All Saints Church in Lydd is known as the Cathedral of the Marsh and for good reason; the proportions certainly dwarf its more dinky neighbours in that most atmospheric part of Kent. It is a huge space to fill but the Marsh Choir managed it (and then some) on Saturday, July 12 for the second show in the year’s summer concert series.
For the past twelve weeks the 80-strong Rye group has been learning a complex and varied set list of eleven songs. It includes the contemporary R&B classic ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s child, a couple of Britpop staples, ‘A Design for Life’ by Manic Street Preachers as well as the powerful version of Bob Dylan’s relevant song for today, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’.
In its six-year existence the Marsh Choir has drawn devotees from all walks of life, igniting a passion for singing nurtured with great expertise by Flock Boss and professional musician Carly Bryant. Carly loves the feeling when she gets a group of people achieving something together. “I don’t mean just the fundraising or the concerts, I mean the weekly rehearsals where the magic happens. Now we have also a very large proportion of men in the choir so the sound now offers a lovely wide range. I think realising it is going well means we have the confidence to push a little further and we can achieve something great. Being able to raise money for charity is, of course, a wonderful silver lining and these two concerts have made £2,685 for the Romney Marsh Community Hub.”
The Rye group is thriving and continues to meet every Thursday from 7-8 at the Creative Centre, but with all the changes we will have to find a new venue from September. If you would like to join us, perhaps for a taster session, please get in touch with Carly at marshchoir@gmail.com or join us on September 11 when the choir will be performing at St Mary’s as part of the Rye Arts Festival.
Image Credits: Carly Bryant's PR , Kitty Hope .