ON the weekend that Harlow celebrated it’s 70th Birthday, local choir “Double Up Your Spirit” celebrated their 1st Birthday with a special concert at their rehearsal base in The Herald pub in Sumners.

The choir was created by and is provided with Musical Direction by Emma Crossingham. Emma, a former teacher at St Luke’s School clearly commands loyalty and affection from the 30 strong group. This was also evident in the guest appearance of one of her former pupils, Sharon Chapuka, now a St Marks 6th Form student, who performed an amazing solo singing “All of me loves all you”.

Other memorable numbers included “I will follow you” from ‘Sister Act’, songs from the African Diaspora, a wonderful acapella version of “You Got The Love”, the deep, husky, powerful voice of Erin Singleton singing “Wicked Game” and the gentle captivating voice of 14 year old Stewards pupil Zeta Evans that will surely grow in strength as she grows in confidence.

Harlow Council leader Jon Clempner, who attended the concert, said “I go to a lot of community events in Harlow, and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of talent, whether it’s dancers, artists, or in this case singers. But what really makes me proud of Harlow is the fantastic community spirit – and that was evident in spades today with the Double Up Your Spirit choir and the great support they get from The Herald. A great afternoon celebrating Harlow’s 70th anniversary – a fantastic legacy, but a great future too.”

Double Up Your Spirit meet at The Herald every Monday evening between 7pm and 9pm and are keen to welcome new members – especially men! Emma says “We’re a mixed bunch of singers some with lots of experience and some absolute beginners. Everyone is genuinely welcome. We sing a variety of songs, include a lot of laughs and always finish with our spirits lifted”.