About The Bluecoat Singers
The Bluecoat Singers’ motto is “we sing for friendship and fun”.
We have an active social calendar that runs in parallel with our regular rehearsals. Our members get together for theatre trips, barbecues, garden parties and regular coffee mornings. There’s always a tea break mid-rehearsal, with plenty of friendly chatter and we also hold regular “open nights” when we welcome potential new members in for a “try before you buy” singalong. So, if you’re looking to make friends, have fun and make beautiful music in the process, why not come along and give singing with us a try?
The History of The Bluecoat Singers
Named after our original rehearsal venue at The Bluecoat School in Aspley, Nottingham, the Bluecoat Singers have a history that goes back to the early ‘50s, starting out as the Bluecoat Gilbert & Sullivan Company, before branching out into a wide repertoire of music across several genres.
Over the years, we have performed in concerts across the county, supported a variety of local events and have taken part in both national and international competitions. We’ve even supported some famous names from the music world on their visits to the East Midlands!
How The Bluecoat Singers Is Run
Our organisation is managed by a small group of members elected to the committee.
We have a chairman, treasurer and secretary with other key functions picked up by different members of the committee. We put on two in-house shows annually, as well as a major Christmas concert. These shows help to fund the running costs of the choir as well as raise money for our nominated local charity of the year.
Our Musical Director
In February this year our new MD took up the reins after the retirement of the previous incumbent, Stephen Godward.
Simon Ackroyd is currently head of music at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy in Mansfield and director of music at St Mark’s church Windshill.
He was born in Eastwood, attended Clarendon college in Nottingham before going on to study music at the University of Huddersfield where he complimented his music degree with a teaching diploma in education.
He is an accomplished pianist and organist and has worked with several musical organisations in the East Midlands and Yorkshire. He has a particular affinity for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan but also enjoys modern musicals and is keen to build more contemporary music into the Bluecoat repertoire.
He regularly performs on TikTok and YouTube where he has gathered quite a following. He seems to have an inexhaustible supply of anecdotes and ‘stories’ and our rehearsals just fly by, always ending with smiles all round.
Our Accompanist
Helen Tooth plays the piano for us every week and sometimes takes the rehearsal in Stephen’s absence. She is passionate about the many benefits singing brings, particularly for patients suffering with dementia.
She runs regular Joyful Jukebox sessions, using music to unlock memories and bring ease to those suffering physical or emotional distress.
Joyful Jukebox took the top prize for Health & Well-being at the prestigious Celebrating Rushcliffe awards in 2023 and was joint runner-up in 2024.
