# Derby Hospitals Choir

> Reg.Charity 1204902. Raising Money For Local Health-Related Charities


## Posts

- [Spring Newsletter 2026](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2026/03/22/spring-newsletter-2026/): Click here to read our newsletter with the dates for 2026 and the notice of the AGM.
- [2025 Concert Raises £3500!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2026/01/15/2025-concert-success/): We are delighted to announce that you helped us raise £3500 at our December 2025 Concert. £3000 is going to our local Hospital’s Cancer Care and £500 to Derbyshire Air Ambulance. You can also hear how we sounded in the following tracks, including our wonderful harpist, Darcy Partington, and our guitarist, Joseph Attenborough…
- [Summer Newsletter](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2025/07/24/summer-newsletter-2/): Click here to read our newsletter, and see how to apply to sing in the December 2025 Concert.
- [Spring Newsletter](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2025/07/05/spring-newsletter/): Here is a copy of our Spring Newsletter with the dates and details of our coming season. Look out for the Summer Newsletter which comes out in late July with more details about joining us for rehearsals.
- [2025 AGM](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2025/04/02/2025-agm/): The AGM will be held on Wednesday 23 April, 2025 at St. John’s Methodist Church, Allestree. A social with coffee & biscuits will start at 7.00, followed by the meeting at 7.30.
- [£4000 Raised!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2025/04/01/4000-raised/): At our December 2024 concert you we raised an amazing £4000! This is even more than the £3500 we raised in 2023. The 2024 Beneficiaries for this money are the Same Day Urgent Care Centre and The Children’s Hospital.
- [2024 Concert Success](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2025/01/13/2024-concert-success/): The annual fundraising concert, held once again at St. Alkmund’s Church, was another great success. Attended by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Derby (Ged Potter) and with almost 300 tickets sold, the 60-strong choir sang a selection of popular Christmas and non-Christmas music accompanied by Kevin Smith on Piano and Stephen Dickinson on Percussion. Richard Moulder compered the programme with panache, and Jill Matthews told us about the selected beneficiaries. Watch this space for an announcement of how much we raised. In the meantime, you can listen to what we sang…
- [Derby Hospitals Choir Helps Happiness!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2024/10/08/derby-hospitals-choir-helps-happiness/): Earlier this year we donated £3000 to “The Happiness Project” at The King’s Lodge neurological rehabilitation unit.  The Happiness Project uses an interactive projection system to help cognitive behavioural recovery, encouraging coordination, mental and physical exercise and social activity in a fun way – making recovery a more positive and enjoyable experience.  The photograph shows Allanah and Jen demonstrating one of the many activities – a leaf-sweeping game – to three of our members, Joy, Kath & David, watched by Jill Matthews, Chief Officer of Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.  Jill said “The money raised by the choir  for this […]
- [Summer Newsletter - Join us for the 2024 Christmas Concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2024/07/21/summer-newsletter-join-us-for-the-2024-christmas-concert/): Click here to read the newsletter in pdf form – it contains the joining instructions for the coming autumn term… or click here for Word format (easier to edit)
- [Newsletter - Spring 2024](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2024/02/13/newsletter-spring-2024/): Click here to see our newsletter...
- [£3,500 Raised at 2023 Concert!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2024/01/16/3500-raised-at-concert/): Following our concert in December 2023, we have been able to donate £3000 to King’s Lodge Neurological Rehabilitation Unit (in the Florence Nightingale Hospital) and £500 to Art in Hospital at the Derby and Burton Hospitals Trust. The £3000 will be used to fund The Happiness Project – providing software that facilitates customised treatments for patients at King’s Lodge. This is a great result and the committee would like to thank everyone who supported the concert, and of course our members who put in all that singing practice! You can listen to how we sounded by clicking on the links […]
- [2024!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2024/01/04/2024/): A Happy New Year and big thank you to all those who helped put on another great concert. With around 60 in the choir and 250 in the audience, St. Alkmund’s was almost full but still comfortable. The committee will be meeting soon to review how much we can give to our selected beneficiaries (King’s Lodge Neurological Rehabilitation & Art in Hospital) and I will let you know the result here before the end of January. I have heard many positive comments from the audience about the concert, and choir members can be pleased with how well it went. We […]
- [Summer Newsletter 2023](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2023/05/25/summer-newsletter/): Read our latest newsletter, giving you details on how to apply to sing this coming Autumn… Click here to open the newsletter
- [£1000 Presentation at AGM](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2023/05/11/1000-presentation-at-agm/): At this year’s AGM, the Hospital Choir presented Jill Matthews (Chief Officer of Derby & Burton Hospital Charity) with a cheque for £1000 for the Diabetes and Endocrinology Department, raised at the 2022 Christmas Concert. The AGM was held at St. Alkmund’s Church on Kedleston Road – the venue for our next Christmas Concert.
- [Spring Newsletter 2023](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2023/03/23/spring-newsletter-2023/): Our Spring Newsletter gives you details of the proceeds of the last concert and of our coming AGM…
- [Successful concert after 3 year gap!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2023/01/12/successful-concert-after-3-year-gap/): The choir restarted with great enthusiasm after a three year Coivd gap. The concert, held in St. John’s Methodist Church, Allestree, on 9-December-2022 sold out with a full house of around 150 in the audience and nearly 50 in the choir. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, I am pleased to announce that the concert has raised £1000 for the hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrinology department! As part of restarting we also recently donated £2400 to Air Ambulance and £2400 to Derbyshire Blood Bikes – so a total of £5800 to good causes. We have now retrieved our music from […]
- [Concert Date!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2022/10/14/concert-date/): 9-December 2022 – see the Events page…
- [2022 Concert and Rehearsals](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2022/09/17/2022-concert-and-rehearsals/): We are excited to tell you that rehearsals will be starting again on 28-September, for a concert in early December. See our September newsletter for full details!!
- [2022 Rehearsals](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2022/09/15/2022-rehearsals/): The committee is looking to restart rehearsals this term on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm as usual. As soon as we have a venue booked and the music sorted, we will let you know. Following a 3-year gap the choir will be smaller to start with, and we have less time to rehearse. Accordingly, we are looking to perform a relatively simple concert in early December, raising money for a beneficiary yet to be agreed. I know everyone is looking forward to singing together again.
- [2022 COMMITTEE](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2022/09/15/2022-agm-committee/): Following the AGM held on 7-September-2022 the committee now comprises: Chairman – David HenshawSecretary – Kath CawdellTreasurer – Shirley SearsonCommittee – Kathy GreigCommittee – Michael WilcocksonCommittee – Joy WalshCommittee – Anne Mellors The full minutes are available here. We may co-opt others on to the committee as we know that some who wish to help were unable to attend the AGM. A big thank you to all those who have served on the committee during lockdown, and a special thanks to Louise Hill who worked tirelessly as chairman and led the choir through 5 concerts raising approximately £50000 during her […]
- [September 2021 Update](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2021/09/04/september-2021-update/): Many of you have expressed a wish to continue singing as soon as possible and you will be wondering what is happening. It is unlikely that there will be any concert in 2021. The committee is making progress on finding a suitable venue, as we are unlikely to be large enough to fill the Cathedral post-Covid. The rehearsal night will probably change to a Friday evening, and we may perform a mid-year concert as well as a Christmas Concert in 2022. We will update you further when the dates and venue are finalised.
- [2020 AGM](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2020/09/01/2020-agm/): 1-Sept update: There will be an AGM on 23rd September 2020, attended by committee members only, to tie up 2019 business.  If you wish for something to be considered, you can give input to a committee member beforehand, though this meeting will of necessity be confined to essentials.
- [COVID-19](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2020/03/27/covid-19/): Due to the risks to our choir and committee members the committee have taken the necessary decision to suspend all activity this year. There will be no AGM, no Florence Nightingale Service and no Christmas Concert in 2020. The normal series of events should resume in 2021 and our next Christmas Concert will be on 3-December-2021. Those of you on our mailing list will be notified of any news. or you can check on our website. To join our mailing list see the Contact-Us page.
- [2020 Newsletter and £10000 donation](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2020/01/12/2020-newsletter-and-10000-donation-2/): Following the efforts of everyone who sold or bought concert tickets and prizedraw tickets, and those that gave so generously, we are proud to announce that we will be presenting a magnificent £10000 to The Combined Cancer Unit at this year’s AGM. You can read more about this and other matters in the 2020 Newsletter, which also contains details of the AGM & Supper on 3rd April, and of the 200th Anniversary Florence Nightingale Service on 14th May. You will need to read and reply to the newsletter if you wish to attend the AGM and/or supper, or sing at […]
- [New Vein Mapper](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2020/01/12/new-vein-mapper/): A presentation of £2500 from the Choir to the Heart Failure Services for a new Vein Mapper took place in November. Well done all!
- [2019 Concert Choir Sounds](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2019/12/09/2019-concert-choir-sounds/): What a fantastic Concert! Choir, Band and Saxophonist! Last year’s guests, The Derby Youth Band conducted by Tom Jones, returned and were as great as ever with foot-tapping numbers such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and the gentler Mid-Winter. I particularly enjoyed Tom’s own lively arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. I have to say that the special guest Alistair Parnell, with his various saxophones – including the amazing “aerophone”, was fabulous. He thrilled us with the atmospheric Gabriel’s Oboe, the aerophone violin sound of Schindler’s List and the rousing Santa Claus is Coming to Town; he received a […]
- [2019 Concert - Poster](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2019/10/16/2019-concert-poster/)
- [2019 Newsletter & Application Form](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2019/07/19/2019-newsletter-application-form/): The summer newsletter and applications forms are now available on the Members page. Summer newsletter 2019 Singing Application form
- [Record Year!!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2019/04/06/record-year/): Following our 2018 concert, we held the AGM, Dinner and Donation Presentations on 5-April-2019. We presented a cheques for: £10,650 to the Trauma and Orthopaedic Unit, £2,500 to the Heart Failure Unit, and £550 to the Derby Music Centre (to support the Youth Bands who played in our concerts) totalling a record for the year of: £13,700 Donated – all due to your generosity and support, with a special thanks to the Rotary Club. This year’s charity will be Cancer Services.
- [2018 Concert - Sound Excerpts](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2019/01/15/2018-concert-sound-excerpts/): Enjoy the marvellous sounds of the Derby Hospitals Choir in these excerpts from their most recent concert! All Things bright and BeautifulBless This HouseStill Still StillAngel’s CarolHallelujahHebrew Slaves ChorusEaster HymnI know him so wellAnthemOnly RememberedBethlehemI’ll be home for ChristmasSanta Claus is coming to townO Holy Night
- [2017 Concert - Sound Excerpts](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2018/07/22/2017-concert-sound-excerpts/): Enjoy the marvellous sounds of the Derby Hospitals Choir in these excerpts from their most recent concert! Cantique de Jean Racine The Lord Bless You Sweet Little Manger Child Panis Angelicus Do you hear what I hear Mary Poppins Medley Seal Lullaby Saviours Day Silver Bells White Christmas From a Distance Sleigh Ride
- [Derby Hospitals' Choir in a Flashmob!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2018/02/25/derby-hospitals-choir-in-a-flashmob/): Derby Hospitals Choir got together with the professional musicians that work with the hospital to carry out a Christmas “Flashmob” in the Royal Derby Hospital foyer just before Christmas. The Audio Visual department just happened to have camera there to capture it all … click on this link.
- [Tandem Buggies Arrive!!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2017/08/25/tandem-buggies-arrive/): The two Tandem Buggies purchased by Derby Hospitals Choir and the Derby Hospital Volunteers were presented on 24-August… – and don’t they look great!  They will be operated by the Derby Hospital Volunteers.  (PS: No Traffic Accidents were reported during the presentation.)
- [2017 Summer Newsletter](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2017/06/03/2017-summer-newsletter/): Click here for the Summer Newsletter 2017
- [2016 Concert - Sound Excerpts](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2017/01/07/2016-concert-sound-excerpts/): Stop Press: Read the Chairman’s 2017 Newsletter online (with details of this year’s events and entry forms):- Click here for Newsletter Enjoy the marvellous sounds of the Derby Hospitals Choir in these excerpts from their most recent concert! Click here to listen to a medley of 20-second highlights or listen to each piece in full:- Rejoice the Lord is King Clare Benediction I Believe Stop the Cavalry And I Love Her Birthday (Beatles) African Crib Carol Tango Carol Mary had a Baby The Little Road to Bethlehem Oh Happy Day Hushabye Mountain All is Well Let it Snow
- [Long Service Awards](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/10/07/long-service-awards/): At the Strawberry Tea, awards were given to two members for Long Service to Derby Hospitals Choir.  Here are Sue Worrall and Allan Hough holding their certificates (and looking at a very amusing photographer?).
- [A Close Shave!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/10/07/a-close-shave/): Henry Danson decided to raise money for hospital related charities by shaving his head!  Here he (before shaving) with a fantastic £350 raised.  Derby Hospitals Choir was honoured to be one of the three selected charities.  The picture shows Henry (centre) and our Chairman Louise on his right as one of the recipients.
- [The 2016 Charity - Hospital Tandem Buggy](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/10/07/the-2016-charity-hospital-scooter/): This year we are raising money for a Hospital tandem Buggy! You may have seen the electric buggies that ferry the less mobile around the hospital operated by the Friends of Derby Hospital, but these are restricted in where they can go because of their size. it is now possible to buy a two seat narrow electric vehicle that can ferry one person (plus driver) to many more locations in the hospital, for outpatients or less mobile visitors. Jackie Marriott is  shown giving us a talk about the “Tandem Buggies”. Here is a photo of the much loved, late Charles Green, […]
- [2016 Newsletter](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/06/19/2016-newsletter/): Click here to see the 2016 Newsletter… Information about the Strawberry Tea, the 2016 Christmas Concert and the Autumn Rehearsal Schedule.
- [Florence Nightingale Memorial Service - 2016](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/05/14/florence-nightingale-memorial-service-2016/): … went well as always, with more sunshine that forecast! This year 50 of us returned to Derby Cathedral, with several hundred dignitaries, nurses and friends, to remember the Lady with the Lamp, and the plaque dedicated to her on the North Wall. The retro-choir is a lovely place to sing and this year we were accompanied by the recently appointed Cathedral organist – Hugh Morris. Click on these links to hear us sing… Praise to the Lord (Descant) Rejoice the Lord is king O For a Thousand Tongues I Believe Clare Benediction Thine be the Glory (Descant)
- [2015 Concert - Sound Excerpts](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/05/08/2015-concert-sound-excerpts/): Click here to hear a highlights medley (20 seconds from each piece) or click on the following links to hear how the choir sounded in Derby Cathedral on 4-December, 2015… With a Voice of Singing Go tell it on the mountain Gaudete Let it be To make you feel my love Mary’s Boy Child Candlelight Carol Les Miserables I am on the Battlefield Dry Bones Noel / Pachelbel It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas The Earthly Choir Rudolph
- [£7400 to 4 Good Causes!](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/03/23/7400-to-4-good-causes/): On the 11-March Derby Hospitals Choir presented cheques to not one but FOUR good causes!! The main presentation was a cheque for £6500 raised from the December-2015 Cathedral concert to SANDS, the selected charity.    Following the successful repeat concert at Broadway Baptist Church, three cheques were also presented from money raised in the Broadway concert: £300 to Umbrella (the selected charity), £300 to the Derby Hospitals Band (who played at that concert) and £300 to Broadway Baptist Church (who host all the choir’s rehearsals). The presentations were made in Broadway Baptist Church by Louise Hill after a well attended AGM […]
- [Chairman's Newsletter - February 2016](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2016/02/01/chairmans-newsletter-february-2016/): Click here to read the Chairman’s Newsletter February 2016
- [Farewell to Gill after 14 years](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2015/02/27/farewell-to-gill-after-14-years/): At the AGM Gill O’Halloran stepped down after 9 years as Chairman and 14 years as choir member, leaving Derbyshire to be nearer to her family.  At the Buffet Party afterwards the patron, John Rivers CBE DL, gave a warm tribute to her leadership and achievements over those years.  Gill was presented with flowers and a cashmere Pashmina.  Our best wishes go with you Gill. Best Wishes too to our new Chairman, Louise Hill, who bravely takes on the challenge!
- [£8000 raised for Sight Support Derbyshire](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2015/02/27/8000-raised/): At today’s AGM the Treasurer reported that the 2014 Christmas Concert and Prize Draw had raised the tremendous sum of £8000 for Sight Support Derbyshire. Claire Winfield (CEO) and Eileen Bagguley (Fundraising Manager) of Sight Support Derbyshire were presented with a (very large) cheque by Gill O’Halloran at the party on 27-February, which will enable them to replace their aging and much used transport van. Congratulations to all those in the Choir (singing and non-singing), in Sight Support and in the audience who helped raise this sum. Another successful year for Derby Hospitals Choir!
- [2014 Concert - Sound Excerpts](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2015/01/17/2014-concert-sound-excerpts/): Click on the following links to hear how the choir sounded in Derby Cathedral on 28-November, 2014… In the Bleak Midwinter You raise me up How can I keep from singing For the beauty of the earth The Lion sings tonight Adiemus Every time I feel the Spirit Jingle Bell Rock Come Emmanuel The Rose Bridge over troubled water Wartime Medley Cantemos a Maria O Holy Night
- [2014 Christmas Concert Review](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2015/01/17/2014-christmas-concert-review/): This year’s concert was held in Derby Cathedral because the Assembly Rooms were closed, providing both challenge and opportunity – sightlines were less clear, seats less comfortable and facilities more limited – but for me these were more than outweighed by the splendid acoustics – and the Cathedral staff had worked hard to ensure that the Cathedral looked a splendid setting for such a concert.  Popular local celebrity Charles Hanson compered the evening, keeping us entertained between items with a mixture of bonhomie and cracker jokes! After the opening carol, the concert began with a controlled performance of Harold Darke’s […]
- [2014 Christmas Concert - Derby Cathedral - 28-Nov-2014](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2014/09/09/2014-chiristmas-concert/): New Venue for this Year’s Concert    
- [FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE DERBY CATHEDRAL 17th May 2014 11.00am](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2014/04/06/florence-nightingale-commemorative-service-derby-cathedral-17th-may-2014-11-00am/):   Click on items below to listen to the Choir singing in the Cathedral:- For the Beauty of the Earth God be in my head How can I keep from singing Now thank we all our God REHEARSALS There will be three rehearsals prior to the Service as follows:- – Wednesday 30th April 2014 – Wednesday 7th May 2014 – Wednesday 14th May 2014 All rehearsals will be held in the Broadway Baptist Church and will commence at 7.30pm Please try to arrive at 7pm on 30th April in order to give time for signing in and collecting music folders. […]
- [..](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2014/03/13/996/): DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR HAVE RAISED MORE THAN £140,000 FOR LOCAL HEALTH CHARITIES 
- [Derby Hospitals Choir, the 31st Anniversary and 2013 Christmas Concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2014/01/04/derby-hospitals-choir-2013-christmas-concert/): The 2013 Christmas Concert The Assembly Rooms venue itself, beautifully decorated and professionally set out for the evening and packed with choir, band and audience, had an air of warmth and expectation. The concert was introduced by Thomas Plant who stepped in at short notice due to Charles Hanson’s illness. Thomas proved to be an excellent compere and jollied the concert along with humour & sparkle, never forgetting the fund-raising objective of the evening. The choir opened the concert with two Rutter items; Jesus Child and What Sweeter Music – What Sweeter Music contained some particularly tender and balanced singing. […]
- [Christmas Events](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/11/26/christmas-events/): HOSPITAL CAROL SINGING SESSIONS  1. ROYAL DERBY HOSPITAL, GALLERY  4th December 2013  : 10.30am – 12.30am  2. LONDON ROAD COMMUNITY HOSPITAL       MAIN RECEPTION AREA 6th December 2013: 10am – 12noon  3. BROADWAY BAPTIST CHURCH CONCERT  Rehearsal – Wednesday 27th November 2013 7.30pm Concert – Wednesday 4th December 2013 7.30pm 4. ROYAL DERBY HOSPITALS     VOLUNTEERS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY Tuesday 10th December 2013 12.45 to 1.15pm THE GENTING CLUB, DERBY (Above the Bus Station)
- [Derby Hospital Choir 2013 Concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/11/11/derby-hospital-choir-2013-concert/): The staff of the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU), at the Royal Derby Hospital would like to express their thanks to the Derby Hospitals Choir for choosing to make them the beneficiary of their 2013 Christmas Concert. MAU consists of 51 acute medical beds where patients from Derby and the surrounding areas are admitted throughout the day and night from either Accident and Emergency or GP directives.  These patients undergo treatment for many different medical conditions, i.e. stroke, respiratory problems, heart conditions, diabetic problems, cancers and infections to name but a few. Almost everyone within Derby and the surrounding area will […]
- [Derby Hospitals Choir's Charitable Donations in 2012](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/06/20/derby-hospitals-choir-charitable-donations-in-2012/): Photo shows Chairman Gill O’Halloran handing over a cheque for £10,000 to Dr Gillian Lowery, Consultant Respiratory Physician Derby Royal Hospital. Funds raised by the Derby Hospitals Choir 30th Anniversary Christmas Concert, 2012. Below, chairman Gill O’Halloran is seen handing over a cheque for £236 to Gay Evans, Community Fundraiser for Treetops Hospice. Proceeds generated by the concert in St John’s Church, December 2012.
- [2012 Concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/05/10/2013-concert/): EXTRACT FROM CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – 10th APRIL 2013 I am very proud to report another fantastic year for the Derby Hospitals Choir with the 2012, 30th Anniversary Christmas Concert being an amazing success, attracting a full house at the Derby Assembly Rooms. We were privileged to have Charles Hanson perform the duties of guest compere and his unique sense of fun gave a new dimension to our concert.  I am delighted to report that Charles has agreed to join us again this year. Once again, the most important thing to say in my report is a huge thank you and […]
- [Florence Nightingale Service 2013](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/04/29/florence-nightingale-rehearsal-2013/): Review of Florence Nightingale Service The Florence Nightingale memorial service was my first formal engagement as Musical Director with the Derby Hospitals Choir – and what a splendid introduction. We sang Mozart’s ”Ave Verum” (in English), Rutter’s setting of “All things Bright & Beautiful” and an unaccompanied arrangement of “Non Nobis Domine” (attributed to Byrd). I was delighted with how well the choir sang all three pieces, with good phrasing, light and shade in the dynamics and attention to detail – supported of course by the wonderful acoustics of the building and Peter Gould’s effortless accompaniment. Two of the three […]
- [DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING LOCAL HEALTH CHARITIES FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2013/01/04/derby-hospitals-choir-have-been-supporting-local-health-charities-for-more-than-30-years-2/): 1983 Macmillan Continuing Care Unit, 1984 NSPCC, 1985 Radio Link 1986 Dr Barnardo’s, 1987 St John Ambulance, 1988 Community Health, 1989 Heart Start Appeal, 1990 Disabled Driving Centre, 1991 DRI Centenary Appeal, 1992 DCGH Quiet Garden, 1993 Mental Health Trust, 1994 Friends of the Children’s Hospital, 1995 Headway Derby, 1996 Umbrella, 1997 Derby Mind 1998 DRI Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, 1999 Rainbows Children’s Hospice, 2000 Derby Leukaemia Centre, 2001 Royal School for the Deaf, 2002 Intensive Care Services SDAH, 2003 Derbyshire Assoc. for the Blind, 2004 Renal Services Derby Hospitals, 2005 CAMTAD 2006 DRI Acute Stroke Unit 2007 Derby Branch Alzheimer’s […]
- [2012 Concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2012/12/10/2012-concert/): Congratulations to you all on a fantastic 30th Anniversary Christmas Concert at the Assembly Rooms.  It was a marvellous night which was enjoyed by nearly 1200 people and, although it is too early to be precise about the amount of money raised for the Royal Derby Respiratory Unit, we can say that it is looking like another record sum – we can certainly all be proud of a really brilliant performance.
- [Now Celebrating 30 Years of Singing and Fundraising](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2012/06/28/now-celebrating-30-years-of-singing-and-fundraising/): This year the choir celebrates 30 years of singing and fund raising and will be holding a special Anniversary Christmas Concert at the Assembly Rooms on 23rd November 2012. We are delighted to announce that we shall be joined by a very special guest, local star of TV and proprietor of Hanson’s Salerooms in Etwall, Charles Hanson. Charles will be our compere for the evening, bringing his own style of humour and great personality to complement a wonderful programme of singing and music by the Choir and Derwent Brass. The beneficiary of this special Celebratory Concert is the Royal Derby […]
- [Derby Hospitals Choir New Patron](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2011/11/03/derby-hospitals-choir-new-patron/):   Following the death of Lady Winifred Hilton, our Patron of many years, the Derby Hospitals Choir has invited John Rivers, CBE, DL to undertake this role. We are both privileged and delighted that John has accepted our invitation. John’s connection with the Choir stems directly from his being Chair of the Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  Coincidentally, he is also the Chair of the Florence Nightingale Derbyshire Association (FNDA).  The personal links were strengthened when the Choir accepted an invitation from the Association to lead the singing in a Commemorative Service for Florence Nightingale in Derby Cathedral in August […]
- [DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR 29th CHRISTMAS CONCERT SINGING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DERBYSHIRE BRANCH OF MND.](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2011/10/15/derby-hospitals-choir-29th-christmas-concert-singing-to-raise-funds-for-the-derbyshire-branch-of-mnd/): This year the Hospital Choir Christmas Concert will be raising funds for the Derbyshire Branch of the MND Association.  The funds raised will help towards the continuing support of families in the local area that are directly affected by Motor Neurone Disease.  This includes people with MND, their carers, family and friends. MND is a life-changing illness and can affect adults of any age.  The disease attacks the motor neurones, the nerve connections that carry the signals from the brain to the muscles.  The body becomes progressively paralysed leaving the sufferer increasingly unable to do the everyday things the rest […]
- [DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR 28th CHRISTMAS CONCERT SINGING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DERBY BRANCH OF PARKINSON'S UK. AND DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF LADY WINIFRED HILTON](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2011/01/01/derby-hospitals-choir-28th-christmas-concert-singing-to-raise-funds-for-the-derby-branch-of-parkinsons-uk-7/): For 2010 the Derby Hospitals Choir Annual Christmas Charity Concert was specially produced to raise money for the Derby Branch of Parkinson’s UK. The sizeable Hospitals Choir was conducted by John Bucknell with accompanist Andrew Storer.  An enjoyable evening of musical entertainment was ably supported by the Derwent Brass band and the guest compere was Steven Blakely, well known from ITV’s ‘Heartbeat’ series. The Hospitals Choir, a chorale of more than 130 singers, with their clear precision and wonderful balance always give that extra dimension to their concerts.  Singing more than 15 pieces, ranging from Handel’s Zadok, the Beatles’ Let […]
- [DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR 28th CHRISTMAS CONCERT SINGING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DERBY BRANCH OF PARKINSON'S UK](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2010/12/29/derby-hospitals-choir-28th-christmas-concert-singing-to-raise-funds-for-the-derby-branch-of-parkinsons-uk-4/): Please accept our many thanks to our patrons and friends for making the 2010 fund raising activity our best ever achievement so far.  In this respect, the Christmas Concert was a great success with 1158 tickets sold. The Assembly Room capacity is 1236, so we almost had a full house.  Nevertheless, this was the largest number seats we have ever sold for any of our annual concerts. . Also, we are most grateful to all the choir members and friends that where involved with the many aspects of running the prize draw.  The actual ticket sales reached an all time […]
- [DERBY HOSPITALS CHOIR 28th CHRISTMAS CONCERT SINGING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DERBY BRANCH OF PARKINSON'S UK.](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2010/12/28/derby-hospitals-choir-28th-christmas-concert-singing-to-raise-funds-for-the-derby-branch-of-parkinsons-uk-2/): Special Guests included: Sheila North Chairman of the Derby Branch of Parkinson’s UK Jessica Storer for East Midlands Parkinson’s UK Mr & Mrs John Rivers – Chairman, Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust (DHFT) Julie Acred – Chief Executive, Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust (DHFT) Diane Prescott – Director, Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust (DHFT) Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development, Parkinson’s UK Mr & Mrs Andrew Hilton (son of the late Lady Winifred) Mr Barry North (husband of Sheila North) Mayor and Mayoress of Derby The Mayor is particularly pleased to be associated with the Derby Hospitals Choir fund raising activities.  […]
- [Florence Nightingale Service](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2010/11/03/florence-nightingale-service/)
- [Florence Nightingale Service](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2010/10/15/64/): Some photos of the parade and the service in the cathedral Derby ram leading the parade to cathedral
- [The First of Many Photos](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/2010/08/28/47/): I would like to encourage everyone to add photos to the site. If you are having difficutly uploading them, please send them to me… Phil

## Pages

- [Our Constitution and Policies](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/our-constitution/): Constitution Click here to download our Constitution Grant-Making Policy Click here to download our Grant-Making Policy
- [Rehearsal Music 2025](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/rehearsal-music/)
- [Music Selection](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/music-selection/): I suggest we select from the following lists…. We need a maximum of 14 pieces about 3 minutes each.  “May it Be” is 4 minutes, so if we include that then we only need 13. “Buy” means we will either need to borrow from the county library or purchase copies.  We have some budget for this but I have kept it low. You can click on each suggestion below to hear a 1 minute sample. Also click HERE to see samples of the printed music. Non-Christmas Music Music from Florence Nightingale in May  (we have the copies already) The Lord […]
- [Join us for our next concert](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/application/): Too apply to sing in our next Concert, see our Summer Newsletter on the Newsletter page. Rehearsals start in September…
- [Committee Business](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/committee-8d5j6dk2/): Only committee members can navigate to this page through the menus. To keep this page private, do not add links to this page from any other pages or posts.
- [Our Charities](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/our-charities/): We have raised over £200,000 so far since our first concert in 1983.   Over the years we have helped: 2023 – King’s Lodge, Florence Nightingale Hospital 2023 – Art in Hospital, University of Derby & Burton Hospitals Trust 2022 – Royal Derby Hospital, Diabetes & Endcrinology 2022 – Derbyshire Blood Bikes 2022 – Air Ambulance 2019 – The Combined Cancer Unit 2018 – Trauma and Orthopaedics 2017 – Royal Derby Hospital Dementia Unit 2016 – Tandem Buggies for Royal Derby Hospital Volunteers 2015 – Butterfly Memorial Sculpture for SANDS 2014 – Outreach Van for Sight Support, Derby. 2013 – […]
- [The Choir](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/choir/): Derby Hospitals Choir was originally formed in 1983 to perform a ‘one-off’ concert to raise money for the Macmillan Continuing Care Unit. It was so enjoyable that a committee was formed and another concert was arranged for Christmas 1984 – the rest is history! 2012 saw the Choir celebrate its 30th Anniversary Concert which raised a record £10,000 for the Royal Derby Hospital Respiratory Unit.  Following our concert in 2019 we gave £10,000 to the Combined Cancer Unit at the Royal Derby Hospital.  In September 2022 we restarted post-Covid, with a sold-out concert at St. John’s Methodist Church raising £1000 for […]
- [Accompanist](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/accompanist/): We are fortunate to have Kevin Smith as our accompanist. Well known in the area for accompanying choirs and musical societies, Kevin tinkles the ivories for Derby Hospitals Choir at rehearsals and performances – both for the Florence Nightingale Memorial Service the Christmas Concerts themselves.  He also acts as assistant conductor when necessary – such versatility!
- [Musical Director](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/musical-director/): DAVID HENSHAW (ATCL,MA Cantab) grew up in Derbyshire and has always enjoyed singing and working with other singers.  He is studying under Michael Dewis and sings with the Sitwell Singers in Derby (where he is also Assistant Conductor), with Concorde in Leicestershire and does occasional solo work with other choirs.  On the stage he has taken lead Bass-Baritone roles in many Gilbert & Sullivan shows with Melbourne Operatic Society and in classical opera with Derby New Opera, operaHouse and Charnwood Opera. He is the Choirmaster and Organist at St. Peter’s Chellaston and the Show Musical Director for Melbourne Operatic Society.
- [Chairman](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/our-chairman/): DAVID HENSHAW David has been our Musical Director for 10 years but has recently also agreed to be chairman to help restart the choir after the long COVID gap.  You can read more about him on the musical director page. His inital focus and that of the committee was on getting back to singing together as soon as possible, and with a successful  2022 restart concert now under their belts they are busy planning for Christmas 2023.  Check our  blog from time to time for the latest information. A big thank you to the previous chairman, Louise Hill, who led […]
- [Newsletter](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/newsletter/): Click on the following: Spring 2025 Newsletter Summer 2025 Newsletter
- [Members](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/)
- [Reset Password](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/resetpass/)
- [Lost Password](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/lostpassword/)
- [Register](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/register/)
- [Log Out](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/logout/)
- [Log In](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/login/)
- [Diary - 2025](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/members/diary/): 2025 23-April – 7pm Social followed by AGM (7.30)- St. John’s Methodist Church 10-Sep – Rehearsals every Wednesday 7.30, St. John’s Methodist Church 3-Dec – Final Rehearsal at St. Alkmund’s, Kedleston Road 5-Dec Christmas Concert 7.30 at St. Alkmund’s, Kedleston Road
- [Events+Tickets](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/events/): Christmas Concert – 2025 – Over! See below to hear how we sounded… Our 2025 Christmas Concert WAS on Friday 5-December, 7:30pm at St. Alkmund’s Church, 40 Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GU. Tickets are £10. Proceeds are to the Hospital Oncology (Cancer) Department and to Derbyshire Air Ambulance.You will have a lovely time at our concert led by our sparkling compere, Richard Moulder, listening to a mixture of Christmas and non-Christmas favourites. Your ticket includes a glass of sparkling (non-alcoholic) wine and a mince pie afterwards. Tickets will be available in September from Choir Members, or online by clicking here. […]
- [Blog](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/blog/)
- [Contact Us](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/contact/): You can contact us for any reason – singing, helping, suggestions for charity, or just to ask us a question – we’d love to hear from you.
- [About](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/about/): Click to find out about… The Choir Our Chairman Our Musical Director Our Accompanist Our Constitution
- [Home](https://derbyhospitalschoir.co.uk/): Welcome to the Derby Hospitals Choir website!! Click Here for our latest Newsletter. Derby Hospitals Choir is a voluntary choir, open to all, with the aim of raising money for selected local health-related charities, primarily by performing an annual Christmas Concert for which it rehearses between September and December on a Wednesday evening.    New members are welcome in all parts. Click to read our Summer 2025 newsletter. On this Website you can… Latest News: Have a browse!


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