Chairman Bob Writes ...

​Well my fellow singers and friends of the London’s Transport Choir, I trust I find you all in good spirits and looking forward to the summer months and apologies for the time between blogs.  The choir as you know continues to grow in musicality and also in number we hope and a big thank you to Zena for getting an article on Platform, the internal site for staff groups and interests within TfL, I know some of you were unable to see this article and a  copy has just been posted on the New Members page of this website.  

We were asked recently to perform for the staff network group for the LGBTQ+ community and this we did, starting with a small set in the foyer of Palestra, a first for us, then into the conference rooms where the choir performed a longer set in what turned out to be a rather intimate setting, the choir was very close to the audience.  David had introduced us to five new songs this term with more to come: this will increase our rep and give us a pool of pieces we can call upon as and when needed, I for one have been enjoying singing these, from Wichita Lineman to Sloop John B and So it Goes etc: great pieces. I'm sure if there is a song you particularly like, then speak with David and hopefully we can get it included in the mix.

Looking back some of the choir were lucky enough to pop across to Paris last November and sing a joint concert with ‘NavigaVoce’, our colleagues from ‘IDF Mobilites’ Paris, a great weekend with singing more singing, sightseeing and of course wine.  Christmas was a great success again this year and went down a storm with the congregation at both churches, plus we had some fun with the Minister of State for Rail and HS2, Huw Merriman, and Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, who these days is the Chair of Network Rail, plus the rest of the audience at a carol concert with organ at London Bridge.  Looking forward we have two great events coming up, firstly we have been allowed to sing in the foyer at Endeavour on 26 June from 17:30hrs for circa 45 mins: this really is to draw attention to the choir and also to celebrate making music, please keep this date in your diary and spread the word.  Then we have a return to the Epping-Ongar Railway Beer and Cider weekend where we sing at two of the stations and on the trains as well before being refreshed from the beer tent. Last year's event was a great day out and great fun, so again please pop this into your calendar.

Lastly please can I put out a plea for all members to attend as many rehearsals as possible in person, I know there will always be occasions when you can’t attend and this is fine but please make attendance the rule rather than the exception, singing together is the main benefit of being in a choir. Not only does it get you or keep you out of the house, it also allows you to socialise, join in a great activity and learn with and support each other on pieces old and new and t have fun at the end of a working day, so look forward to seeing you all soon.