The Heath Singers originated from the Flackwell Heath Evening Women’s Institute music group led by the late Beryl Crunden.  Peggy Woolhouse, Tamsin’s grandmother, joined the group in January 1969 and quickly became its leader.  In Peggy’s words, “I rushed out and bought a music stand and my life was changed from then on! Our first public performance was in September 1969 and for this occasion the girls made themselves mini dresses in bright coral pink crimplene. We had been determined to get away from the usual black and white uniforms of choirs, but we hadn’t bargained for the sight of trembling knees!”

Tamsin grew up with the Heath Singers as a central part of family life. Peggy called her to the piano at a tender age to do some musicality tests (which she passed) and from then on has been a major inspiration in Tamsin’s life. Peggy at the tender age of 85 even introduced Tamsin to the Association of British Choral Directors at their annual conference in 2016. In particular, the position of the Heath Singers at the heart of their community and the way the choir has brought together ladies from a range of backgrounds and vintages, plus associated gentlemen and descendants, is also the objective of the Leigh Ladies Choir.

Another generation on and the pattern repeats…