Celebrating our keyworker choir members
Eleanor Pullen • June 18, 2020
During lockdown as a network we have been acknowledging the amazing work of our keyworker choir members. Many of our network have been working on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 as doctors, nurses, NHS staff, care workers, supermarket workers, teachers and military personnel. Choir member Kate (Taunton MWC) observed this role reversal for some, with wives and girlfriends out on the frontline whilst many husbands and partners are juggling life at home.
You’ll have seen the stories we’ve shared on social media, from Angeline (Warminster MWC) who works at Morrisons helping keep the community fed whilst getting groceries for vulnerable neighbours, to Sara (Marham MWC) who worked as a Staff Nurse for 35 years in the NHS and came back from retirement to help in the crisis, and Jackie (Taunton MWC) who has found the time when not working as a ward receptionist in a busy hospital to knit pairs of hearts for Covid-19 patients and their next of kin.
We were even featured in the Daily Mirror where Debs (Benson MWC) shared her story of working as a 999 and 101 call handler in these times. Her job has been particularly harrowing during the Covid-19 crisis and she believes she wouldn’t have been able to do it if it wasn’t for her choir. We are extremely proud of the support our network brings in these difficult times.
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 .
