Singers inspired by Military Wives

That’s according to choir organiser Denis Walsh, who says the Military Wives effect has boosted numbers in his singing group.

The Singing for Fun choir hopes to reach 50 members by the end of the year and is encouraging hairbrush crooners, shower-time singers and dog-walking warblers to join the fun.

Denis said: “The lesson from the military wives is the same as our leaders have taught us from the word go – everyone can sing.

“So we say to everyone who would like to sing but perhaps has never dared to do so in public, come along and give it a go.

“We have an excellent leader in Anthony Davis, we’re a friendly and supportive bunch, you don’t need any previous training or experience, you don’t need to read music – and you’ll never be asked to sing solo. And it really is fun.”

Denis said the work of Malone, who first appeared on the small screen in reality series The Choir in 2007, had made people more enthusiastic about singing.

“Especially during the past year, with the astonishing success of the Military Wives and their moving performances of the song Wherever You Are,” he added.

The Military Wives, formed by Malone last year, took the Christmas number one spot with the song, which used extracts from letters between the wives and their spouses fighting overseas.

Inspired by their success, Singing For Fun has begun its autumn term with a record membership of 33 singers and have come a long way since forming five years ago.

“We could do with more men,” Denis said. “If there’s any bass singers around they would be particularly helpful!”

The group meets on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at St Mary’s Social Club, Melton Street, Batley. Admission is £2.50 per session.