IT has taken time to find its voice but a former Shaw-based choir is going from strength to strength.
Formed 10 years ago with just six members, the Soul Inspiration Gospel Choir has reached a stage where a waiting list for people wanting to join may have to be introduced.
“I never imagined when we started we would be having such a conversation,” said director Kadria Thomas.
“I was going to cap it at 30 but we might be having a re-think on that one now.
“Up to mid-June it was just women in the choir. Then one guy joined and said he didn’t care if he was the only man.
“Now, we have got four chaps which is great because it adds some depth to the choir.”
There were even enquiries to join from an out-of-date poster put up in Crompton Library.
“We started off in Sholver as part of Oldham Music Service,” explained Kadria during a break in the choir’s weekly rehearsal schedule.
“We then moved to rehearse at the café in Dunwood Park which was lovely.
“There was a poster done about the group but it never went up until after we left Shaw,” laughed Kadria whose members are drawn from across Oldham, many from Shaw, Crompton and Royton plus 89-year-old Sheila Cronley from Saddleworth.
Soul Inspiration now meets every Wednesday between 7pm-9pm at St Barnabas Church, Clarksfield though they are now on a summer break until September.
“We have some amazing singers,” added Kadria. “There may be one or two who are a little timid.
“But singing encourages them to be confident and find their voice.”
Soul Inspiration is now an autonomous body, raising its own funds from concerts throughout the year including a popular Christmas busk around pubs in the area.
They also sing at weddings and other celebratory functions. They have played a sell-out concert at Playhouse 2, Shaw and recently did a Melodies from Heaven performance at St Barnabas.
To find out more about Soul Inspiration visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/soulinspirationgospel