Choir release new song and video to celebrate women chainmakers
Stourbridge-based community choir In Sound Company has released a new song that tells the story of the Women Chainmakers’ strike in 1910. Following the successful live premiere at Stourbridge Town Hall in March it is now available online.
“The Chainmaking Women of the Black Country” was written and produced by choir member Richard Newhall: “I came up with the idea following a visit to the Black Country Living Museum several years ago, but it only began to crystalise during lockdown.
"The strike is an important piece of social history, both locally and nationally, yet is not widely known about in the area. I wanted to do something to tell their story, and hope that it resonates with many people. The audience reaction at the concert was amazing.”
Co-arranger and the choir’s musical director Judith Moreland commented: “The fact that some choir members have family connections to the chain-making industry make this song extra special for us.
"The lyrics, sometimes using Black Country dialect, describe the terrible conditions that the women worked in and their strike for better pay. It is dramatic, moving and inspiring in equal measure. ‘Chainmaking Women’ has become one of the choir’s absolute favourites!”
The song will feature on Black Country Radio’s “Omma ‘n’ Chain Show” (Sundays, 4pm) throughout June. It is also available to play or download from music streaming services, and a storyline video has been released on ISC’s YouTube channel.
A special webpage has been created for the project at insoundcompany.org.uk/chainmaking-women
