Well, what a month it’s been! I don’t know about you, but sometimes life with Avon Harmony feels like being on a fast-moving train — full of energy, unexpected stops, and a whole lot of music along the way. And September? Let’s just say this train was running full steam ahead!

As the music director of Avon Harmony A Cappella, I have the absolute joy of leading a group of fabulous women who bring humour, heart, and harmony into every room (and train station!) we sing in. This past month was full of moments that reminded me why I love this chorus so much.
 

First Stop: Music Train – Singing for a Brilliant Cause

We kicked off the month by supporting the amazing The Music Train — a Bristol-based charity that creates inclusive daytime music-making opportunities for adults of all abilities. They’ve recently lost their funding, which means they’re now working hard to raise enough to keep their vital sessions going.

Naturally, we jumped on board to help! It was a gorgeous event at the BAWA Club in FIlton filled with joy — people came up to sing with us, danced along to the band, and filled the room with positive energy. It was one of those gigs that fills your tank for weeks. If you’re looking for a charity to support that truly changes lives through music, Music Train is it.

If you fancy making a donation to The Music Train - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/themusictrain
 

Next Stop: Steam, Singing & Soot at Avon Valley Railway

Later in the month, we headed down to Avon Valley Railway in Bitton to help celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. And yes, this chorus really does sing anywhere — even on a platform with steam blowing in our faces!

At one point mid-song, a gust of smoke rolled across us and I swear we all looked like musical chimney sweeps for a minute! But nothing stops us — not steam, not soot, not the tooting of the engines in the background (if anything, it added a touch of dramatic flair). The atmosphere was electric, and a few of our singers even took a little ride on the steam train — serenading the crowd with the round “To Stop the Train!” out the window. As you do.
 

Final Stop This Season: LABBS Convention and a Golden Celebration

Looking ahead, we’re now gearing up for the LABBS Convention at the end of October — with a dress rehearsal on Thursday 16th October where we’ll be running through every note, every costume change, and probably having a giggle or two.

But the big stop on our Harmony Express? That’s our 50th Anniversary Grand Show on 29th November! It’s a huge milestone, and we can’t wait to celebrate five decades of singing, sisterhood, and sparkle with you all.

🎶 Want to Join the Avon Harmony Singing Journey?

We’re not taking on new members just yet as we focus on our big performance season — but we’ll be running two open nights in first two weeks in December, and our waiting list train is almost already boarding for January with our Time To Sing A Cappella Course! Please email us at musicdirector@avonharmony.com to be put on the list for more information.

So if you’ve ever fancied singing in four-part harmony, finding your voice, and maybe getting a little sooty along the way — we’d love to welcome you.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this month, whether you danced, sang, donated, or simply clapped along. We’re keeping this Harmony Train rolling — and there’s plenty more joy to come.

With harmony, heart, and the occasional puff of steam,

Mary Williams
Music Director, Avon Harmony A Cappella