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New Tuneless Choir in Maidstone strikes a chord with locals

15:00, 12 August 2016

A new group for people who lack the confidence or ability to sing has started in Maidstone.

The Tuneless Choir provides an inclusive, happy environment where the average Adele and not-so-mellifluous Mariah's can belt out classics without fear of embarrassment.

Choirmaster Sheena Wickenden started the group after hearing about the original choir in Nottingham.

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The Tuneless Choir sing their hearts out
The Tuneless Choir sing their hearts out

The mum of two said: "I saw something about it on the TV and I thought, what a great idea. The founder in Nottingham loves to sing but as a child was always told to be quiet as she was out of tune, so she set this up so everybody can sing.

"I absolutely love the community coming together."

Video: Maidstone's tuneless sensations get going

Kirsty Huntley, 33, joined after receiving a leaflet through the door. "I have always loved singing and wanted to join a choir bit I can't sing very well," she said.

The mum of four from East Farleigh enjoys the sense of freedom singing with the choir provides. Ms Huntley suffers from an autoimmune disease and the back condition spondylitis so the day out with her friends to singalong to the likes of the Beatles, Abba and Keane is something she looks forward to.

"We really make a day out of it - we go for dinner first and really enjoy it. It's been amazing emotionally because singing releases endorphins," she added.

Kirsty Huntley enjoys the evening with her mum and aunt
Kirsty Huntley enjoys the evening with her mum and aunt

Karen Crowder travels from Sheppey each week to sing. "It's been really good for meeting people and making friends. I sing absolutely everything and have been driving my husband mad so he is pleased!

"I have been looking for something like this for a long time."

Karen Crowder sings all day every day
Karen Crowder sings all day every day

At the moment the choir, which meets fortnightly at the United Reformed Church in Week Street, is content to bellow out their favourite hits in the hall but there may be some public performances at Christmas time.

Tickets are £10 and can be booked at www.tunelesschoir.com Anyone not able to book online can email maidstone@tunelesschoir.com or call Sheena on 07595 639145.

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