The Rock Choirs from Torquay, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth are absolutely delighted to be back together performing once again after a torrid two years which has limited their opportunities not only to rehearse but to fundraise for local charities .

Under the expert tutelage of inspirational Choir Leader Richard Toomer, the choir made a concerted effort to not lose touch with one another, rehearsing virtually via Zoom and through YouTube videos.

This allowed them to continue to learn and add songs to their vast repertoire.

Supporting local charities has always been a priority for the Rock Choir members, and they are so proud and excited to finally announce that they have now reached their target of £5,000 for Guide Dogs South West.

This has been the choir’s nominated charity throughout lockdown where they managed to still raise money by having online quiz nights and fancy dress ‘virtual’ big sings.

The Rock Choirs performed ‘live’ in all three of their towns in the lead-up to Christmas raising money whilst entertaining the shoppers and this has brought the total raised up to their target of £5000.

Choir leader Richard Toomer said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to have hit our target which means we can now name our own guide dog puppy as part of the ‘name a puppy scheme’ and help fund the early years of his or her training.

‘We will be associated with the puppy over the coming months and years and get regular ‘pup’ dates which we look forward to.’

The Choirs also sang outside Sainsbury’s at the Willows in Torquay last Friday as part of Comic Relief and Red Nose Day.

It was a beautiful sunny day and the ‘rockies’ were on top form as they raised more than £700 for Red Nose Day in just two hours.

To end a very busy but hugely rewarding term each choir will be showing their support for the people of Ukraine by wearing blue and yellow for their last rehearsal and raising vital funds by having a coffee and cake evening and of course a good sing!

Richard Toomer went on to say: ‘We cannot put into words how wonderful it is to be back singing together ‘live’.

‘We are still very aware of Covid and have put in many safety measures at rehearsals to keep each other safe and well.

‘As we enter the summer term at the end of April we are looking forward to a very busy time with many gigs all across South Devon including a very busy schedule over the Queen’s Patinum Jubilee weekend.

‘We still have space in all of our choirs and I would like to invite men in particular to come and give the rock choir a go to add that extra dynamic and quality to the sound.

‘The Rock Choir is an all-inclusive choir and we don’t ask anyone to audition or have any choir experience. You just need to have love of singing and a sense of fun and you will fit right in!’

You can book a free taster session for next term with us through our website www.rockchoir.com.’

For more information about the rock choir you can email Richard at [email protected]

To find out more about becoming a @Rockie’ Torquay Rock Choir Mondays @7.30pm

Plymouth Rock Choir Tuesdays @ 7.30pm

Newton Abbot Rock Choir Wednesday @7.30pm

Teignmouth Rock Choir Thursdays @ 7.30pm