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Our History
We made history by holding Paddock Wood’s first choir rehearsal by Zoom in April 2020, as part of the Sing Together project during the Covid-19 pandemic.
New singing groups
In January 2021 I welcomed everyone into the Paddock Wood Community Voices group, singing for joy and wellbeing on Zoom, as we were then not able to meet in person.
Our dedicated group had an online opportunity to have fun, bond together and create music from the comfort of our own homes! In Summer 2021 we were able to meet at my home and I trialled hybrid sessions where members had the choice whether they would like to carry on as an online singing group, or meet in person to sing! On 11th October we had our first hybrid session at the Wesley Centre, Paddock Wood. It was a success, so we decided to continue our Monday Music and Thursday Singathrong sessions there, until the new Community Centre opened. Our last two sessions of the academic year took place there on Monday 24th and Thursday 27th July. Our home now is Paddock Wood Community Centre, in the Sovereign Hall on Mondays and the Endeavour Hall on Thursdays.
How much will this cost?
The cost is £7.50 per person, per session, with a discount if you buy a block for the half term in advance. This is to cover expenses such as the cost of hiring the hall and my time. I accept payment by cash, direct bank transfer or my Paypal account (see button below!). Please note that if you pay up front for a half term, and can’t make a session for any reason, unfortunately you will not be due a refund, due to the discount already given.
Our group aims to be accessible to all, so please do get in contact – in confidence – if you would like to join, but the cost is an issue.
Group Times
- Monday
- 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of a session?
- Meet in the hall for a cuppa, making sure everyone is present and all tech issues sorted.
- Physical and vocal warmups.
- Quick break to ensure everyone is ready to sing – a chance to get a drink or whatever you need to do while Sue shares the Songbook to the screen!
- Singing from the Songbook – Sue likes to operate by request, so everyone gets a choice.
- Chat to warm down; pack up the equipment and leave on time!
What songs do you sing? Can I request a particular song?
When you sign up to the mailing list via the button at the top or bottom of this page, you will receive a password for the webpage that contains the songbook (which is at https://versatilevocals.co.uk/pwcv-songbook/). This will give you time to peruse the book and choose in advance what you might like to sing. Depending on numbers in the group, we may not have time for all requests, but we will try to keep track! There are a great many songs in the book, but please do make suggestions! Any suitable songs will be considered.
Will I be put on the spot to perform?
No! This is a fun singing group – we do not put pressure on anyone to perform solos (or unmute if joining online.) However, PWCV members do love to perform together and sound great!
Is there an end-project or performance?
We like to go out busking on occasion, and regularly perform at Paddock Wood’s lights up event, as well as other community events such as the jubilee celebrations in 2022. We get around!
I live in XYZTown – can I still join?
Yes – all are welcome to the Zoom sessions. We have regular members from other counties and countries!
Do I have to come to every session?
While the groups are structured on a drop-in basis, Sue hopes you will want to join in every week, for maximum joy and consistency! If we do a project, you will get more practice if you come along regularly. If you commit half-termly, it will cost you less!
What happens post-Covid/once everyone is vaccinated? Will we meet in person?
We are now meeting in person! Sue also very much wants to continue the groups online, as she understands that there are people that are not able, or do not want, to leave their homes. Therefore, any groups that meet in person will also be online via Zoom. These hybrid meetings have been pretty successful so far!
Neither day suits me – will you offer any other days?
This all rather depends on the popularity of the groups – if there is enough interest in more groups then we will consider other days.
“I really do take my hat off to people like Sue Lovell, whose actions speak louder than words.”
Joe Challis, Town Crier magazine
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Versatile Vocals 
Thanks for today Sue, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m sorry about not joining in with the “selfie”, I will next time. I’m a little more guarded about recordings, I hope you understand. See you next Monday. Best wishes Phil
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