The Thames Head Singers are a Stroud based choir that have been around for nearly 40 years.

The group, which comprises of over 30 singers including local author Katie Fforde, is this year holding a Christmas Concert at St Laurence Church in Stroud.

The choir’s Chair Lucy Bruce has been a part of the group for over 20 years and describes why she thinks the group is so special.

She said: “It’s such a friendly, lovely group and we perform a huge variety of music, from pop songs to more religious hymns and everything in between!

“We do run auditions for new members because although we’re amateurs, we want to strive to be the best we can. We set very high standards for ourselves.”

A big part of the choir’s drive to constantly improve and put on brilliant performances is down to their Musical Director, Andrew Hopwood. As Lucy explains, Andrew’s experience and passion for music has a positive effect on the rest of the group.

She continued: “Andrew is a joy to work with! He’s always telling us funny stories of his times as an operatic performer and getting us to do fun and sometimes silly vocal exercises.

“We recently performed on All Saints Day with a local Minchinhampton choir, and he was so good with four young choristers, putting them at ease and bringing the best out of them and the rest of us.”

The Thames Head Singers perform a number of concerts throughout the year, and always like to finish in December with a festive performance.

This year’s Christmas Concert is on Saturday 22nd December, and Lucy reveals what the audience can expect to hear on the night.

She said: “It’s going to be a varied programme, with traditional favourites like ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks’, which the audience can join in with.

“We’ll also be doing more modern pieces including songs by a composer called Alexander L’Estrange, featuring a swing version of ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’ which will be interesting!

“We love doing these Christmas shows as they’re so fun for us and the audience. I’m still trying to decide if I’ll get everyone to wear a Christmas jumper or not!”

Despite all the work that comes with being the Chair, Lucy is adamant that her love of singing as part of a choir makes it worth it.

She added: “Singing is good for the soul. I think I’m lucky to be a part of this group, I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it!

“It’s always nice when we’re performing to look out into the audience and see former members there supporting us. I think that’s testament to the friendly nature of this group.”