Wendy Perring – Rock Choir Newton Abbot
Wendy had seen Rock Choir advertised many times over the years, but for one reason or another, the timing had never felt quite right.
Everything changed after the loss of her husband, Nick, in 2022.
After suddenly becoming seriously ill with encephalitis, he spent two weeks in intensive care before passing away. Wendy, who worked as a nurse, stayed by his side throughout, holding onto hope that he would recover.
In the months that followed, life felt completely different.
“A few weeks later I came up with the idea of 60 challenges.”
Approaching her 60th birthday the following year, Wendy decided she wanted to do things that pushed her outside her comfort zone and helped her reconnect with life again.
Joining Rock Choir in Newton Abbot became the second challenge on her list.
Walking into something new
When Wendy arrived at her first rehearsal in January 2023, she had no idea what to expect.
“I didn’t even know what section to sit in.”
But from the beginning, she found herself surrounded by warmth and kindness.
“Everyone was so friendly.”
That first evening in Newton Abbot introduced her to people who would become an important part of her life moving forward.
Friendships that made a difference
Over time, those weekly rehearsals became far more than singing sessions.
“That day I met some incredible people and we will have friendship forever.”
Even after moving 50 miles away, Wendy still travels back to attend rehearsals each Wednesday evening because of what the choir means to her.
She describes getting so much from those evenings, not just musically, but emotionally too.
Music that carries emotion
Some songs have become deeply personal.
“One day we sang ‘A Thousand Years’… omg I was in floods of tears.”
The song brought back powerful emotions connected to her husband and everything she had experienced.
“Everyone was there for me holding my hand, a hug or just a hand on my back.”
That support during difficult moments reminded Wendy she was not alone.
“It’s still a hard song to sing but I do try, usually with tears running down my face.”
Performances and unforgettable experiences
Alongside the emotional support she found through Rock Choir, Wendy has also created many positive memories.
Her first performance at the Torbay Air Show was a turning point.
“My 1st gig at Torbay Air Show, I knew I had done the right thing.”
She has since gone on to experience performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Rock Choir LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham, creating moments she never imagined she would be part of.
Finding strength through singing
For Wendy, Rock Choir became part of rebuilding life after loss.
From rehearsals in Newton Abbot to performances further afield, she found friendship, encouragement and people who stood beside her through difficult moments.
What began as one item on a list of personal challenges became something far more meaningful — a place where she could sing, connect and slowly begin to heal.
