NOT EVEN a pandemic can stop the 100-strong members of Newton Abbot Rock Choir from exercising their vocal chords.

When the choir was forced to abandon its weekly rehearsals in the Newton Abbot’s Avenue Church last March they decided that not even a widespread epidemic wasn’t going to stop them singing or raising funds for their nominated charity, Guide Dogs South West.

Under the guidance and tutelage of their inspirational leader and professional musician Richard Toomer the choir have continued to learn and rehearse new songs virtually, adding to their rich repertoire normally performed for the residents of Newton Abbot.

In addition to supporting local charities with their performances, Newton Abbot Rock Choir, along with Teignmouth and Torquay Rock Choirs, had committed to raising £5,000 which would enable them to name a puppy with Guide Dogs South West.

Richard said: ‘The choirs were doing well with their fundraising efforts which were accumulating from coffee mornings, cake sales and book sales. Obviously, there was no possibility of continuing these efforts during lockdown and there was some concern among the membership about fulfilling their promised support.’

However, Richard came up with the idea of a virtual Christmas Big Sing during which the Newton Abbot members would join with the members of other choirs to dress up, sing and most importantly donate.

‘To say it was a success would be an understatement,’ continued Richard.

‘With everybody joining in, a phenomenal £1,795 was raised to be split between Guide Dogs South West and Children’s Hospice South West.

‘The total in the Name a Puppy Fund now stands at just over £3,000 and the three choirs are busy with ideas to raise the balance as quickly as possible. The only problem will then be choosing the name.’

Rock Choir nationally have also been busy supporting charities. In December they released a single of Keeping the Dream Alive, a virtual recording of more than 4,500 Rock Choir members including voices from the Newton Abbot choir. The single went straight into number one in the ITunes chart and all the proceeds went to the Mental Health Foundation.

In the meantime the choir are very much open for business and a new term has already started with members earning the uplifting ‘Take a Chance on Me ‘by Abba.

And with the aim of lifting the spirits of the nation they have reinstated their Keep Britain Singing initiative which is a free daily sing via their Facebook page at midday from Monday to Friday. This is available not just to Rock Choir members but to the general public with a special weekly session for children and teenagers .

Richard continued: ‘We are doing everything they possibly can to carry on in these difficult times and all members, without exception cannot wait for the day when they can return in person to rehearse and perform and continue to raise money for local charities.’

The choir is still welcoming new members via the website www.rockchoir.com or [email protected].