Kinloss military wives choir host free singing workshop for Moray's over 55s at Alves Hall

ALVES Hall was alive with the sound of music recently, when members of Kinloss Military Wives Choir hosted a fun, free singing workshop.

The community singing event was part of the Royal Voluntary Service First Time for Everything programme, which gives Moray's over 55s the opportunity to try something new for free in their local community.

Musical Director, Emma Plain, and some of the choir’s members led an uplifting morning of music and song, followed by refreshments, chat and a short performance.

Janice Shearer from Forres who attended the singing workshop said: “I really enjoyed the choir event, it was great fun. I love singing and was in choirs when young, but learned new approaches from the choir director. If we could bottle and reproduce her energy and enthusiasm, we could really boost wellbeing in our society!”

The sessions are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and are designed to give people in Moray, particularly those that are older or less mobile, the opportunity to be social and active while learning new skills.

The First Time for Everything programme launched in 2017 and more than 700 First Time for Everything events have taken place across Great Britain, with around 10,000 people trying new activities like hot yoga, group singing, open water swimming, forage walking, chocolate making and line dancing.

Sharon Finlay, Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinator for Moray, says: “We had a really uplifting morning in the company of Kinloss Military Wives Choir. We’ve got plenty more First Time for Everything sessions planned for local people to enjoy, and are extremely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities, People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “Whatever our age, ability or circumstances, getting out and about, being active and feeling part of our local community are incredibly important for our health and wellbeing. With generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, First Time for Everything brings local people together to have fun, meet new people and enjoy trying something new.”

For more information about First Time for Everything events in Morayshire, contact Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinator, Sharon Finlay, on tel: 07974 415713, email sharon.finlay@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

For those unable to get out and about to First Time for Everything activities, Royal Voluntary Service has also designed the Virtual Village Hall, a free online activity hub and community. From crafts to Zumba, singing to meditation, there are more than 1,500 sessions available to view on-demand, with new content added regularly. Sessions are livestreamed daily on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. To find the Virtual Village Hall, search @VirtualVillageHall.

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