A DALE choir whose leader was killed in a car accident is back on song and preparing to resume public performances for the first time since the tragedy – with her sister at the helm.
Amy Purvis died in hospital from her injuries two days after a Nissan X-Trail collided head-on with her car on the A66 in December last year.
Ms Purvis, 36, a mum-of-two, was the leader of the Euphoria Community Choir, based at Startforth Community Centre.
Her family asked the choir to sing at her funeral – and Amy’s sister Beth then came forward and offered to step into her sister’s role.
Choir member Cloedie Yeadon said: “The future of the choir was in doubt. It was such a shock, we did not know what was going to happen. Beth led the choir at the funeral. After the funeral, the family needed some time. Then Beth came forward and said she would like to come and lead the choir in Amy’s memory.”
Beth and Amy followed similar musical paths, with both working as singers on American cruise ships after graduating from college.
Beth said: “I am a business manager now – nothing to do with performing – but it just felt right that I had to carry on for Amy.”
Joining Beth in the choir is their other sister Katie Chapel, cousin Lyndsey Purvis and Amy’s oldest daughter Molly, who has just turned 13.
Amy’s younger daughter, eight-year-old Sophie, joins in during school holidays.
The choir is now rehearsing every Tuesday evening at Startforth Community Centre ahead of a performance at a Festival of Well Being which is being held at the TCR Hub, Barnard Castle, in August.
Beth said the choir follows the same ethos as it did when Amy was leader.
“Amy set it up as a community choir and that’s what it still is. There are no auditions – just come and enjoy yourself. It’s also a really big support network. And we sound awesome.”
The choir boasts more than 50 members – but is open to anyone who would like to join in.
Those interested are welcome to simply head along to any of the Tuesday evening rehearsals – which start at 7pm – or find the choir’s page on Facebook.
