SOCIAL distancing could have signalled the end for a Runcorn choir, but instead they turned it in their favour by going online.

Runcorn Community Choir founded partly thanks to a Halton Borough Council grant, which often performs for its care homes took its sessions online during the coronavirus pandemic.

The choir, which usually meets for weekly rehearsals and regularly performs in care homes, had ceased all activity.

Support was also received in the form of another grant from Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane allowing them to rehearse and record via an online platform and provide technical and emotional support.

The group will now be able to provide cd's, print music sheets to be posted and deliver online member's meetings to those in self-isolation.

Halton Borough Council's Executive Board Member for Health and Well-being Councillor Marie Wright said: "The choir will be known to many with its work in our care homes and charity performances.

"A large majority of the members are vulnerable due to age or health issues with many having to shield or self-isolate during the outbreak which had led to them feeling socially isolated.

"The choir will now be able to provide activities, offer technical assistance and enable members to meet safely online via Zoom meetings. Members will now be able to connect and start making music once more."

Chair of Runcorn Community Choir Kath Wurbacher added: “It seems likely that it will be some time before we are able to meet as normal for our rehearsals, so this money will help us to keep our choir together in a virtual way, supporting our choir members so that we can look forward to resuming our performances for the people of Runcorn and surrounding areas.”

PCC David Keane said it was great to see Runcorn Community Choir thinking of different ways to keep their sessions running and to support their members.

“Community groups like this provide a vital support network to many residents in Cheshire. The pandemic has resulted in people losing that support and becoming isolated physically and mentally."

Jason Ellis, Musical Director, is solely responsible for the virtual choir video.

You can watch the choir at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PTNGS5Vzgo&feature=youtube.