Local choir “aCHOIRed Taste” was founded by Lynn Brookes seven years ago with the simple idea of bringing the community together through music.
The choir, which now has 16 members, regularly performs for free in care homes across Doncaster.
After years of performing at community events, Christmas markets and even other talent shows, the group is now preparing to take on one of its biggest challenges yet.
They’re heading back to audition Britain’s Got Talent on September 6.
In the lead-up to their audition, Lynn says the members have become much more than just a group who meet up to sing.
“We’ve shared laughter, nerves, celebrations, disappointments, adventures, rehearsals, performances and some absolutely brilliant memories,” said founder Lynn.
“We’ve become much more than a choir. We’re one big, slightly crazy family.”
This year’s audition comes at a particularly challenging time for Lynn, who has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma in her neck.
She is booked in for surgery on September 1st, just five days before the choir’s BGT audition.
Despite everything, Lynn is determined that the diagnosis won’t stop the choir from doing what it does best.
Lynn was inspired to start the community choir after previously working as an activities coordinator in care homes.
She knew first-hand how much residents enjoyed live music, but also knew that care homes could not always afford regular entertainment
Lynn’s idea was to bridge this gap by finding people passionate about music and community.
Seven years later, aCHOIRed Taste has grown into something much bigger.
The choir has already performed at award ceremonies and competed in Sheffield’s Got Talent and Bradford’s Got Talent.
They also auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent last year, but are now going back for another shot.
But for Lynn, it’s never really been about becoming the best choir around.
With 16 members currently involved, the choir has developed its own personality over the years.
“We definitely don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we’re certainly not going around thinking we’re the best choir in the world” said Lynn.
Instead, the group’s goal is much simpler.
They exist to put smiles on faces and give people something to look forward to.
Whether that’s performing for residents in care homes or taking to a much bigger stage, the choir wants to bring a bit of fun to people’s day.
And along the way, the members have become much more than just a group who meet up to sing.
Despite her recent diagnosis and upcoming surgery, Lynn is determined to keep singing for as long as she can.
And with the BGT audition taking place just five days after her operation, it’s certainly going to be a week to remember.
Good luck to Lynn and everyone at aCHOIRed taste from all of us at The Don!
