“Everyone can sing and everyone can make music”, is the message from the founder of a singing group, which continues to bring a little magic to the community.

Founder and musical director of Funky Voices Sandra Colston, 43, has been bringing out the musician in hundreds of people across Essex and greater London and thankfully, Havering has not been left out of all the fun.

The choir, which meets every Monday at the Fairkytes Arts Centre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, has been running for nine years, after Sandra received a lot of support to set up a group in the borough.

She said: “Funky Voices™ is not a ‘conventional’ choir being open to ages 16 - 100, who come from all walks of life and although most members are not trained singers, together they make a wonderful sound and are full of energy (and laughter).”

“I wanted to meet a need in the community for something fresh and new, a choir that sing modern music that can be enjoyed by everyone, no audition and no experience needed.

“Everyone can sing and everyone can make music, regardless of background.”

From just four members to around 800, Funky Voices has been a way for music lovers to express themselves and take centre stage singing some of their favourite songs.

The choirs also get the chance to swap their everyday lives, to travel the world, take part in recording albums and raise money for charities, which Sandra is very proud of.

She said: “I wanted Funky Voices to set itself apart from other community choirs by offering singers a multitude of varied experiences.

“Joining one of the choirs, will help you to gain confidence both on a personal level and as being part of a rich wonderful sound of voices.

“Whether you are a member of Funky Voices™ or a member of the audience at any of our many gigs or competitions, you will experience a fantastic feel-good factor and be buzzing all the way home.”

The group meets every Monday in Hornchurch from 8-10pm.

For more information about the choirs, visit here