The Catterick Military WAGS Choir, together with Muker and Reeth Bands in Swaledale, have pooled their musical talents in an exciting community initiative to support the Help for Heroes charity. The groups are recording a CD called 'Harmonies For Heroes' which will be launched at a celebration concert on Saturday 15th March at Richmond School.
Tickets Available from: Reeth Post Office, Castle Hill Bookshop, Richmond School, Richmond Tourist Information, The Wives Kitchen, Studio 19 Catterick Garrison, Wobbly Dog Leyburn and tickets will be available online from Monday 24th February. Adults £10 Child £4 (£12/£5 on the door).
The whole project stemmed from a song, Dancing With You, written by Jill Lundberg several months ago. As a Forces Wife for 17 years, her lyrics were inspired by the experiences of military wives and girlfriends and how singing and music helps them to cope when their partners are away from home. The song was performed in the Summer by Five Pearls & A Piano, a group Jill sings with and Mo Usman, Centre Manager at Phoenix House, was at the concert. His chance comment of 'you should ask the Military WAGS to record that song', led to the choir being approached. From this, a great community project evolved in aid of Help For Heroes, with Carol Gedye, musical director of the WAGS choir suggesting broadening the local appeal by inviting the Swaledale bands to be involved.
Through the kindness of several local businesses and individuals a mini-album was conceived. The recording is being sponsored by Mark Stephenson, CEO of PWS & Second Nature who, in addition to being a trustee of the WAGS choir, has donated four self-help kitchens to the Help For Heroes Recovery Centre at Catterick, so is extremely supportive of both causes.
As well as selling the ‘Harmonies for Heroes’ CD locally, the track ‘Dancing With You’ will also be released as a single for download nationally. A youtube video is being created to promote the project, featuring footage of the Phoenix House Recovery Centre, the choir and bands in rehearsal, plus interviews with those involved in the project.