Charity single to be released in memory of Jo Cox

A charity single will be released in memory of Jo Cox '“ and people from her constituency are being asked join to together for the recording.
Jo Cox.Jo Cox.
Jo Cox.

On the morning after the MP’s death, Batley Community Choir was invited to sing ‘The Rose’ on Channel 4’s The Last Leg programme, which was broadcast live from Batley Parish Church.

Committee member Karen Rayner said: “We got the request at 8.30am and couldn’t say no.

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“We wanted to honour Jo’s memory, and the reaction we’ve had from people all over the UK tells us we did just that.

“Some viewers suggested a charity version of the song, and so now we’re making it a reality.”

The single will raise cash for the Jo Cox Fund - which provides for a range of causes close to the MP’s heart.

And the choir are now putting out an appeal to members of the community to join them again in singing the final verse.

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A recording session will take place at Batley Town Hall on Sunday July 3, between 4pm-5.30pm.

The release was officially announced last Thursday when the choir performed at the #MoreInCommon memorial event in Batley Market Square to celebrate what would have been the Batley and Spen MP’s 42nd birthday.

Those who attended the packed event joined in with the song’s final verse after being asked by founder member Graeme Rayner.

The choir’s musical director, Gary Skyrme said: “The Rose is such a fitting song. Jo was our own Yorkshire Rose, we had those moving scenes from parliament and the song itself is about love and hope – Jo epitomised these values.

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“She supported our recent Summer Harmonies charity concert and we were planning for her to come and join us in a rehearsal in the next few weeks. “We have spoken with her sister, Kim, and her parents and they have given us their blessing to honour Jo’s memory in this way.”

Spaces for the recording session will be limited.

To find out more email the choir at [email protected].

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