Big Hearts, Paul Wilkinson, Hampton School

Big Hearts.

The Big Heart Band, run by Jeremy Collis, operates in South-West London and is a group of volunteers who sing in care homes every Wednesday. The choir consists of around fifteen singers and they sing a wide variety of songs. Some of the favourites include “Pack Up Your Troubles”, “Amazing Grace” and “The Fields of Athenry”. These tunes are accompanied by the delightful sounds of the piano, guitar and flute played by Jeremy, Johnny Bruce and David Changer respectively.

The group has sung at the Wimbledon Choir Fest, but their greatest pride comes from putting smiles on the faces of the elderly and the ill. As singer Lynn Byrne says, “there is no better feeling when people are up dancing and singing with us”, and it is clear to see how the members’ great enthusiasm and passion when singing results in happiness for all.

In a current political climate where tension and anger is favoured over other positive emotions, the importance of the good work that these people are doing cannot be underestimated. 

Watch out for The Big Heart Band coming to a care home near you.