A choir have stood the test of time as they celebrate 50 years of existence.
Ladybridge Singers were formed in 1972 by a group of friends who were passionate about singing.
The group currently has 40 members, with a wide-ranging musical repertoire, performing everything from classical music to pop songs and songs from shows.
Publicity and booking officer at Ladybridge Singers, Harry Ainsworth, aged 78, has been with the choir for 15 years.
He said: “We always choose a charity every year to fundraise for, last year it was Bolton Hospice.
“We raised £2,000 at our gala concert last year for Bolton Hospice.”
Speaking about the good of performing for other people, he added: “That’s the whole ethos of the choir, we’re there to entertain people.
"You come away and you see someone smiling and saying thank you, we enjoy that, that’s lovely.
“We’re an absolutely wonderful group when it comes to friendliness.
“We even have an almoner, if someone is poorly or in trouble, the number of people that will do a bit of shopping or go and see them.
“It’s more like a family than just a choir. People keep in touch, especially through the pandemic people kept in touch, people would ring round, ‘are you alright’, it’s like an extended family.”
Looking ahead, Harry said: “Hopefully the future holds the next 50 years! I don’t think I’ll be there to see it, but we’re trying to encourage and entice younger people to come along, and there are a few coming along already.
“There will be a time when myself and David (Walker, committee member and the only founding member still participating in the choir) will have to hand it over to younger people.
“Hopefully they will continue to do what Ladybridge has done for the last 50 years.”
Musical director of Ladybridge Singers, Alan Beedie, added: “Ladybridge Singers are celebrating their 50th anniversary in October.
"The choir was founded by an enthusiastic group of residents of the Ladybridge area of Bolton in 1972, and one of the founder members, David Walker, has sung with them throughout that time.
“There are many other long-serving members, and the choir is not only a good place for a great sing, but also for its friendliness.
“Ladybridge Singers perform in a variety of venues throughout Bolton and beyond, and their repertoire ranges from Mozart and Brahms to ABBA and the Beatles.
“New members are always welcome, and the choir rehearses at Connections Community Methodist Church on St Helens Road, on Mondays from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.
“The choir's much-loved music director Dr Robert Aston died in 2021, and his position has been filled by Alan Beedie, who has a range of musical connections in Bolton and Bury.
"The choir are also ably assisted by their accompanist Christine Deacon.”
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