Deeply involved in her local area and neighbourhood committees, Sue discovered the power of connection one Christmas while rushing past Westminster Cathedral for a tree lighting. Drawn in by a choir made up of people from all walks of life, she joined in and never left. Her experience celebrates the joy of community and the small moments that turn everyday life into something shared.
For more stories about belonging, identity and confidence, read Amalia’s experience of becoming a nurse after growing up in foster care, discover how Sonia turned isolation into art, or browse the full Voices from the Piazza collection.
I’m rushing past the cathedral on my way to the lighting of the Tachbrook Market Christmas tree. I’ve asked a local choir to sing at the Thorney Island Society Christmas party, but I’ve not heard them myself. I’m wondering what they’ll be like? There’s a big crowd gathered around the Christmas tree already, mainly mums with excited children, but I see older people too, shop assistants who’ve popped out to join in the fun and a few shoppers with parcels and packages who’ve stopped for a breather. Thank goodness, I’ve just arrived in time. The mayor is leading a countdown which everyone is joining in, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” And the Christmas tree is alive with sparkling lights and the crowd is clapping madly and shouting, “hurrah!”
It’s the choir’s turn now and the choir master is moving out into the front and holding up his arms to start the singing. The crowd quietens down. I’ve just noticed four brass players with jolly hats behind the choir. And there’s a little girl tugging at her mother’s coat, pointing and giggling at one of the singers who’s wearing antlers. But now I’M smiling and laughing too. In the choir I recognise Pat from the Thorney island Society, and Phyllis from the Cathedral Area Residents Group. And now Pat is beckoning me to join her in the choir. Oh no, I’m not expecting this!
We’re singing all the Carol favourites and the crowd is shouting out requests which I wasn’t expecting at all! One of the members of the choir who is sitting down at the front, is signalling to three children, a boy and two girls to come forward and join the choir. And they do! They are so happy and confident. That’s not how I’m feeling! Well, I’m happy to be joining the choir and trying to sing, but I’m not confident about doing it. At all!
What I’m really loving is the view from the Choir’s point of view, looking at all the faces in front of us and people passing by, some rushing with their eyes averted and not making eye contact. And a jogger! Suddenly I realise that tears are running down my cheeks. What I’m seeing has moved me to tears. I’ve spotted a young mother with a very small baby, I’m guessing a newborn, in her arms. She has stopped by to listen, is looking tenderly at her baby and knowing this is the first time her baby is hearing carols being sung. ‘How will this young life turn out?’ I’m wondering.
I spot a young man, he seems a bit dishevelled. He didn’t really want to stop but then something is drawing him back and he’s looking at us quite intently and maybe for the first time in years he begins to remember some of the words and he joins in. Perhaps he’s thinking of a mother he hasn’t contacted for years. I realise I’ve stopped singing. There’s a lump in my throat.
This experience of singing Carols with the South Westminster Community Choir is full of joy and smiles. It is tapping into my emotions, into a committed local community and I love it. I joined the choir there and then.
Fast forward a year. Meddie, a neighbour who lives close by, and we’re walking arm in arm to choir rehearsal. Who is this coming towards us? Both of us suddenly realise its Bill Nighy, the actor and we grip each other and are ‘star-struck.’ He’s used to this of course and saying to us, “good evening ladies!” We are giggling like teenagers. I joined the choir because I’m active in the local community in a number of different roles and contributing for nearly 20 years, swapping hats almost of a daily basis. There are many people locally with needs the community can help with. I saw the choir, my choir, for the first time, and spotted friends and neighbours who are doing just that, making difference locally and passionate about their commitment and so am I. And there’s more to come… Another chapter to this surprising story of me joining a wonderful local choir, the South Westminster Community Choir, and now MY choir.