar. There is a saying that singing is like humans purring.

“Like cats purr to calm and heal themselves, that’s what singing is for humans, like stroking your soul. Our group is an hour of singing and laughter.”

Cnr Eastbourne and Russell Sts, Mondays, 2pm-3pm, gold coin donation.

Photo caption – JOINING IN: Warming up for this week’s singing session at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre are (from left) leader Margot Wilson, Bel Selby [Sebley], Theresa Watson, Karen Robinson, Trudy Eldred and Maggie Hollis