About us
The choir was formed in 2016 by Tamsin Anderson, following in the footsteps of her Grandmother and a family tradition of choral leadership and with our wonderful accompanist Giles Barnes, the choir has grown to over 30 regular members.
When Tamsin and her family moved away in 2019, Shelley Machin took over as Choir Leader and we formed a small committee to help organise the choir. We welcome new members who are also keen to get involved in running the choir – it’s fun and a great addition to Leigh’s many clubs and societies.
Choir Leader - Shelley Machin
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Bio to come
Accompanist - Giles Barnes
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Giles Barnes has spent 20 years in music education as a secondary school teacher, 14 of which has been as a Head of Department in two selective schools in Kent. After teaching for a short period overseas at Dubai College, Giles returned back to the UK to embark on a career as a freelance musician. This involved receiving orchestral conducting lessons at Blackheath Conservatoire 2010-2011 from Denise Ham (former Head of Orchestral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music) as well as coaching in choral conducting with Sing for Pleasure; Giles attended 4 residential summer school courses during the period 2011-2014, and gained certificates in Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Advanced Choral Conducting.
Giles started receiving organ tuition in 2013 from Gavin Williams (former Organist at Guildford Cathedral), and in addition to accompanying the Leigh Ladies Choir, Giles is also organist and musical director at St. Albans and St. Martins Church, South Becontree.
Choir Committee
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Chair & Membership – Jacqui Wordsworth
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Treasurer – Paula Beresford
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Music Library – Jane Clay & Jill Kaye
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Events - Glynis Rogers, Alex Haynes & Ruth Kendall