It has been a week where I have reflected on a number of things. Life, my personal circumstances, our collective situation and the future. I have been quite vocal on social media and proactive in supporting the call for the Government and in particular the DCMS to publish the evidence which has prevented us from singing in numbers greater than 6 indoors. There have been more responses from MPs to letters written by choir members and answers to Parliamentary Questions, which most seem to miss the point. If the views of public health experts say that singing can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission through the spread of aerosol droplets….why is anybody singing?

The suggested principles of safer singing don’t differentiate between amateurs, professionals or those singing at sports events. I could go on quoting guidance, which is not only confusing, but it is inequitable and prejudiced. What is important now is that we see parity for choirs in step 4 of the roadmap.

I often wonder whether I would change my approach if I were in a different role or position. But what is clear in my mind is that we should stand up for what we believe. Those who are in ‘privileged positions’ and have a ‘voice’ which can ‘shout’ louder than others should be doing so. Those who are ‘movers and shakers’, the ‘influencers’ should be standing up for us and not sitting silent. I have to ask myself why some people choose to be tacet in their opinion? Are they protecting themselves, their careers, their futures?

As the sun sets and the sky is tinged with an orange hue, which shimmers as it passes through the trees…(well that’s what I see when I look out of my window), I am thinking about this day in 1944. The largest seaborne invasion in history which began the liberation of France and ultimate victory for the allied forces. History judges our actions, and we will look back on 2020/2021 and wonder what could and should have been done differently. But for now, to allow me to have my voice today, thank you to those who lost theirs!