South Shields Rugby Club hosts men’s choir rehearsal

Compass A Capella, which has nearly 40 members from across the region, trained in the indoor stadium of the Westoe Rugby Club in South Shields, allowing the choir to practice outdoors, while staying in the shelter from bad weather.

“When the lockdown began last March, like all other choirs, we had to cancel all of our shows, many of which were supporting local charities,” Music Director Susan Jones said.

“We practiced on Zoom every Tuesday night – even introducing new songs – and kept the choir together. We even managed to grow the choir with two new members.

Ms Jones said when the restrictions were relaxed in May, they then faced the problem of finding an open-air hall large enough for the entire choir.

“That’s when Westoe stepped in and offered us his pitch for free to start the outdoor rehearsals. It was a truly wonderful gesture and we are very grateful for their kind support. “

With the lockdown lifted next week, the choir will move inside All Saints Church in Cleadon on Tuesday, July 20, where Compass has performed in the past for various fundraising events.

Members of the Tyneside-based group come from all over the North East. And a new member, Bill Oldfield, who is from Teesdale, celebrates his 65th birthday the day the choir returns to Cleadon.

“It promises to be a very special night of celebration,” Ms. Jones said.