It was with great sadness that we learned recently that one of our founder members Sylvia Turrell has decided to leave the Chorus on health grounds. Sylvia describes in her own words what being a member of Surrey Harmony has meant to her.

SINGING HAS KEPT ME YOUNG! I was one of the 14 people who were there the night Surrey Harmony was born. I had sung with Jenny in another group, and when she decided to form Surrey Harmony, I knew I wanted to join her. I’ve always been a singer since I was a child – that’s a long time as I’m 73 now. But I have always loved it.

Before I became a Barbershopper I sang in what you might call traditional choral groups. I can remember standing there, wearing black and white, with the music in my hands. I wonder if anyone realised I couldn’t read a note of music and was doing it all by ear?

That’s what is so great about Surrey Harmony – you don’t need to be able to read music as there is such a wonderful tape teaching programme. I have all five gold medals that Surrey Harmony has won at the U.K. competitions for Sweet Adelines. I have also been fortunate to travel to the World Championships on four occasions – visiting New Orleans, Portland, Nashville and Phoenix. It’s been a wonderful hobby, and the best thing has been the friends I have made over the years.

It’s such a friendly chorus and always there is someone to help if you have a problem. It’s been a big part of my life.

There is always new repertoire and choreography to learn and I think it helps to keep your brain active. Singing definitely keeps you young! I don’t know what I shall do now on a Wednesday night.

My husband Roy and I agreed long ago that it would be a regular night out for both of us. Now I will be at home on my own. I am looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren Jack who is 8, and twins Maisie and Tom who are nearly four. A friend is always asking me to join the W.I. so now I might have time for that as well! It’s on the advise of the Doctor that I am giving up my singing, but I shall miss it a lot.

I shall be a member of F.I.S.H. (Friend Involved with Surrey Harmony) and I shall be at concerts as well as following the Chorus as it achieves more success. I was once in a quartet called “Good Fortune”. Well I consider it my good fortune to have had such a wonderful hobby in such a great Chorus for the past 17 years.