BEFORE covid struck, Ipplepen-based choir Unity in Sound were riding the crest of a wave after an exciting and successful 2019.

Together with the usual fundraisers and fetes, highlights that year included the Teignmouth Carnival Choir’s Event, a live set on Radio Devon, and recording backing vocals for a local singer-songwriter’s debut album.

A successful recruitment drive in January 2020 saw the choir’s membership peak at 70 and they were poised for another busy year, starting with a big charity fundraiser planned for April. But in March 2020 everything changed, and choir rehearsals were forced to stop.

A spokesman said: ‘Many choirs around the country have folded over the last 12 months, but not USCC. The committee wasted no time in the first lockdown to come up with a plan to keep the choir going.

‘Initially, weekly rehearsals were moved to Zoom, which was challenging but enabled the choir to keep singing and members to enjoy the wider benefits of belonging to a choir community.

Singing in the choir during lockdown has proved beneficial for many choir members.

One explained: ‘I work in healthcare, which is rather difficult and stressful at the moment. Thanks to our online choir rehearsals, for a couple of hours a week I just get to forget about it all, have a sing, laugh and feel connected to a lovely group of people. It is the highlight of my week.’

Another choir member added: ‘Since joining the choir I have made so many friends and at this distressing time it is so reassuring to know that I could rely on all these wonderful people in time of need.

‘I miss seeing them all and it’s comforting to know that one day this will all be over, and our singing will be louder and happier than ever! That thought keeps me going.’

As restrictions gradually eased rehearsals were able to move from Zoom to gardens in groups of six and, eventually, larger groups in an indoor venue, but always adhering strictly to the rules.

The choir members expressed gratitude to musical director Leah Sanders, assistant MD Andy Marshall, chairman Jax Page and the committee for all their hard work and the tremendous time and effort that made this possible.

Currently, in-person rehearsals are suspended again but the choir is planning for when they can get back together and welcome new members.

While the choir is Ipplepen-based, its members come from all around. It is a non-audition choir for women of all ages (accompanied-12-16-year-olds welcome).

Any ladies who are interested in joining the choir and would like to find out more are invited to call for a chat on 07754949301 or check out the website: www.unityinsoundcommunitychoir.co.uk or Facebook page.