About Us

The choir was formed nearly 50 years ago. From very small beginnings we currently have about 35 singers of all ages. We are very fortunate to have our talented Musical Director and Conductor Heidi Riçhâl. She is inspired, enthusiastic and extremely dedicated to the Choir as well as being an exceptionally gifted singer in her own right.

In 2013 we were very lucky to find our new accompanist Laura Stamp, the youngest member of the Choir. Laura has brought many good things to the Choir. Besides being a very good pianist she also has a beautiful voice and has added to the Choir’s excellent soloists. She has also taken up the baton and has added conducting to her list of talents.

Our repertoire includes grand opera, nursery rhymes, gospel music, choir classics, music from the shows and even The Beach Boys! On a serious side we sing in local festivals. Many of our ladies have participated in the Festival of Brass and Voices at the Royal Albert Hall. Besides singing in concerts we also sing at Wedding Services, funerals, in hospital wards and residential care homes. We are a friendly choir and love singing together.

Meet our Members

Lesley's Story

North Ferriby Ladies Choir - Laura Stamp

I have been singing and playing musical instruments all my life – a legacy from my dad that I could read music almost as soon as I could read words. I have sung mainly in school or church choirs and my biggest claim to fame is having twice toured Israel and singing in Jerusalem Cathedral. Nothing I have done before though has been anywhere near as brilliant as the North Ferriby Ladies!!

I joined because a good friend and colleague was retiring and wanted to join – I don’t live in North Ferriby so was a bit sceptical about it – I could not have wished for a more welcoming and caring bunch of ladies with such a lot of talent and enthusiasm.

In the past 18 months we have performed in some wonderful venues – weddings, concerts, Christmas light switch-on, coffee mornings etc. and I have had so much fun.

If anyone reading this is worried about joining and learning the words to so many songs then don’t panic, it has taken me over a year but I now feel I can sing (most of) the words without having to mime!!

Thank you to a truly amazing choir and the ladies who I now feel I am going to be friends with forever.

Lisa's Story

North Ferriby Ladies Choir - Sopranos

Being a member of North Ferriby Ladies is really enjoyable, everyone was very welcoming and friendly from the start – I don’t just sing around the house now! Having the opportunity to sing at the Albert Hall last year was wonderful and singing at weddings and other events is great to be part of.  I have an autoimmune thyroid condition and it is thought that singing can have a positive effect on this, I feel that singing together is good for health and well being and good for the soul

Zoe's Story

North Ferriby Ladies Choir 2

Hi, my name is Zoe and until my recent move to York I was the longest serving member of the Ferriby Ladies Choir!

I was widowed in 1972 and was struggling with two small boys so life was pretty fraught when a very good friend suggested I join the choir as I was badly in need of some “me” time.

Since then there have been many ups and downs in my life but the choir has always been there to support me. Wednesday evenings were sacrosanct, nothing was allowed to come before the choir practice. This is a very friendly group of people who make everyone welcome.

During my 43 years with the choir I was encouraged to sing solos and do readings at the various concerts at which we have performed.

The choir has a large repertoire that enables performing at many different venues – singing for weddings, funerals, charity concerts and competing in many festivals with much success.

A number of girls play musical instruments, which means they can accompany us in various songs, which adds variety to the performance.

I shall miss the choir very much when I have to leave, but am thankful to have had so many years with them.