Worshippers’ singing challenge

Tuneless drones do not really fit in with the angelic voices of church choirs. So a group of talentless members of a Black Country congregation have decided to undergo a six-month challenge in a bid to find their inner chorister.

The seven members of St Peter’s Church, based in the heart of Wolverhampton, have got used to staying quiet while the rest of the pitch-perfect churchgoers sing hymns. But now they have embarked on the crusade that will see them performing in front of hundreds at the end.

The Strictly Come Singing challenge is being undertaken by Judith Ashford, Joan Nicholas, Joyce and Tony Perry, Robert and Doreen Groves and Martin Berrington. They will undergo intensive training from experts Hannah Towersey-Cooper, Tom Castle and Nik Peters from St Peter’s acclaimed choir.

Organiser of the challenge Martin Berrington – who describes his voice as “awful” – said: “We are all very nervous at what we are undertaking, but are very grateful for the kindness of Hannah, Tom and Nik for helping us. We anticipate training could take about six months and are planning a concert so people can hear the fruits of our labours early in 2008,” he added.

Rev David Frith, who is the rector of St Peter’s, said that he was looking forward to the outcome.

He added: “I am really pleased we have this opportunity to develop the God-given talents of these brave souls. We have an outstanding music department that takes the good name of Wolverhampton all round the country and we’re hugely committed to sharing what we have with others.

“Strictly come Singing will do for adults exactly what our new government-funded schools’ project will do this for the city’s primary school children,” he added.

People are being invited to sponsor the seven. Money raised will go to The Friends of St Peter’s Music charity which supports choristers and music outreach work.