MELKSHAM’S community choir, Macapello, is determined to keep on singing despite last minute changes to Covid restrictions scuppering their plans to meet in person.
Following the relaxation of Covid restrictions, government guidelines stated that singers could get together to sing again from 17th May, and most groups put arrangements in place to facilitate that.
But just hours before the restart, the government made a u-turn and choirs were told they could only have sessions of six people meeting indoors and 30 outdoors – meaning most choirs would have to remain closed to personal meetings and rehearsals.
Macapello has said that whilst they were shocked by the announcement, they will continue to meet online, patiently waiting for the day they can fully reunite in person.
On behalf of the choir, Dave King told Melksham News, “We in Macapello agree that it was quite a shock that there was a sudden announcement regarding community singing, which went against what we had been led to expect, and which obviously dashed the expectant hopes of thousands of singers up and down the country.
“Despite this, the majority of Macapello’s members are agreed that we should put health and safety before all else. We have been meeting weekly on Zoom since last March, which the majority of the choir are happy with, so we are continuing with that, and holding the odd outdoor social event.
“Everyone is longing for the moment when we can finally sing safely together again!”
