Letter from His Majesty The King

The Making of November Sunday
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💜During the recording of our single ‘November Sunday’, choir members spoke about why the Military Wives Choirs is so important to them. 💜
Watch to hear from Becky, Alison, Sarah and our Chair of Trustees Caroline.
November Sunday features 100 singers drawn from members of the Military Wives Choirs network in the UK and abroad, accompanied by The Band of the Household Cavalry.
Find out more about the project at the link in our bio.
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #SingShareSupport #MWCNovemberSunday
It was wonderful to hear The Band of the Grenadier Guards @corps_army_music perform the instrumental version of our new single, ‘November Sunday’, on the Forecourt at the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, where the song is set, today.
You can buy or stream the single, including the B side, arranged for military Band, by clicking the link in our bio.
📷: composer and lyricist John McLaren at Buckingham Palace; Changing the Guard; a visitor captures a snippet of the song
We are wishing His Majesty The King a very happy birthday today!
A group of our choir members gathered today at The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, to perform our song written in honour of The King’s birthday, ‘November Sunday’, remembering the chilly, foggy, but happy night in 1948 when he was born in Buckingham Palace.
We send His Majesty all our affection and best wishes for a happy and glorious year ahead.
To listen to the song, click the link in our bio.
📷 @tombowlesphoto
🎶 Our latest single ‘November Sunday’ was conducted by our Artistic Director Hilary Davan Wetton, one of one of Britain’s most versatile and dynamic conductors. 🎶
Both choral and orchestral repertoire has featured in his wide-ranging career, and Hilary is particularly admired for his interpretations of Haydn and Mendelssohn, as well as English music of the 20th century.
Acclaimed recordings include those with the @cityoflondonchoir, Guildford Choral Society, Holst Singers, London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.
Hilary has conducted all our chart-topping releases over the past eight years and worked with and mentored our choirs locally, nationally and internationally. Watch to find out why Hilary is so passionate about working with the Military Wives Choirs.
#MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #RoyalTribute #NewMusic #RoyalFamily #KingsBirthday #HilaryDavanWetton #SingShareSupport
This reflection from one of our Military Wives Choirs members truly captures the magic of ‘November Sunday’. When making music together, there’s nothing quite like the moment when all the voices come together, creating something far greater than the sum of its parts. 💜🎤
Join us in celebrating this incredible journey and experience the beauty of ‘November Sunday’ for yourself.
#MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #ChoirMagic #VoicesUnited #SingShareSupport
“We will remember them
until the seas run dry,
Come each November when
we hear our children ask us, why,
in two minutes of silence,
all the world stands still?
We will remember them,
and for ever, and ever, we will.”
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Have you seen the music video for our latest single November Sunday?
Beautifully directed by @dennis.madden, the video showcases the hope the birth of the future King brought to a post-war Britain on 14th November 1948, with shots documenting this historic event set against footage of the Military Wives Choirs and The Band of the Household Cavalry.
You can watch the video and buy your copy by clicking the link in our bio.
#MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #RoyalTribute #NewMusic #RoyalFamily #KingsBirthday #TheBandoftheHouseholdCavalry
📜 We are honoured to receive this letter from His Majesty The King, acknowledging our new single, ‘November Sunday’, as an early birthday tribute. His kind words are a reminder of the bond between our Choirs, the Armed Forces, and @theroyalfamily .
The King’s reflection on the power of music to create friendships and support within communities resonates deeply with our mission at the Military Wives Choirs. We are grateful for his appreciation and for recognising the sacrifices made by military families.
Sir, thank you for your continued support. Your words inspire us to keep singing, supporting, and connecting those who serve. 🇬🇧🎶
To find out more about the project, visit the link in our bio.
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWCNovemberSunday #RoyalFamily #MusicToInspire
🎶 Producer Sean Hargreaves @seanharg shares a behind-the-scenes look at the magic behind ‘November Sunday’.
With acoustic guitars up front and a rhythm section that ebbs and flows, this arrangement beautifully complements John McLaren’s nostalgic lyrics.
Listen now to ‘November Sunday’, available on all streaming platforms.🎧
#MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #NewMusic #TheBandoftheHouseholdCavalry #SingShareSupport
We’re honoured to feature The Band of the Household Cavalry on our new single, November Sunday 🎶✨
The @householddivision brings a rich tradition, known as the trusted guardians of the Monarch since 1660. Made up of the iconic Life Guards (in red) and Blues & Royals (in blue), the Household Cavalry represent the strength and heritage of the @britisharmy, providing the Sovereign’s Escort at major state occasions, including the King’s Birthday Parade.
This track is made even more special with the Trumpet Major, SCpl Julian Sandford MVO on Principal Trumpet. Having led the State Trumpeters at the King’s Coronation, he represents the skill and dedication of military musicians today. 🎺
Join us in celebrating this special release honouring our Armed Forces and their connection to the Royal Family 🇬🇧
#MWCNovemberSunday #HouseholdCavalry #MilitaryWivesChoirs #NewMusic
Take an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse into the creation of 'November Sunday'!
It's a special process involving lots of amazing people, including 100 choir members from as far as the Falkland Islands, a military Band, a composer, arrangers, conductors, a producer, a film director and a team of engineers, over the past six months...
We show you a sneak peek behind the scenes, speak to some of the people involved and share how our newest single was recorded 💜
To find out more about the project, tap the link in our bio.
#NewMusic #MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #TheBandoftheHouseholdCavalry #SingShareSupport
✨ The Military Wives Choirs present November Sunday – a song of hope, history, and royal tribute. 🌟
OUT NOW, this moving track honours the connection between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family, commemorating the birth of His Majesty The King.
100 voices from our network of choirs across the UK and overseas, joined by The Band of the Household Cavalry, come together to create a soundscape that blends 1940s nostalgia with a pop twist.
Join us in celebrating this beautiful piece that connects generations through music. 🎶💂♀️
Tap the link in our bio to buy your copy.
#NovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #RoyalTribute #NewMusic #RoyalFamily #KingsBirthday #TheBandoftheHouseholdCavalry
🎥 You can watch the music video for our new single ‘November Sunday’ here 🎥
Written to celebrate His Majesty The King’s birthday, the song captures the hope and joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948 with the birth of the future King to his mother, then Princess Elizabeth.
The song features 100 singers drawn from members of the Military Wives Choirs network in the UK and abroad, accompanied by The Band of the Household Cavalry, The King’s own regiment, celebrating the close links between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family.
Find out more about the project at the link in our bio.
Artist - @militarywiveschoirs
Conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton
Featuring - @corps_army_music The Band of the Household Cavalry
Conducted by Major Craig Bywater
Music Producer - @seanharg
Video Director - @dennis.madden
#militarywiveschoirs #MWCNovemberSunday #singsharesupport #NewMusic
✨November Sunday ✨
We are delighted to announce that our new song, November Sunday, is out now, in time to honour His Majesty The King’s birthday.
This beautiful, piece, with music and lyrics by John McLaren, brings together 100 voices from across the Military Wives Choirs, accompanied by The Band of the Household Cavalry, capturing a moment in history filled with hope and joy.
We’re so proud of this heartfelt tribute to the Armed Forces’ bond with the Royal Family 👑
Visit https://buff.ly/4fs6MIZ to watch, listen and buy our new single.
#MWCNovemberSunday #MilitaryWivesChoirs #NewMusic #RoyalTribute #SingShareSupport
How does donating to Military Wives Choirs help our choirs keep singing? £150 enables us to record a vocal demo for our choirs to learn a track and £42 helps us pay for 4 choir members to travel to a performance. These things help bring us together - check out our recent Shoulder to Shoulder workshop with all of our Scottish Choirs. #72Challenge#singsharesupport #supportourchoirs
Our Military Wives Choirs Wanderers have been walking off the miles this week as part of their 72 Challenge. They are almost on the final stretch of their epic hike. They are raising money to support our 72 choirs…listen to our Chair Caroline Paxton explain the difference your donation could make. #72challenge #supportourchoirs #singsharesupport
Day 2 for Military Wives Choirs wanderers on their epic 72 km hike. We are raising money to support our 72 choirs. Singing is great for your mental wellbeing and doing it together in a choir creates a great support network. Donate at: https://themilitarywiveschoirs.enthuse.com/pf/ce8c5/donate#!/ #supportourchoirs #singsharesupport
Not long until our Military Wives Choirs Wanderers set on off their epic 72 km hike as part of their #72Challenge. They’re raising funds for all of our 72 choirs based across the UK and globe! If you want to find out more join our Chair, Caroline Paxton on a training hike and if you want to donate- https://themilitarywiveschoirs.enthuse.com/pf/military-wives-choirs-mwc-wanderers👇
This Mental Health Awareness Week, did you know that singing, movement and physical health are inextricably linked? Singing helps your respiratory and cardiac function, your immune system, your fine and gross motor control, your neurological functioning, and more. Healthy singing helps your posture and your aerobic fitness, reduces inflammation, muscle tension and chronic pain, and helps you stretch and move your body in the most tuneful way possible!
Singing is also proven to increase your mental health, leading to increased communication, social connectedness and group bonding, a reduction in anxiety, as well as an increase in endorphins and self-confidence.
If you are a woman with a military connection, you can join our choirs and experience all of this for yourself! Click the link in our bio to find your nearest choir! #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
We’re having the most wonderful evening at the @celebratingforcesfamilies Awards! We’re delighted to be performing tonight, and to be singing alongside @neversuch during this #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, especially as three of our choir members are performing alongside their daughters!
Louise says: “I’m Louise from Cardiff Military Wives Choir Caerdydd. My husband is a serving RAF officer currently posted to Defence Academy, Shrivenham. We live in South Wales in our own house and he comes home on weekends. I have been with Cardiff MWC for about 2 and a half years and felt at home from the first rehearsal I attended. As well as the singing, I get a welcome break away from life’s stresses, with a chance to relax and sing together with ladies who have experienced the same things as we are as a military family.
My daughter is 9 and has been singing with the Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir for almost 2 years. Like my husband and me, she has a strong love of music. As she is the only military child in her school, her choir events give her a chance for her to meet, make friends and interact with other Forces children, as well as doing the performing she loves so much.”
Pictured: Louise and her daughter before and after their performance; all our MWC mummies from choirs in Scotland, England and Wales and their daughters.
🎶 **One more day to go!** 🌟 Our @biggiveorg #artsforimpact week campaign is nearing its end, but there's still time to make your impact double!
Until 12 noon on 26th March, every donation you make to the Military Wives Choirs will be matched by Big Give! Singing in a choir isn't just about the music—it reduces social isolation, boosts wellbeing, and improves mental and physical health.
At Military Wives Choirs, we understand the unique challenges of military life. Our choirs offer a space for support, empowerment, and enjoyment through music. Your donations during this campaign will be doubled, helping us continue to unite women in the military community through the power of singing.
Join us in making a difference—donate before 12 noon on 26th March to have your contribution doubled! Together, let's create a stronger support network for military families through the joy of music. Link in bio.
Joining a choir can help military families cope with the isolation and mental health issues often associated with a military lifestyle.
Help us to continue to provide choirs to bring women in the military community closer together. Donate before 12 noon on 26th March for your donation to be doubled - link in bio.
@biggiveorg #artsforimpact
We’ve had a brilliant day at the @athollpalacehotel in Pitlochry for a Workshop with our seven Scotland-based choirs! With amazing workshop leaders including Hilary Davan Wetton, Anna Bolton and @papagenasingers, and a day of topics from vocal health to our own specially-commissioned arrangement, we are feeling connected as a region and inspired to take what we’ve learnt back to our own choirs. We are so grateful to the Scottish Veterans Fund for their support 💜
Wishing all our choir members, friends and followers a happy Mothers’ Day today! At the Military Wives Choirs we celebrate all mother figures in our lives, and there are some very special connections made through singing in our choirs. However, as our network includes choirs across the country and welcomes members with a variety of military connections, sometimes our choir network is a real family affair!
Charlotte says…
“I am currently part of Sandhurst Military Wives Choir as a military wife and my Mum Alison is currently part of Yeovilton Military Wives Choir as a veteran’s wife, along with my sister.
In 2016 I sang with my Mum in Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir. Though we are part of different choirs now, it is still lovely sharing the love of singing and still feel like we’re singing together as part of the wider network. We can enjoy rehearsing when we’re together and watch each other in concerts.
When I was part of Dishforth Military Wives Choir and my husband was deployed, I was also lucky enough for Mum to support me when I sang in concerts and join in with our socials.”
We hope Charlotte and Alison have had a special day today 💜
“Sometimes a career in the Military can feel all-consuming; the Military Wives Choirs empowers me to give back to the community and be more than an Army Officer.
When I got injured during training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I lost my sense of purpose and felt isolated at times surrounded by a male majority. I joined the Military Wives Choirs, where I found a sense of belonging and a way to unwind. I didn’t know just how much I needed a female space.
I don’t believe women should be striving to do everything men can as this doesn’t drive development. We need to embrace being different, as diversity of thought and approach is far more beneficial.
We are stronger together.”
Janay, Sandhurst Military Wives Choir
@internationalwomensday_global #InspireInclusion #IWD2024
This International Women’s Day @internationalwomensday_global, we are celebrating the 2000 amazing women in our network of 72 choirs across the world. We are proud to #InspireInclusion and champion belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
“Joining the Military Wives Choirs has been an incredible journey of empowerment for me. The sense of unity and strength we feel when we come together to make music is truly empowering. Through our voices, we not only support each other but also amplify our voices on important issues affecting military families. Together, we are stronger, bolder and unstoppable.
Being a part of the Military Wives Choirs has given me a profound sense of belonging. I’ll never forget the moment when I first joined rehearsals and felt an instant connection with the amazing women around me. Whether we’re singing our hearts out or simply lending a listening ear, the choir has become my second family. Together, we navigate the challenges of military life and celebrate the triumphs. Here, I’ve found a community where I truly belong.
Women play a vital role in shaping our world, and it’s crucial that they are included in all aspects of society. When women are included, diverse perspectives are brought to the table, leading to better decision-making, innovation, and progress. Every woman deserves the opportunity to have her voice heard, her talents recognised, and her rights respected. Together, let’s champion inclusivity and create a world where all women are valued, empowered, and included.”
Kate, Stafford Military Wives Choir
Life in the military community means that people may move to a completely new place at short notice. With Military Wives Choirs across the UK and abroad, you can join a new choir and instantly feel a level of familiarity.
Find out more about our choirs by tapping the link in our bio!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #JoinAChoir #WomensChoir
The Military Wives Choirs gives you the chance to share experiences with those who understand the often unpredictable nature of Forces life. Sing, share and support!
Find out more about joining by tapping the link in our bio!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #JoinAChoir #WomensChoir
Join a community with a love of music!
The Military Wives Choirs is completely inclusive and open to any woman with a military connection – there are no auditions, and no previous singing experience is necessary.
We cannot wait to meet you!
Tap the link in our bio to find your local choir!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #WomensChoir #JoinAChoir
Meet women that truly understand the challenges of military life. The Military Wives Choirs exists to support women whose lives are impacted by their military connection.
Find out more about joining by tapping the link in our bio!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #JoinAChoir #WomensChoir
Singing in a choir has been proven to increase wellbeing and improve mental and physical health. With no auditions and no pressure to perform, the Military Wives Choirs cannot wait to welcome you.
Find out where your nearest choir is by tapping the link in our bio!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #MeetTheChoir #WomensChoir
The Military Wives Choirs community reaches far and wide, with active choirs as far as the Falkland Islands. Available to all women with a military connection, the network's shared mission to sing, share and support each other is prevalent in more ways than one, inside and outside the rehearsal room.
Tap the link in our bio to find your local choir!
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #WomensChoir #JoinAChoir
You don’t need any musical knowledge or training to become a member of your local Military Wives Choir. Simply come along to a welcome session and we’ll take care of the rest.
We cannot wait to welcome you. Find out where your nearest choir is by tapping the link in our bio 👆️
#MilitaryWivesChoirs #MWC #MilitaryWives #MilitaryChoir #NewYearNewMe #NewYearsGoal #JoinAChoir
As our choirs finish their busy festive performance seasons, celebrate together and take a well-earned break for Christmas, we wish all our followers, friends and supporters a hugely happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to singing together, supporting one another through music and sharing our special music-making with you in 2024!
Photos include festive highlights from our choirs across the UK and overseas, including Brunssum, Akrotiri and the Falkland Islands Military Wives Choirs.
Today is @givingtuesdayuk , a day when people and organisations from all over the world come together to support the causes and communities that mean so much to us all.
The Military Wives Choirs network improves long-term wellbeing and enriches the lives of women within the military community by bringing them closer together through singing. Joining a choir can help military families cope with the isolation and mental health issues often associated with a military lifestyle.
Help us to continue to provide choirs to bring women in the military community closer together by making a donation through link in bio.
Thank you.
#givingtuesday
#StrongerTogether
“We will remember them
until the seas run dry,
Come each November when
we hear our children ask us, why,
In two minutes of silence,
all the world stands still?
We will remember them,
and forever, and ever, we will.”
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
#ArmisticeDay
Our Vice Chair of Trustees and choir member, Ali, says: “I’m a trustee because I like feeling I’m using my skills and knowledge to do something valuable in society. I’d recommend being a trustee because it broadens your horizons, develops valuable skills, and gives you the chance to put something back.” And why the Military Wives Choirs? “The people, the cause and the magic of music-making.”
Persuaded? We are looking for four Trustees with a range of specialisms; click the link in our bio to find out more.
We would like to thank everyone who supported us in the @biggiveorg Women and Girls Match Fund campaign. This was our first fundraising campaign with Big Give and we raised just under £1,000 in one week!
This will help us to continue to bring women in the military community closer together through the power of singing.
“I will be forever grateful for the ladies of the choir who lifted my spirits in the dark days, offered advice and encouragement when I was stressed and laughed with me all the way through.”
- Tara, Bicester Military Wives Choir.
#WGMF
#StrongerTogether
Thanks to @veteransfoundationuk for their generous grant of £20,000 over this current year. Thanks to their ongoing support we have been able to continue to connect over 2,000 women in the military community and create a support network through the power of singing.
Joining a choir can help military families cope with the isolation and mental health issues often associated with a military lifestyle.
“The world of the Military Wives Choirs has changed my life; it has given me support and the ability to achieve things I never dreamed I could. Singing inspires me, lifts my mood, and brings a smile to my face.”
- Kellie, Cosford Military Wives Choir
Last chance to donate and have your donation matched! Our campaign page closes at midday today. Link in bio.
One of the great strengths of the Military Wives Choirs network is that when a choir member moves, perhaps due to a new posting, they can be confident that they will be able to join their new local choir and immediately become part of a new community built upon the joy of singing.
There are over 70 Military Wives Choirs on British military bases around the world, and we all have a core repertoire of songs in common, so if someone moves, they will be able to join in with confidence straight away.
@biggiveorg
@cosfordmwc
#wgmf
#strongertogether
Joining a choir can help military families cope with the isolation and mental health issues often associated with a military lifestyle.
Help us to continue to provide choirs to bring women in the military community closer together. Donate before 12 noon on 18th October for your donation to be doubled. Link in bio.
@biggiveorg
#wgmf
#StrongerTogether
Military Wives Choirs has an unspoken understanding through our shared experiences of military life which informs the way we look after one another. We offer ongoing support, valuing time for ourselves and enjoying our time with each other.
Donate now to help us to continue supporting the women in the military community. Link in bio.
@biggiveorg
#WGMF
"They really do care about singing, sharing, and supporting one another." @johnrhaywood, Military Wives Choirs Ambassador
Help us reach more women in the military community and create a support network through the power of singing.
Donate now and your contribution will be matched. Link in bio.
@biggiveorg
The Military Wives Choirs is a community of over 2,000 women in 70 choirs across the UK and internationally. Our members include all women whose lives are actively affected by their military connection; with your support they can benefit from life changing friendships that lead to new and uplifting experiences through singing.
"I’m excited about all that we will achieve and the new friends I’ll meet through the love of music." Choir member, Cottesmore Military Wives Choir.
Make your donation here https://bit.ly/MWCWGMF where it will be doubled.
Our campaign page opens in less than 24 hours, at 12 noon on 11th October - one donation, twice the impact! #linkinbio • @biggiveorg At the heart of the Woman and Girls Match Fund is the spirit of generosity. By harnessing the power of match funding and collective giving, we're aiming to double donations to amazing charities committed to serving the women and girls in our communities.
So save the date for October 11th and anything you give will be doubled. #WGMF
It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay! 🌍💚A day to talk about mental health, to show everyone that mental health matters, and to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help.
Did you know that singing is really good for your health and well-being? 💜It has been scientifically proven that singing is linked to endorphin release, a “happy” hormone that gives you that post-singing “buzz” people talk about. It’s also been linked to a reduction in cortisol (a stress hormone) after just one hour of singing. Many studies have shown that choirs can help your mental wellbeing on a long term basis by alleviating anxiety and depression. Early indications also show that singing could have a long term benefit on your physical health, so you'll be feeling great as well as sounding great!
Check out this article from Opera North to find out 10 reasons why singing is good for you! 😊
https://www.operanorth.co.uk/.../10-reasons-singing-is.../
#SingShareSupport
#StrongerTogether
#MilitaryWivesChoirs
#WMHD
#WMHD2023
Following the summer break, our choir members are excited to get back to weekly music-making! In their words, here’s why...
“It’s my happy and safe space” Terri, Akrotiri MWC
“It’s just the best way to start a busy week: a bit of singing, a bit of a gossip and a bit of cake!” Liz, North London MWC
“Singing just lifts my spirits and keeps my brain working.” Jessie, Portsmouth MWC
“I always feel happier after each rehearsal with a great sense of achievement.” Gillian, Cardiff MWC Caerdydd
“It’s part of my wellbeing. It helps keep me grounded and sane.” Tracy, Dishforth MWC
“Best therapy ever; laugh until your sides hurt and always leave on a high. What’s not to love?!” Nikki, West of Scotland MWC
“I won’t just be “Mammy” for two hours and can be me again” Emily, Cardiff MWC Caerdydd
“Choir is part of who I am, it is what balances me and brings me genuine happiness, and it is so much more than singing.” Nikki, Warminster MWC
“There’s no better feel-good therapy than laughing and singing with a bunch of amazing and equally crazy ladies. My once a week belt-it-all-out is the best night of the week!” Rebecca, Yeovilton MWC
We’re delighted to announce that we have launched our research project ‘Open Arms: Access, barriers and incentives to participation in Military Wives Choirs’, undertaken in partnership with @angliaruskin . The research demonstrates why the Military Wives Choirs is so important, the value it brings to our members and provides us with the opportunity to increase our impact.
“We know that music, particularly singing together, has a unique ability to foster social connections and improve emotional and physical health. Our research shows that members of the Military Wives Choirs value these benefits and are empowered through singing together as a group of women with shared experiences.” Jodie Bloska, Clinical Research Fellow at Anglia Ruskin University
Our launch at London Scottish House featured: Jodie Bloska; Wendy Human, Military Wives Choirs Director; a wonderful performance from members of the Military Wives Choirs conducted by Artistic Director Hilary Davan Wetton; it was a truly special evening.
To read the report and to find out more, visit our website and head to ‘News’.
Today is #ReservesDay and #MakeMusicDay, and we're in the fortunate position of celebrating both!
Many of the Military Wives Choirs have reservist members, as the Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel. As such, they are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.
Meanwhile, @makemusicdayuk celebrates making music available to everyone, everywhere, which is definitely what we are all about!
We are proud that our choirs welcome women from across the military community, including reservists, and that there are no auditions - we believe everyone has a voice.
📷: @warminstermwc
With 2000 members in our choirs across the world and drawn from all parts of the military community, we are honoured to be involved in the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort in a number of ways. Serving members of our choirs and musical family are taking part in the Procession, forming part of the military Bands which accompany 7000 members of the Armed Forces and the Gold State Coach on its journey to and from @westminsterabbeylondon .
Our choirs located in Commonwealth countries, which support members of the UK Armed Forces and their families posted overseas, are appearing in the @bbcone Commonwealth Choir at the King's Coronation Concert! We are thrilled that @akrotirimwc, Episkopi Military Wives Choir, ESBA Cyprus Military Wives Choir and @albertasouthmwc are representing the whole Military Wives Choirs charity.
Finally, many of our choirs are performing in their local communities over the weekend, celebrating this historic occasion together with the joy of music-making. We are all so excited for the weekend ahead!
@theroyalfamily
Last week, on International Women’s Day, we were delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited @militarywiveschoirsandhurst for singing, tea, cake and chats! It was an honour for the charity to host The Duchess and tell her more about the Military Wives Choirs and the work we do to connect women in the military community and create a support network through the power of singing.
#InternationalWomensDay
@theroyalfamily
@arborfieldmwc
With Mothering Sunday this weekend, we are shining a spotlight on some of our very special choir members. We are thrilled to have some mother-daughter duos in our choirs, who sing side by side and enjoy having quality time together each week.
Today we’re at @warminstermwc with Merete and her daughter Stephanie! Stephanie says…
“My father was in the Royal Artillery for 40 years, and tours included the Falklands War, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq. My husband is in the Parachute Regiment and lives away from home during the week, as well as being away on many exercises throughout the year.
We really enjoy being part of Warminster Military Wives Choir as all the ladies are so lovely and they always put smiles on our faces, as well as being a real support network. Our lives are so busy so it’s really nice that mum and I have choir time together.”
#mothersday #motheringsunday
This #CommonwealthDay, we are celebrating our four choirs across the Commonwealth, as well as our members from Commonwealth countries. We have three choirs in Cyprus: @akrotirimwc, Episkopi Military Wives Choir and ESBA Military Wives Choir, and the new Alberta South Military Wives Choir, Canada.
Pictured are two of our Cypriot choirs on the beach – bringing the sunshine on a March day! ☀️
Happy International Women’s Day from all 2000 of us at the Military Wives Choirs! In the words of the amazing women who are our choir members…
“I am proud to be a woman because we can do anything! We are tough, we are gentle, we work hard, we play, we are busy, we find fun, we are dynamic, we are quiet and we can take on the world.”
“The Military Wives Choirs allows women to be themselves. To sing, to laugh, to cry, to eat cake, to be open, to step out of his shadow and to be the very best versions of themselves.”
“The Military Wives Choirs promotes equity by giving women a platform. Sharing support and friendship regardless of background, rank or status.”
This week at choir, we are celebrating ourselves, our amazing choir sisters, female friendship, true equity and the support and joy that we find through singing.
#EmbraceEquity #SingShareSupport #InternationalWomensDay2023
Last night many of our choirs celebrated Valentine's Day, or Galentine's Day, at their choir session - a reminder that female friendship is very special!
We love this photo of @bovingtonmwc at last night's rehearsal showing why they love choir, even down to their youngest attendee! We're proud that our choirs bring like-minded women together to form lifelong friendships ❤️
📷: Bovington Military Wives Choir
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The Project
Written to celebrate His Majesty The King’s birthday, the song captures the hope and joy brought to post-war Britain on 14th November 1948 with the birth of the future King to his mother, then Princess Elizabeth.
The song features 100 singers drawn from members of the Military Wives Choirs network in the UK and abroad, accompanied by The Band of the Household Cavalry, The King’s own regiment, celebrating the close links between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family.
“Our charity is founded on the principles of community and support; we do this through forging deep connections with one another through the power of singing.
For our first recording since 2020 we wanted to celebrate the special relationship the Armed Forces enjoy with the Royal Family. ‘November Sunday’ is our own heartfelt gift to His Majesty and was inspired by our deep appreciation and admiration for his service to this nation.
The song, with words and music by John McLaren, is set at the moment of the future King’s birth, echoing the joy the news brought to a country still recovering from war. It also pays tribute to his mother, the beloved late Queen Elizabeth II, who, like many members of our network, served in the Armed Forces and was also a military wife. Our intention is that the song will enter into the core repertoire for our network of 70 choirs across the UK and overseas and be performed regularly around this time of year. We hope The King will enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy singing it.”
Caroline Paxton, Chair of Trustees at the Military Wives Choirs
Make a donation
All proceeds from this single will go to the Military Wives Choirs charity, to enable us to continue our valuable work in the military community.
You can support the charity by buying the single, or you can choose to make a one-off or regular donation quickly and securely using our online donation page by clicking here:
Performances and Events
If you want to book us for an event, please visit our Book Us page.
Military Wives Choirs' National 2025 Tour. Find out more.
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