Choir champions
IF there is any justice, Gareth Malone’s choir of military wives will top the charts this Christmas rather than the latest X-Factor winner or any other manufactured product of reality television. It would, again, demonstrate the public’s enduring admiration for the military – and those service personnel who will be separated from their families over the festive period.
However, the original WAGS Choir was set up at Catterick Garrison last year by Nicky Clarke and Caroline Jopp as a means of bringing together the wives and girlfriends of soldiers serving in Afghanistan with the 4th Mechanised Brigade. They could not be further removed from their namesakes who have brought so much infamy to football – the group’s musical talents have inspired community choirs across North Yorkshire.
Yet, while the public’s respect for serving members of the Armed Forces is inspiring, the sacrifices and heartache endured by their families and loved ones should also recognised. The Yorkshire Post’s Christmas appeal, in aid of the of ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity, intends to do this. Please continue to give generously.