ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: Voices of the Military Wives Choirs: 10th Anniversary Special Podcast
Eleanor Pullen • March 12, 2021
The Military Wives Choirs is delighted to be collaborating with ABF The Soldiers' Charity on their ‘Voices of’ podcast series. The latest episode is all about the story of the Military Wives Choirs as they approach their 10-year anniversary as a charity, focusing on the healing power of singing, from the Afghanistan conflict to coping with the Covid pandemic. Members of the Military Wives Choirs are joined by members of The Military WAGS Choir, Catterick Garrison, Chivenor Military Ladies Choir and the Military Wives Choirs' Artistic Director Hilary Davan Wetton to discuss the choirs' ten-year history. You can listen/download here http://bit.ly/3t8wwBT
Maggie Pedder, Chair of Trustees of the Military Wives Choirs and a choir member, says:
“Choir is a really important evening in my busy week, where I can set aside some time just for me and really feel part of a community. The pandemic has been a challenging time, but we have continued to feel stronger together. When singing together in person has not been possible, we meet virtually for music-making, quizzes and a huge amount of fun and laughter! The Military Wives Choirs always welcomes new members; we bring women from across the military community together to sing, share, and support one another.”
Military Wives Choirs Bids Farewell to Hilary Davan Wetton and Appoints Joanna Tomlinson as the new Artistic Director
A Royal Performance to Remember
We are delighted to have received a letter of thanks from The King, expressing his appreciation for our new single, ‘November Sunday’, a song presented as an early birthday gift to celebrate His Majesty’s forthcoming birthday on 14th November. In the letter, The King said: “I am writing to express my warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present, in the form of your new single, ‘November Sunday’. While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute. “I also wanted to thank you for your steadfast support not only for your loved ones serving in our Military, who sacrifice so much time away from you and your families to protect us, but also for one another. “Having sung in a choir myself when I was at school, I know the joy of performing together can create close-knit friendships and support groups, and I remain a firm believer that music has a unique power to unite and inspire us all. My wife joins me in sending you all our blessings and kindest wishes.” ‘November Sunday’, released on 1st November, is a tribute to His Majesty and reflects the strong ties between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces. The song’s evocative lyrics reflect the joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948, marking the birth of the future King and celebrating the enduring bond with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The piece was recorded by 100 singers from the Military Wives Choirs, drawn from the network in the UK and overseas, alongside the magnificent sounds of The Band of the Household Cavalry. With music and lyrics by John McLaren, the track brings together the nostalgia of the 1940s, enhanced by the artistry of platinum-selling producer Sean Hargreaves (Sigala, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre) and arranger Steve Turner. This cross-genre production offers both the formality of a military ensemble and a bright, pop-influenced appeal. ‘November Sunday’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube: all links to the project can be found here .
