Signing choir will have a hand in the music

A CHOIR with a difference who have starred alongside Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel and Mike and the Mechanics are set to perform for a second time in Warrington.
Shoppers are in for a treat as Warrington’s British Sign Language (BSL) signing choir take the stage again as part of Golden Square shopping centre’s Christmas festivities on Saturday after a hugely successful show last week.
Their previous appearance raised almost £250, enough to lay on a huge Christmas party for children who attend the club of which the choir is a part of, so the choir are hoping for a repeat performance to help them fund future events for their members.
The choir is made up of hearing people as well as completely or partially deaf members from Warrington Deaf Club, who are led by a hearing signer and will perform a medley of Christmas hits with their hands.
Deputy chairman Wil Baker said: “It’s quite hypnotic when you see the whole choir moving and signing together. We get quite a lot of people stopping who would normally not notice a choir singing.
“There is music in the background and the leader has to be able to hear so that the timings are right and then everyone just follows them with the signs.”
Wil, aged 35, learned sign language six years ago and like many members of the choir, including his partner Julie McGreal who acts as their secretary, attends the club in order to keep practising and developing his language.
He said: “We have about 35 to 40 members of the choir, and about half of those are hearing people. We’ve done some incredible performances over the years as we’ve become quite well known and been invited onstage for various things.
“We signed We Are Sailing with Rod Stewart in Blackpool this June and in the past have joined Peter Gabriel on stage in Manchester to do Blood of Eden. We were also asked to perform In The Living Years with Mike and the Mechanics when they were at Warrington Parr Hall and we’ve recently been part of the First World War centenary concert at Salford Quays.”
Golden Square director Ian Cox said: “Golden Square is at the heart of the Warrington community and we have been treated to some fantastic performances in the run up to Christmas from groups all across the area.
“We are delighted to welcome the BSL signing choir back again because they were a real hit with shoppers last time. They help us to create a very festive atmosphere which when added to our Santa’s grotto, Christmas market and great range of shops means there is everything our visitors need for a great day of Christmas shopping at Golden Square.”