The Beechwood Community Choir are a local group who provide accessible, low-cost group singing for the local community. Like many others, the group were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and have since been rebuilding their singing community a workshop at a time.

The choir were awarded £1,000 by the SKylight Community Fund to support the running of the group at Bridgehall Community Centre, and to purchase resources and music. Not only does the choir encourage artistic expression but brings members of the community together to tackle isolation, improve mental health and build confidence.

“It's been instrumental keeping us afloat after the ravages of the pandemic on the arts, and choirs in particular.”

“Because all our team are volunteers and with the help of the Skylight fund, we've managed to still purchase modern music, whilst keeping our costs to members probably the cheapest for a choir of this type in Stockport. We remain relevant and affordable fun for all women, including single parents and those with disabilities, as well as encouraging those who want to develop their skills further, in a safe and enabling environment.”

The Beechwood Choir currently has 30 singers, with 26 regular attendees, and they have since worked with a variety of partners, including SoBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), Beautiful Minds, Beechwood Cancer Care, and St Mary’s Catholic Church. They have also benefitted 5 local charities by hosting a concert raising £1,100 for local causes, followed by a Church concert raising £390 for the Beechwood Cancer Care centre.

They have also delivered notable performances at Lichfield Choral Festival, the Cheshire Regiment Memorial (National Arboretum) on Armistice Day and the Cheadle Hulme Tree Lighting in December.

Looking to the future, the group has plans to deliver a free 4-week singing workshop in January 2024 and hope to recruit enough singers to enter renowned choral competitions, including Bangor Choral Festival, held in Ireland, and the Alderley Edge Choral Festival taking place in May 2024.

You can find out more on the Beechwood Community Choir Facebook page.