Last week the MPC was very proud to assist the Royal British Legion by singing to commuters at London Bridge station. Despite Storm Ciaran doing its best to hinder us a good number of the choristers managed to make it to this fundraising event which the choir has supported on many other occasions. A few doughty choristers heaved the piano, amps, music stands and general paraphernalia on and off the tube to London Bridge and the choir launched into their first song at 5pm. Our sponsors BMT Group Ltd also have a very close relationship with the Legion which made the performance extra special for us
One of our longest-serving altos Jess felt the experience was a powerful one. She said “having the naval servicemen and veterans there in uniform and with their medals was really significant … having those who serve there brings the human side of what they do for our country into sharp focus… and for the MPC to be there clearly in support of that commitment gave out a really strong message”.
The Royal British legion were fundraising throughout the day at London Bridge and we are delighted to say that we understand tens of thousands of pounds was raised for the Poppy Appeal during that time. Having said that, singing, piano-playing and conducting conditions were not exactly ideal! “Arctic” is how alto-in-chief Tess described it but the choir sang on for a full two hours anyway and even managed to get several songs in twice. “People were filming us all the time, I felt they loved Your Song, Sure On This Shining Night and One Day More particularly” she noted.
Overall it was great to see so many people stop and listen to our singing despite being on onward journeys and lovely for us to have a different audience clapping at the end of each song and so obviously enjoying the big variety of music we can sing.
Another choir member commented that “In terms of impact for the choir it’s always positive, the collecting volunteers were able to chat with the crowds and raise interest and awareness of what the choir does and it’s fair to say that, as always, the crowd were surprised and delighted to see firstly that the MPC exists and also what we could offer”.
The last word goes to our Musical Director Richard Fox who said that it was an honour for the Met Police Choir to support the Royal British Legion with their fundraising for National Poppy Day adding “Supporting this worthwhile fund raising certainly gave the choir the motivation to sing with gusto and musicality to entertain hundreds of people during their evening journeys’.