Some members may remember the song 'Little things mean a lot' originally released in 1954 (I was only five at the time). The words talk of sending a smile across a room, touching hair as you pass the chair, and other things in a romantic context meant to send young (and old) hearts aflutter.
During Lent many of us decided that, instead of giving something up such as chocolate or alcohol, we would do something positive. We followed a 'little acts of kindness' calendar and gave people a smile, paid them a compliment, wrote them a letter, gave them a hug (no more of that now) or looked after our own health and wellbeing. The phrase 'little things mean a lot' took on a different meaning.
Now, in the situation we find ourselves, the phrase really, really, comes into its own. For those living on their own or in enforced isolation little things really do mean a lot. Communities have come together, doing shopping, collecting medications, telephoning each other and helping neighbours in any way they can. Our congregations are, even more than ever, supporting each other and communicating with all members. Basically, the human race is made up of social beings and the closure of all clubs, societies, groups, gatherings and church activities has robbed many of their life line. It has also changed the way others work, relying much more on technology, fitting home schooling into their day and making life more hectic in some ways. People can be together remotely but not physically.
Most of you will have heard of The Moravian Singers or Yorkshire District Choir, a group of Moravians and friends made up from the six Moravian Congregations in Yorkshire (and two from Lancashire). The choir started many years ago with Hugh Brooke and Harold Jones being two of the early Musical Directors. Following Br Jones, the baton was passed to Sr Maureen Colbert, who held the position for 20 years. When Sr Maureen went to help with teaching in South Asia, Br Simon Dunn became the Musical Director. He continued to lead the choir until 2019 when he moved to Middlesex. Last year the Musical Directorship became a joint position between Br Glyn Jones and myself, Sr Diane Thornton.
Br Jones led us through rehearsals up to Advent Sunday 2019 when we enjoyed singing and performing a selection of songs, Advent hymns and Christmas Carols. I took over in January and began preparing for our next service/concert at the beginning of April.
Under normal circumstances the choir would have led a reflective service at 6pm on Palm Sunday but we were stopped in our tracks, for obvious reasons, with only three rehearsals to go!!
After missing only one rehearsal I had the simple idea of focusing on one of our songs/hymns each week and singing at home, on our own, on Thursdays at 7.30pm when we would have normally come together in the Boys Brigade Building at Fulneck. Not exactly high tech like Gareth Malone's virtual choir, Brighouse and Rastrick's on line concert, Alfie Boe singing from Les Miserable or the many other choirs and orchestras that have appeared on social media, but aimed at bringing us together in spirit if not in body. To begin with I found this quite emotional but now it has slotted well into my weekly routine. Some members find it difficult to sing in isolation so they just listen to the relevant music on YouTube or maybe merely think about their friends in the choir and how they are coping in these unprecedented times. This keeps us together as a group until we are released from this enforced imprisonment! It is a little thing but means a lot to those involved. If you would like to join in with us please get in touch with a choir member, find out what we are singing and sing along in your own home. It may help you to feel connected with your Brothers and Sisters throughout the Province.
As I write this, we do not know how long it will be before the choir can meet again in body but I truly hope that by September we can once more sing under the leadership of Br Jones and prepare for our service on Advent Sunday 2020. What a wonderful service that will be!!
Moravians are known for singing in times of trouble, so to everyone - keep smiling - keep safe and keep singing.
Sr Diane Thornton
Lower Wyke
