Open Voices

These sociable groups are especially suitable for adults with learning difficulties or disabilities. The music chosen will be varied, with everything from pop songs to classics. The singing session will include a break for refreshments. Come and sing with Open Voices! Music Leaders: Lynda Blyth, Pip Flewitt, Cliff McArdle, Sarah Trevers and Helen Tooth. Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to be a member of a choir? Open Voices is part of Music for Everyone’s health & well-being programme. The idea is to provide especially designed singing sessions for adults with learning difficulties or disabilities. Linking in with the expertise of Open Wings (based in Sherwood), Reach (based in Southwell) and Portland College (based in Mansfield), MfE hopes to create a whole network of Open Voices singing groups in Nottinghamshire.

“Ellie has severe deteriorating disabilities and is no longer able to stand, turn her head, smile, speak or swallow. But she can enjoy music EQUALLY to all others. Appreciation of music is not commensurate to one’s level of disability, but is a precious independent gift.  Music includes her in the world; it speaks to her in its universal language. Open Voices, (through the three choirs she attends) is the highlight of Ellie’s week – it gives her joy, makes her laugh loudly, and gives her life  its quality.  Thank you ‘Open Voices’ from us all.” Parent of Ellie-Beth, member of Open Voices

Come and try it for free. The first session you attend will be a free taster session. After this, there will be an optional donation of £3 per session, covering everything you need, plus a ‘half-time’ cup of tea or coffee + biscuits! Subsidised places are available. Interested? – please send us an email to admin@music-for-everyone.org to let us know you are coming along, or just turn up at the first session. Let’s get everyone singing! We don’t want anyone to be excluded from MfE activities because of their financial circumstances and there is a subsidised scheme available for any who needs it. Please contact anne@music-for-everyone.org if this is the case.

Download easy-read flyer here

Download comprehensive flyer here

Download carer expectations here

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Open Voices Beeston Open Voices Beeston meet on a Tuesday morning during school term time from 10.30am – 12.30pm at Middle Street Resource Centre, Beeston NG9 2AR. Full dates for 2025/26 are below. How to get there: From Nottingham, the centre is very easy to find on public transport. Any tram going towards Toton Lane stops at Middle Street, which is right outside the centre. Disabled access to venue is available. Rehearsal dates – Beeston Open Voices

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Open Voices Mansfield The Mansfield group is the newest Open Voices choir for MfE, starting in May 2023 as part of a new partnership with Portland College. Open Voices – Mansfield meet on a Friday afternoon from 1.45pm – 3.15pm at Portland College, Newstart Theatre, Nottingham Road, Harlow Wood, Mansfield NG18 4TJ.

This group is currently on hold with a view to starting back in January 2026.

If you’re interested, please contact Becky email: rebeccatyers@portland.ac.uk or phone 01623 499111

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Open Voices Sherwood Open Voices – Sherwood meet on a Friday morning from 10.00am – 12.00pm at St Martin’s Church, Trevose Gardens, Sherwood NG5 3FU. Full rehearsal dates for 2025/26 can be found below. How to get there by car: The venue is easy to find – it is next to Woodthorpe Park, turning left off the Mansfield Road heading towards Nottingham, or turning right if heading towards Arnold. There is plenty of parking in the church grounds and also on Trevose Gardens. How to get there by bus: All buses travelling along the Mansfield Road stop at Magnus Road (Nottingham to Arnold) or Woodthorpe Drive (Arnold to Sherwood) the church is a 2 mins walk along Trevose Gardens. Disabled access to venue is available. Rehearsal dates – Sherwood Open Voices

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Open Voices West Bridgford This group meet on a Tuesday morning throughout school term time from 10.00am – 12 noon at St Luke’s Church, Leahurst Road, West Bridgford NG2 6GL. The final session of each term will include an informal performance to friends and family. Full dates for 2025/26 are below. How to get there by car: The venue is easy to find and there is parking in the church grounds or on streets close by. Click here to see the map How to get there by bus: Take the Greenline No. 6 (every 15 minutes) to Leahurst Road or The Greenline No. 5 (every 30 minutes). Disabled access to venue is available. Rehearsal dates – West Bridgford Open Voices

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