Charlie, currently serving & member of Digby MWC

Emily Fiddy • July 19, 2017

Charlie has been part of the Army for five years but wasn’t aware that you could join a Military Wives Choir if you are serving. She wishes she had known sooner:

“I am a Corporal who has been in the army for five years. Being female and in the forces is lonely sometimes as it’s a very male dominated environment. There are very few other ladies to hang out or share hobbies with so you have to seek things out which are outside of work.

I first saw the Digby Military Wives Choir performing at a family day held on camp. They sounded brilliant and looked like they were having loads of fun so it really peaked my interest. I have always had a passion for singing but I wasn’t aware that you could join a Military Wives Choir as a member of serving personnel. Therefore, it wasn’t until after I married my husband who is also in the army that I thought about joining. I wish I had known sooner!

The choir is a great opportunity to do something I love whilst hanging out with other women who have a shared interest. I feel like I can let my hair down, both figuratively and literally, and enjoy the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Everyone has a military connection so they are all really understanding about everything that goes with being in the army.

I recently injured myself badly while away and the ladies were all incredibly supportive and cheered me up, not only in weekly rehearsals, but also outside of the choir room as many of them have bCharlie quoteecome good friends.

I would definitely recommend joining a Military Wives Choir, particularly to serving women. It offers something different to the usual sporting activities on military camps and it doesn’t even matter if you’re not the best singer as there aren’t any auditions to worry about, it’s open to everyone. My Military Wives Choir is a great way to come together with other women – I’m very glad that I’m a member.”

If Charlie’s story has inspired you to join, find your local choir here and get in touch with them, or contact info@militarywiveschoirs.org 

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November 8, 2024
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 .
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