Sing it for England

Football fever has gripped much of the nation and has even reached Alton’s Silver Song Club which has been prompted to ‘Sing it for England’ (in the words of one of the many unofficial England World Cup anthems).  The club, which is a community music-making group supported by the charity ‘Sing for Your Life’ and hosted by Orchard House, has never been backward in coming forward with topical ideas for its rousing singing sessions.

In the last month alone they have marked the General Election, The Eurovision Song Contest and the anniversary of D-Day. Now they are tuning up, quite literally, for the World Cup.

‘We like to choose a theme each week’ said Barbara Rayner, the group’s Facilitator, ‘And the more topical the better. We are celebrating the World Cup with songs ranging from English football club anthems such as ‘Delilah’ and ‘Blue Moon’ through to songs with a more lateral-thinking approach, for example ‘When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin’ along’ dedicated to all the clubs with the nickname of ‘The Robins’. We’ll even be making up a few songs of our own to celebrate the last time England won the World Cup.’

The club, which has been meeting on Friday mornings at Orchard House for the last 18 months, is attended by residents not only of Orchard House but from the wider community, all of whom come together to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of a good sing. Tongue-twisters, rounds, folk songs, popular music and even the odd  idiosyncratic take on the classics all help to keep the mind sharp.  There is no charge for the session and refreshments to whet the whistle are available for a small donation. Anyone interested in coming along can contact Barbara Rayner on 01420 80445 or visit : www.singforyourlife.org.uk for further details.