Below are answers to questions we are most frequently asked, so whether you are considering joining us or just being nosey, here's some info about The Swindon Scratch Choir.

Cost   - of a session.

Diary   - our forthcoming meetings and events.

Equipment   - to bring to meetings.

Facilities   - about where we meet.

Find    - directions to our meeting venues.

Leaders   - a bit about our leaders.

Mailing Lists   - keeping you informed

Membership   - can I join?

Performing   - to an audience.

Repertoire   - songs we sing.

Times   - of our meetings.

How much does it cost to attend?
Monday evening Scratch Choir meetings - £6 for waged or £5 for concessions.
The Afternoon singing sessions - £3.50.


Equipment
Word sheets are provided, which you may keep.  Nothing else is needed - just you!


Facilities
Lower Shaw Farm:  Directions
We may use the adjoining kitchen for making tea/coffee etc.
There is a very small car park, but plenty more parking in Old Shaw Lane
There is plenty of space for parking bicycles.
This venue is accessible for wheelchair users.
There are toilet facilities.
There is no public phone-box at the farm.

The Pilgrim Centre:  Directions
We meet on the first floor - there is stairs and a lift.
There are toilet facilities, including disabled.
The venue is accessible for wheelchair users.
There are public phones near-by.
There are some free street parking places in the roads surrounding the Centre after 6pm.  Car parks are also available at the cost of 90p for up to two hours and £1.80 for over two hours.  The nearest car parks are Morley Street (McIlroys), the College and the Wyvern.

Please note  The Pilgrim Centre's doors are locked at 7.40pm.  If you know you are going to be late, please let us know and we will make other arrangements for you.  There is a buzzer to the left of the doors but be aware that when we are singing we cannot hear it, so please try a number of times not just once.  Someone will check the door around 8pm.  You can text 07990 638308 and ask for someone to let you in.


Mailing Lists
We have three mailing lists to help keep you informed:

All Scratch Choirs Members - Scratch Choir and the Afternooners
Members on these lists are sent details and dates of meetings, news, workshops and events via email or post.

Singing Workshops
Scratch periodically organise singing workshops which are open to non-members.  People on this list are not on any of the Scratch mailing lists, but would like to be sent details of forthcoming workshops.

If you would like to be added to any of our mailing lists please send an email - see the Contact Us page.


Membership
Being a Community Choir, Scratch welcomes everyone.  No previous singing experience or ability to read music is necessary.

We have two choirs - Scratch Choir and the Afternoon singing group.

Scratch Choir meet at the Pilgrim Centre (in the town centre).  Please come along to any Scratch Choir meeting, but check the venue and dates on the Diary page first.

The Afternoon singing sessions normally meet each week during term time and anyone is welcome to drop in, but please check the Diary page for dates of meetings.

There is no need to inform us should you be unable to attend a session and we'll look forward to seeing you next time.


Past Performances
Although we do sometimes perform there is no pressure on members to do so.

Scratch Choir have become familiar faces at the Dawn Chorus event of the Swindon Literature Festival which begins at approx. 5.30 a.m. (yes a.m.!) in May each year.  We have also contributed vocally to the Forest Festival, the Willow Theatre at Roves Farm (Sevenhampton), Lower Shaw Farm Christmas Carol evenings, Brunel 200 Celebrations (in the Wyvern Theatre and Brunel Centre), Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations, the County Ground Sports Track (for Breast Cancer research), the Swindon Old Town Festival, TWIGS and many Swindon Literature Festival events and have performed at the Swindon Arts Centre.  During the 200 year anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade we sang Amazing Grace, live, on BBC Radio Wiltshire.

See photographs of us performing in our   Photo Gallery


Repertoire
Scratch Choir enjoys singing a variety of music styles and our leaders are open to requests.  As an example of our repertoire, take a look at our  songs index.


Times of Meetings
Scratch Choir - 7.30pm to 9.30pm - arrive from 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.
Afternooners - 3.00pm to 4.30pm.

Please check the Diary page for dates of all meetings