We are thrilled to announce that alongside Uffculme School choir, we will also be joined by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust choir for our Celebration of Life concert at Plymouth Guildhall on Friday 6th December (tickets available HERE).

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust choir is composed of a dynamic group of staff and volunteers from both Royal Cornwall (RCH) and West Cornwall (WCH) hospitals; representing the kaleidoscope of disciplines. The choir originally formed in December 2016 to sing Christmas carols at RCH and spread some Christmas cheer, and then this seedling group quickly expanded and established a permanent choir. Largely thanks to the ever enthusiastic and creative skills of the choir leader Sarah Chaplin (hospital chaplain) the choir started to regularly meet in the chapel to sing, then singing out and about the RCH site.

Due to the resounding success of the choir at RCH the choir expanded in 2019 to include WCH staff and so now between the two locations there are approximately 50 regular members. Together they’ve sung in a range of events from jubilant ones such as the ‘sound of spring’ concert and the RCHT outdoor festival (in wellies thanks to the muddy conditions); to the more heartfelt events like the annual baby remembrance service. The choir has raised money for various charities including hosting a 24 hour singathon for BABA (Birth And Baby Appeal) and recording a CD to raise money for the palliative care Butterfly Scheme.

Members meet once or twice a week at RCH or WCH for 30-minute sessions held at lunchtime with members simply dropping in when they can with no pressure if they are unable to come. The choir’s ethos is simple- come to have fun, to laugh, to smile, to form friendships and of course to sing! Members agree how being a part of the choir has helped their mental health, uplifting spirits and plays a vital role as a safe haven from the stresses of working in a hospital environment (aka ‘fun free therapy’). As choir gives members great pleasure, they in return have been able to spread this to those around them by singing to patients, staff and visitors. They are very proud of what they have achieved, are delighted to be part of the event and look forward to future adventures.