On January 6th the choir had that feeling of "Deja Vue" when we returned to rehearsals on Zoom.  The rain in Leicestershire had left the area badly flooded, with many villages and towns cut off, so the decision was made to have a virtual rehearsal to ensure that members stayed safe, dry and warm in their own homes.

Simon encouraged us all to share what we had done over the festive period and then he guided us through the plans for the Spring/Summer terms.

A massive well done to all the members who navigated their computers, iPads and phones to join in the fun.

Hopefully normal service will be resumed on Monday 13th January.

The Spring Term was unusually long, and after the soggy start, we had more rehearsals than normal to learn (and dare I say, perfect - well, almost, anyway!) quite a few new songs for our Spring/Summer season of concerts.

The term's efforts culminated in our second joint concert with Loughborough Male Voice Choir, and it was lovely to meet up again with LMVC's Musical Director, Georgie Lorimer (who worked with the Chorale for a year during the lockdown period) and also to hear what the male voice choir had to offer. Between us, we came up with a very varied programme!

A somewhat depleted Chorale entertained an appreciative audience in Sileby's Methodist Church and, once again, our hard-working choristers produced a lovely sound.

We were delighted to be singing to a full church and our efforts raised a very pleasing £680.

Our Summer concerts took place during the second heatwave of 2025.  Even the lovely old church buildings in Seagrave and Frisby-on-the- Wreake didn't stave off the tropical conditions, and we were all very grateful for half time refreshments, especially of the liquid kind. Simon, who conducted us throughout in his usual enegetic style, was definitely in need of a cool down outside in the graveyard.

At Seagrave on 13th June, £760 was raised for church funds, the following week we were at Frisby where around £1000 was raised on the night; obviously Simon's efforts as a raffle ticket salesman continue to help fill the coffers....... 

The term ended with our customary Choir picnic and once again we were able to enjoy hospitality from Alison and Harry in Cossington. Armed with picnics we were comfortably seated and treated to the best of 'Ratcliffe Chorale's got Talent'. We all enjoyed the very varied acts and then had the chance to explore the fantastic garden - but on a relatively chilly evening nobody was tempted into the swimming pool. Thanks very much to our hosts for making us so welcome and, of course, to the entertainers - your efforts were really appreciated!

Wednesday 12th November saw some of the choir enjoying an evening of Karaoke at the Pharmacie Arms in Syston.  There were some surprising acts and definitely some dark horses.  Lots of fun was had by all who attended and we raised £70 for LOROS as well.

Well, that's another Autumn term finished and we can say goodbye to seasonal songs and Christmas concerts for another year. The choir worked hard in preparation for three concerts in December and, despite what sometimes felt like 11th hour learning - and a fair share of illness amongst the ranks (not least for poor Simon!) we pulled together a full and varied programme; maybe we learn best under pressure!

Listening to the feedback we obviously pleased our audiences. On a cold and very wet December evening in Thurmaston at St Michael and All Angels Church we raised nearly £385.  At our concert in Syston Methodist Church we sang to a full Church and we almost raised the roof with the magnificent congregational carols.  We raised an amazing £811.  All the money we raise at our concerts is donated to Charity; in these cases, to the hosting churches and to LOROS Hospice.

Our Christmas season culminated in the wonderful annual event that Simon organised in Leicester Cathedral; a huge fundraiser where the Chorale joined with several other of Simon's groups at the LOROS Christmas Concert.  Once again it was a sell-out occasion and approximately 160 choristers made a wonderful sound as they all sang a wide range of Christmas music. What a great way to end our Christmas season - a handful of us were disappointed to miss the occasion thanks to seasonal bugs!  An wonderful £15,000 was raised on the night for a worthwhile local charity close to many peoples hearts.

We start back rehearsing on Monday 5^th January and look forward to a new programme of songs.