BACK in January 2014, a small gathering got together to form the Honey Belles Ladies Choir. Roll on 10 years and they celebrated a milestone anniversary with a concert and party back at their old stomping ground in Ashover.
Over the decade, the choir has swelled in number from 12 to over 50 ladies, and they now rehearse at St John’s Church in Walton.
Firm friendships have been made over the years and the choir has performed on BBC radio; competed against other choirs on national television with Gareth Malone; and raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including sponsoring a puppy for Guide Dogs, aptly named Honey Belle.
The choir won North East Derbyshire’s Got Talent and has sung pitchside for Chesterfield FC, as well as being the penultimate performers treading the boards of the Pomegranate Theatre before it closed for renovation.
Chesterfield bypass has also been their stage in the small hours, singing in the Sparkle Walkers for Ashgate Hospice, year after year.
The choir sang at an anniversary concert at Ashover Parish Rooms on January 27.
On March 23, they perform at Chesterfield Library and record a Christmas CD; then sing at a charity concert for Ashgate Hospice at St John’s Church, Walton, on April 20; then they’re hosting a concert with Ireland Colliery Band at the Speedwell Rooms on May 18.
Email honeybelleschoir@gmail.com for more details.