Batley Community Choir came about in 2014 after a conversation about forming a potential new social group in Batley. Lots of ideas were put forward so, instead of a choir, we may have been a book club or crochet group!

Our founder Musical Director, Gary Skyrme, offered to take on the challenge, and with a small group of helpers preparations began to start the choir.

Initial funding of £300 came from three local churches – All Saints Batley (Batley Parish Church), St. Thomas's Batley, and St Paul's Hanging Heaton – as the choir's formation coincided with an initiative within the churches to support a local community group. The choir remains very grateful for that initial 'leg-up' and we remain committed to the values of inclusivity and community.

The choir's first rehearsal was on September 22nd 2014 with our first public performance that Christmas where we sang at the Batley Parish Christmas fair.

In September 2015 we performed our first staged event when we sang at the Batley Festival. We have since performed at the Batley Festival every year it has taken place.

2016 was a pivotal year for the choir. We booked Batley Town Hall for our first promoted concert in July and preparations were well advanced when Batley – and indeed the whole country – was rocked by the murder of our MP, Jo Cox. The day after that horrendous event, Gary was phoned at work by Channel 4. The Last Leg wanted a local choir to close their late night programme that night. Channel 4 sent a film crew to Batley, we corralled the choir together and we did indeed sing live on Channel 4 at 11pm. The song we chose was The Rose. The response to our singing was humbling and you can read more about how the choir and community joined together here.

We have always been keen to collaborate on other projects to give our members the opportunities to try different things. We have taken part in a number of events organised by Creative Scene Batley Business Association. These projects have included a folk project at Cleckheaton Town Hall, two 'Batley Does Opera' events and a Christmas production of 'O Little Town of Batleyhem'. In addition, we sing regularly at the Batley Christmas lights switch-on and the annual 'Run for Jo' at Oakwell Hall.

Since our formation, we have raised £6273.56 (and counting!) for local charities. Our ethos is that everyone made to feel welcome, regardless of ability, confidence or experience – an enjoyment of singing is the only entry requirement. We are proud that our choir has become a community in its own right, with a real sense of belonging and camaraderie. We enter our 10th anniversary year with lots of exciting projects in the pipeline. Why not be part of them?