June 2019

We've had a bit of a heatwave recently so it was rather hot in the Scout Hall (for a change!).

This month was well-attended, but it was women-only for a change. Where are all the men? 

Here is the link to June's recordings.

We started with a chant from the Taize community in France: Laudate dominum, praise the Lord.

Next we tackled a pop classic, All I have to do is dream, by the Everly Brothers. It turned out to be a bit harder than people expected, as not everybody remembered the song in the same way!

Finally, we ended with a song from Namibia, Kana kameme, where a young bride advises her sister to take care of their parents when she moves away.

Remember, we don't meet in the summer months of July and August (time to catch up with some gardening!).

We'll be back on 14 September with loads of brand new songs (and hopefully some men). Do please spread the word.

Have a great summer break.



Click here to find all the dates for 2019. 

May 2019

Although we were competing with the Wivenhoe Open Gardens weekend, we mustered a goodly number of singers and had a fine time of it.

Here is the link to May's recordings.

We started with Chris's arrangement of the hymn Morning has broken. Since we only had one man this month (well done Peter!), the bass part was sung by women which confused those singing the tune from time to time! It did sound lovely though.

Next up was a gentle healing song from Georgia, Iavnana.

Finally a rousing South African gospel song Ipharadisi about wanting to join the living in paradise.

All in all, a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Do join us on Saturday 22 June for our last session before our summer break (we'll be back in September).



Click here to find all the dates for 2019.

April 2019

Spring has sprung!

What's great about SingWiv is that, no matter how many people come each month, there are always new faces! So a big welcome to those who came in April for the first time.

Here is the link to April's recordings.

We started with a children's song, Yalla awlehd from Syria which is used to call the family down to the orchard for the traditional picnic after Friday prayers.

Next up was the month's big song, We got all the love, by Helen Yeomans. A lovely sentiment, plus some great crunch harmonies AND we nailed it! Included in this month's recordings is a studio version to hear how tricky the harmonies really are.

Then we did a fun song from the Faroe Islands (apparently). It's called Djingala djingala and is supposed to be about the sea, although it's origins are unclear. You can hear the full song here.

Finally, we managed to squeeze in a quick song from the Baka pygmies: Boomalena.



We're back in Wivenhoe on Saturday 18 May. We hope to see you there.




Click here to find all the dates for 2019.

March 2019

And the March winds did blow! But we were warm and snug inside the Scout Hall (and the Orwell Bridge didn't close until later that night).

Lots of new faces this month, and a goodly number of men (although we could always do with more).

Here is the link to March's recordings.

We kicked off with a fun arrangement of the well-known American folk song Shortnin' bread. Then we spent a long time on a gorgeous Ave Maria written by Mexican Tasnim Fernandez. It was worth all the hard work as it's such a lovely song.

To round off, we did a quick joik called Nieda with clapping. It wasn't recorded on the day, but there's a version included with this month's recordings.


We're back in Wivenhoe on Saturday 13 April (not a third Saturday due to Easter) whatever the weather. We hope to see you there.




Click here to find all the dates for 2019.

February 2019

The catkins are out already. Spring is definitely on its way!

We managed a goodly number of singers this month with lots of new faces.

Here is the link to February's recordings.

We started with a deceptively simple, but gorgeous piece by Juliet Prager using a quote from Julian of Norwich: All will be well. The recordings include a full version by Juliet Prager and friends.

That was followed by a lovely Russian orthodox chant Slava v vychnih Bogou by Mikhail Strokine. The short section we did means "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to all people of goodwill."

Click here to listen to a full version of the song.

We also learnt Chris's warm-up arrangement of Fleetwood Mac's Rhiannon, but it wasn't recorded.

We're back in Wivenhoe on Saturday 16 March come rain or snow. We hope to see you there.




Click here to find all the dates for 2019.

January 2019

It was a crisp sunny winter's day this month. Cloud and sleet had been forecast, but didn't materialise.

It was a bit chilly in the Scout Hall to start with, but the singing soon warmed us up. We had a good crowd of over 30 this time, but only TWO men. However, they made up in quality what was lacking in numbers!

Here is the link to January's recordings.

We started with the Muslim greeting Asalaam aleykum, put to music by Nickomo as a response to 9/11: Peace be unto you.

We then spent some time on an amazing version of a poem by Elizabeth Frye: Don't kneel at my graveside and cry. It was worth it as this bluesy gospel-style song was great to sing!

This version of the song is by Barry & Holly Tashian. Click to hear their original in its full country glory.

We're back in Wivenhoe on Saturday 16 February come rain or snow. We hope to see you there.

Why not make 2019 your year of singing?



Click here to find all the dates for 2019.

December 2018

It was certainly a wintry session this month: gale force winds, cold, heavy rain and sleet. But it was (eventually!) cozy inside the Scout Hall and the singing warmed our spirits!

 Here is the link to December's recordings.

We began with a children's Christmas song from Bulgaria, Oj Koledo, moj Koledo; next a beautiful song by Ali Burns, May your cup always be full –  a four part ‘toast’ or ‘blessing’ for New Year or for the year ahead; finally, a non-Christmas song from India, Radhe Govinda bolo.

In the Description section for each MP3 you'll find song information (just click on each song title and the info will appear on the right). 

Here's a children's choir singing Oj Koledo.

Have a great Christmas whatever you're up to, and a very happy New Year.


We're back in Wivenhoe on Saturday 19 January to sing in the New Year. We hope to see you there. Why not make 2019 your year of singing?

Hope to see you there!

Click here to find all the dates for 2019. 

PS there will be a small price increase in 2019 to £9 per session, but that will INCLUDE tea/coffee and biscuits. Yay!