Once a month people gather in Dorset to sing songs from around the world, also raising money for WaterAid. Big Sing Dorset started in the tiny church of St Mary’s at Pilsdon Community, the only church in Dorset with straw bales for seats, and has become a big event with up to 160 people.
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Photo: Tony Jaques leading Big Sing Dorset © John Gurd

“We teach accessible songs without the need for sheet music,” said Gilo, founder of Big Sing Dorset. “The emphasis is on fun and a spirit of openness.” They have shared rousing gospel and Maori songs with Nick Prater, one of Britain’s best loved teachers who inspires groups to sing harmonies they never thought possible and had an unforgettable day of sacred chants from many world faiths.

“At Big Sing we try to encompass a wealth of traditions, not confining our-selves to any one particular spiritual expression,” explained Gilo. Many of the songs originate in Africa and other countries where water is scarce. Giving to WaterAid is a way of thanking the people from those traditions. It takes its inspiration from the wonderful vision of Helen Chadwick and others who lead Singing for Water in London. We support WaterAid because songs elsewhere in the world are quite literally drying up. So we express our solidarity with brothers and sisters who gave the world these songs by raising money for much needed water projects. Every drop counts. It only takes about £10 to give one person water for life.” Their efforts in six months have already raised £3,000.“We teach accessible songs without the need for sheet music,” said Gilo, founder of Big Sing Dorset. “The emphasis is on fun and a spirit of openness.” They have shared rousing gospel and Maori songs with Nick Prater, one of Britain’s best loved teachers who inspires groups to sing harmonies they never thought possible and had an unforgettable day of sacred chants from many world faiths.

“At Big Sing we try to encompass a wealth of traditions, not confining ourselves to any one particular spiritual expression,” explained Gilo. Many of the songs originate in Africa and other countries where water is scarce. Giving to WaterAid is a way of thanking the people from those traditions. It takes its inspiration from the wonderful vision of Helen Chadwick and others who lead Singing for Water in London. We support WaterAid because songs elsewhere in the world are quite literally drying up. So we express our solidarity with brothers and sisters who gave the world these songs by raising money for much needed water projects. Every drop counts. It only takes about £10 to give one person water for life.” Their efforts in six months have already raised £3,000.
Forthcoming Big Sings include gospel with Sarah Pennington in September, a day with Candy Verney and Tony Jaques aimed at encouraging parents to sing with their children in October. November will be an exciting event with Faith Watson and Jules Gibb who got 28,000 people singing at the Commonwealth Games.
FURTHER INFORMATION : Contact Rob, tel: 01308 488216