Summer Singing 2025

Bodmin Way Community Choir’s three community performances this summer

Up first was at a venue featuring strongly in the choir’s story. Mount Folly saw the choir perform in its first year during Bodmin Lights Up in November 2022. It’s also sung at some of its monthly markets and continues to sing at this key space in the town.

Newly mastered songs from the choir’s weekly Summer Singing sessions were sung. Optimistically, first up was ‘Here Comes the Sun’! And, as if the weather itself were being conducted, the sun peeped out of the clouds, right on cue!

Next was a medley of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Wonderful World”. A tricky piece with lots of “Oohs” in two-part harmony. One of the stall holders with a front row seat had this to say about the arrangement: “The Somewhere Over the Rainbow number had a very lovely and calming effect.”

Bodmin Way, with its focus on local heritage, inspired Caroline Bailey, the choir’s musical director, to select two Cornish songs to add to the choir’s repertoire - the popular folk song ‘Cornwall My Home’ written by Harry Glasson in 1997 and one composed recently in support of Air Ambulance ‘Take Me Home’.

It was the idea of Dane Byrne, Community Services senior manager, to invite musicians to perform on market days. Dane said: “It’s free entertainment for families and, even though the market is established now, it’s still good to add to its offer and encourage more people to the come along, whether from neighbouring towns or from Bodmin and surrounding areas. Performances have included Bodmin Way Community Choir, Lovely Male Voice Choir, KBSK Dancers and many more musicians, solo artists and bands.”

Bodmin Way Community Choir is proud to sing at Bodmin’s market where established choirs and groups have taken the stage.

The second performance was in Bodmin’s 15th century church during an afternoon cream tea. Singing in different areas of St. Petroc’s Church made the choir feel like wandering minstrels! The wide selection of songs was well received, and many paused their eating and drinking to join in with ‘Cornwall My Home’.

Photo credit for photographs of choir in St. Petroc’s Church: Bodmin and District Camera Club

Performance number three was at the One for All Community Centre in Lanivet. The choir became part of the Bodmin Memory Cafe afternoon’s activities - singing, poem recital, games, dances, fun chair exercises and refreshments.

One volunteer said: “A choir is wonderful for this group … because it’s music!”

“There’s something in the stimulation of sound that causes a positive response from those receiving it.” said helper John Austin.

A choir member, speaking about the café, said: “Best fun you can have on a Thursday afternoon!” and another added: “It’s lovely to join in with the café’s traditional Cornish Collection of songs sung in unison, such as ‘Going up Camborne Hill’ and ‘Trelawny’.” Anne Vine, member of the choir, said: “It’s nice to meet up with people you know and enjoy the activities delivered with such humour. Smiling and laughter are so important.”  Singing for people is wonderful and it’s very special when the audience sings along. Everyone was encouraged to join in with the “Heys” in ‘Take me Home’ and they did so with gusto!

The choir enjoyed its second visit to the Memory Café and plan to return regularly.

Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to come along to Bodmin Way Community Choir. It meets on Wednesdays, 5pm to 6pm, in St. Petroc’s Parish Centre three times a year for Spring Sing, Autumn Song and Summer Singing.

Autumn Song

8, 15 October

5, 12,19, 26 November

3,10, 17 December

Performances include:

Bodmin ‘Lights Switch On’ Friday 28 November 6pm

Christmas Market St. Petroc's Church Saturday 6 December 11am

Eden Project Saturday 13 December 6pm

Bodmin Town Band's concert St. Petroc’s Church Friday 19 December 7/7.30pm

For updates: bodminway.org/choir