Sing Live is such fun for Pat and friends

Jan 2 2008 by Gemma Castle, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SINGERS from this area are to take part in a major performance.

Retired teacher Pat Needham and Brighouse couple Derek and Joan Hudson are to take part in Sing Live’s Sing the Classics concert at Leeds Town Hall on January 12 and 13.

All three have already sung in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London with stars including Sir Cliff Richard and Michael Ball.

Sing Live is a singing community for people aged over 16 who simply want to sing and don’t have to undergo any auditions to join.

Pat, a former adult education teacher, joined Sing Live Northern in 2002.

She had always had a strong background in singing, but her ambition to be on stage took a back seat when she met her husband and began her career as a teacher.

But since joining Pat has taken part in 18 Sing Live events. These include CD recordings, Songs Of Praise and a Jane MacDonald tour.

But Pat said: “I think that so far my favourite concert has been at the Royal Albert Hall with Sir Cliff and Michael Ball.

“Even with adventures as special as that it is still just as exciting for me to come back to Leeds Town Hall. My friends and family will be there to support me.

But despite all the glitz and glamour that star-studded events bring, Pat still has one more desire. She said: “My ambition is to sing a solo at Huddersfield Town Hall. I did a duet there a couple of years ago, so I will be going for a solo when we have another concert there.”

Derek and Joan are also looking forward to their homecoming concert. Joan, 75, a former shopworker, said: “We first heard about Sing Live from an old school friend.

“I told my sister about it because I knew how much she and her husband wanted to sing. But when I went to see them in concert I wanted to have a go at it, too.

“At the age of 75 I did think maybe it was a bit too late for me. But when Derek and I went to an open evening we forgot all about that.

“Our first concert was at the Royal Albert Hall with Michael Ball and Sir Cliff. It was the most unbelievable thrill.’’

And Derek, 77, said: “The comradeship is great and we both get so much enjoyment out of being in it.”

In the Leeds Town Hall concert the massed voices of the group will perform new arrangements of popular pieces, from Pinball Wizard to the Grand March from Aida.

l Tickets are available from Sing Live on 01609 708315 or Leeds Town Hall box office on 0113 2243801.