The event, titled This Is Why We Sing, brought together supporters and performers for an evening celebrating musical theatre, folk and popular classics.
The choir was joined by special guests the Devizes Clarinet Ensemble, with proceeds supporting a charity that has assisted stroke survivors and their families in Swindon for more than 40 years.
Under the baton of musical director Shelley Morgan, the choir delivered a varied programme. Songs were performed from Chicago, Rent, Billy Elliot, Chess, Hairspray and Mary Poppins.
Audience members enjoyed renditions of And All That Jazz, Seasons of Love, I Know Him So Well, Electricity and the finale You Can’t Stop the Beat.
Several performances featured collaboration with the Devizes Clarinet Ensemble. These included the traditional folk song Sumer Is Icumen In, Together Wherever We Go, No One Is Alone and the closing title track Why We Sing.
The clarinet ensemble, whose members are drawn from Devizes Town Band, also performed selections from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance and a medley from Fiddler on the Roof.
The concert comes during a busy period for the choir following its Golden Anniversary celebrations in 2025. Over the past year, members have taken part in the annual Brighter Futures concert, a 24-hour music marathon and performances at White Lodge Care Home.
They have also supported local Parkinson’s groups and staged Christmas concerts and appearances across Swindon.
In the concert programme, choir chairperson Diane Lee thanked supporters and reflected on another year of community performances. She also outlined the decision to support Swindon Stroke Support Group as the choir’s chosen charity for 2026.
Founded in 1984, the Swindon Stroke Support Group offers friendship, activities and practical help for stroke survivors and their families. The organisation aims to reduce isolation and runs regular social events, outings and holidays, with transport costs forming a significant part of its expenditure.
Among those in attendance was Swindon Borough Council Leader Councillor Gary Sumner, whose wife was performing with the choir. He said:
“It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic example of community spirit in action. The Thamesdown Ladies Choir brings people together through music while raising money for important local causes, and the support shown for the Swindon Stroke Support Group was truly heartening.”
The evening ended with refreshments in the church hall, where guests had the opportunity to speak with performers and find out more about the charity’s work.
