A SINGING group leader is fearful of harmonies falling flat if she is unable to up the number of performers.

Sing Out Loud meet for 10 weeks each term, at the Quaker Meeting House, in Church Street, Colchester.

The mixed ability group caters for male and female singers looking to try out a new hobby or venture back into it.

Karen Hughes, from Maldon, originally set up Sing Out Loud, in Chelmsford, in 2008, before moving to Colchester and doing the same in October 2014.

At one time the self-funded group booked regular performances across Essex, but a drop in numbers has restricted what Ms Hughes can now offer.

She said: "We’re still having to work really hard to maintain the numbers.

"When I first set up the Chelmsford group, I had 60 or 70 inquiries, of which about two dozen singers came along the first night.

"Many have continued to do so, for several years and I’m delighted to say we still have some of the initial singers in Sing Out Loud today, but we currently have vacancies for new people, particularly in Colchester."

Halstead Gazette:

The group have been invited to perform their funky medleys of folk and jazz through to contemporary pop, at several charity and fundraising events.

This summer they performed at the Leigh Folk Festival, a 50th Anniversary Fayre, in Marks Tey, and at the Cancer Research Race for Life, in Chelmsford.

She added: "Singing is so good for our physical and emotional health.

"One of our singers who has been with us since the very first evening, Jane Tuttlebury, says whatever is happening outside she leaves it behind, which is a wonderful way to look at it."

Newcomers are welcome every Monday for a free taster session between September 12 and October 10, and November 7 until December 5, from 7.15pm until 9.15pm.

For more information, visit www.sing-out-loud.co.uk or call Karen Hughes on 07853132633.