Every Thursday evening Rye Creative Centre, in the old Freda Gardam School on New Road in Rye, is filled with the sound of joyful singing. Ryecast joined the fifty or so people putting in some last-minute practice ahead of a special performance by The Marsh Choir outside The George on the High Street, as part of the Rye’s late-night shopping this weekend.
I listened in on rehearsals to hear some of the stories of the people in the choir, and their leader Carly Bryant. Everyone taking part has their own reasons for joining in – for some it’s a chance to make friends, for others it’s the joy of singing to lift spirits after a long day. And as you’ll hear on the podcast, it’s a much-needed sense of community for many of the singers, bringing together friends and neighbours.
The Marsh Choir was set up by Carly Bryant, with branches all across the Romney Marsh and some world-famous celebrity supporters. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to hear why Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley have been involved…
The local groups come together for some huge performances at the All Saints Church (also known as the Cathedral of the Marsh) in Lydd, with new members always welcome to sing from a repertoire of pop and rock, as well as the classics. It’s a brave choir that takes on Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush (did I tell you that was one of the first singles I bought?), but The Marsh Choir is pitch perfect.
To find out more about the choir and Thursday rehearsals visit https://www.marshchoir.com and do watch them in action on Saturday November 18 from 4.45pm outside The George in Rye as part of www.ryechristmasfestival.co.uk
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Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart
Image Credits: James Stewart .