Valerie Hassall – Rock Choir Warrington
Valerie had been following Rock Choir for several years before it finally arrived in the North West. Having seen and heard about it through TV and radio, she had been waiting for the moment it would reach her area.
That moment came over sixteen years ago, on what she remembers as a dull Thursday morning, when she walked nervously into The Masonic Hall in Warrington.
“ROCK CHOIR HAD FINALLY LANDED!”
There were just four people in the room, including Choir Leader Kathryn Davies. It was a quiet start, but a warm one. Valerie remembers how they were welcomed and how they began singing together for the first time.
“We timidly sang ‘Oh Happy Day’.”
She soon realised she had missed the session the evening before, which had been busier, but it did not matter. From that moment on, she was part of it.
“And that was that!”
Valerie joined the Wednesday evening choir, beginning a journey that would go on to shape future years of her life.
From four voices to unforgettable experiences
What started with just a handful of people in a room quickly grew into something much bigger.
Over the years, Valerie has taken part in a wide range of performances and events, each one adding to her experience with Rock Choir Warrington and the wider choirs across Cheshire.
She has sung at Wembley, performed in Hyde Park, recorded at Abbey Road, taken part in the Edinburgh Festival, visited Blackpool, supported BBC Children in Need and even reached the top of Snowdon.
Among all of those moments, one stands out in particular.
“Outstanding one for me was Abbey Road, walking in the Beatles footsteps!”
Alongside the larger events, there have been countless local performances too. Fundraisers, charity events, care homes and hospitals have all played a part, along with the more spontaneous moments.
“Not to mention street corners and bus stops in the rain!”
Friendships beyond rehearsals
For Valerie, the experience has never just been about the performances. The friendships she has made along the way have become an important part of her life.
She describes the people she has met through Rock Choir as lifelong friends, and those connections extend well beyond rehearsals.
They spend time together outside of choir too, enjoying theatre trips and outings, building friendships that have grown stronger over the years.
A constant source of support
Rock Choir has also been there for Valerie during more challenging times.
She shares that it has supported her through difficult family health issues and continues to be a source of comfort and positivity.
Choir has given her not only enjoyment, but also something to focus on, a positive mental challenge that she continues to value.
At the heart of her experience is Choir Leader Kathryn Davies, who she describes as a constant inspiration.
“Our brilliant leader, Kathryn is a constant inspiration and she pushes to be our best.”
“I cannot imagine not having choir in my life”
Looking back over sixteen plus years, Valerie reflects on just how much Rock Choir has become part of her life.
From that first nervous step into a rehearsal room in Warrington to the many stages and experiences that followed, it has been a journey filled with music, friendship and opportunity.
And for Valerie, it all comes down to a simple but heartfelt message.
“Thank you for Rock Choir!”
