Swindon and Highworth singers help to raise more than £30,000 for good causes

The Singing in the Afternoon choir movement is a big hit across the West of England.

Last year the choirs, including one in North Swindon and another covering Highworth and Shrivnham, raised just over £30,000 for causes including Great Western Hospital Cancer Services and The Royal British Legion.

Founder Grenville Jones, originally fro Swindon has a worldwide reputation as a choir leader, and advocates the health benefits of belonging to a choir. 

He is also well-known as founder of the Golden-Oldies Sing and Smile Charity – now in its 16th year – with its 120 daytime fun sessions in church halls and community rooms across England and Wales. Sir Cliff Richard is the charity's Patron.

Grenville said: “I am fortunate to have a great team of leaders and all admin support comes from our office in Westfield near Bath. 

"Our choir members are now choosing the local organisations they want to help this year."

There are now 24 Good Afternoon Choirs from Gloucester to Cornwall with more planned later in the year. Grenville takes four of the choirs himself and employs many talented freelance leaders and accompanists across the West.

Full details of the choirs can be found at www.goodafternoonchoir.org