Thursday, 1 July 2004

Feeling like there’s something missing? Need a creative endeavour?
Want to join like-minded women in companionship and song?
Then join the new Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir.
When: Every Thursday evening, starting 6:30 pm.
Where: O’Sullivan’s Surgery – front rooms.
Who: All women. Any age. Any ability. All welcome.
Can’t sing? That’s perfectly fine. We’ll teach you.
We’re about connection, not chords.
Light refreshments provided.

Maggie O’Sullivan stood in the foyer of the grand old house, clutching the flyers. They were printed on pink paper, with a border of treble clefs and crotchets that she’d hand-drawn. She clung to the hope that plastering the flyers all around town would mean a good turnout. Her sister, Eleanor, stepped up beside her and wrapped her arm around Maggie’s shoulder. ‘This is a good idea, Maggie. Really. But don’t be upset if we don’t get a huge amount of interest. A choir isn’t for everyone. You know that.’

Maggie did know that but wouldn’t be perturbed. ‘You heard the murmurs in the surgery when we put these out,’ she said. ‘People are keen.’

Eleanor smiled. ‘Are you sure they weren’t just being polite to the only doctor in town?’

That was possible, and it wasn’t as if Maggie and Eleanor had been back in Lyrebird Lake long enough yet to stitch themselves into the fabric of the place. But Maggie was certain there were women, just like her, who wanted to build connections. And, really, who didn’t love a choir? Or at least to sing, even if only in the shower. And if their choir could create the right atmosphere, then maybe the shower singers would feel comfortable enough to emerge from their bathrooms and join them. She knew people would come. She just had to provide them the opportunity…

Continue reading the extract here…

Buy a copy of The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir here.