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The Pennine Chimes is a Womens' barbershop chorus from Bradford. The chorus, which began 21 years ago, is for many a sort of surrogate family offering support and succour in times of trouble. Ray Kershaw reports.
 Pennine Chimes Women's barbershop Chorus |
Both Lyn and Shirley had previously been in domestic situations where they were not allowed to sing. Pennine Chimes has completely changed their lives.
Shirley was introduced to the chorus through work colleagues. At the time, she was very depressed. She'd had a very strict father who wouldn't let her sing around the house and after her parents' deaths, she'd found herself very lonely.
But when she first saw the Barbershop chorus perform, she was overcome. Shirley says, "It was amazing. I enjoyed it so much that I just had to be a part of it".
Lyn was in a similar situation. She only started singing after she'd been divorced for two years. For Lyn, singing is akin to breathing. She says, "I have to do it".
Lyn can't ever imagine not being in the chorus. "It's one of the most important aspects of my life now and to live without it is imaginable".
The Pennine Chimes will be performing on 14 June at the Bingley Art Centre at 7.3Opm
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