There are so many stories that we could all tell and share in the hope that others can learn, will draw strength from, and will encourage confidence by them being told. But increasingly we see those with a platform and the privilege of being able to make their story public doing so with eagerness and without thought to those who have no such luxury. Usually, these celebrity fuelled stories have two goals – self-promotion and financial gain.

There have been struggles in life for many, but they are no less important or difficult. Being in the public eye brings with it a downside, but it also brings many benefits. Like many of you I have been humbled by the real stories of hardship and heroism that this last year has shown us. Perhaps it is time for everyone to be humble!

It was a magnificent weekend for Leicester City, but less so for choirs and amateur music making. Step 3 of the roadmap is confirmed, and we wait patiently for the relaxation of restrictions. We also wait, not so patiently, but anxiously for the updated guidance from the DCMS. Who would have thought that 18 months ago, the prospect of scouring the internet and relevant websites and chat groups to find out what the current guidance is, would have been so essential? But alas it is!

But why mention the football in the same breath as choirs! 21,000 fans assembled at Wembley and cheered their respective teams on, sang ‘Abide with Me’ at full voice and even forced the pundits to say that the crowd was so loud that they could not hear what was being said. It was by all accounts a joyous occasion to welcome back the supporters.

21,000 people, albeit with proof of a negative test and I am worried about 30 members (the venues restriction) of my choirs coming together! The majority having received both vaccinations – prepared to be socially distanced by 2m, to wear masks as directed and to reduce their time together to an hour and to sing with less volume. I appreciate that the match was a test event, and my choirs are ‘only’ amateur and of course there is a big difference between ‘professional’ and ‘amateur’ singers isn’t there!

But these displays of organised crowds coming together just make me frustrated. I have not conducted a choir for 14 months and I have waited patiently, like many others in the same situation. I have thought long and hard about the welfare and well-being of everyone, as have our committees, who have been exemplary in support of the members.

So, we wait for the glimmer of hope that will be the guidance to say we can sing again, but in the back of our minds the full lifting of restrictions on June 21st is in doubt now as we tackle a new variant.

I want us all to support each other in rehearsal this week, to be positive and encouraging and to know that soon it will be our turn!