Alvin M. Keeling 
More than seven years later, the choir not only does this, but has become its own community and is about to begin a new chapter in its history.
The choir was started as part of the Selby Big Local Project, an ambitious program funded by a Big Lottery grant to encourage residents to make lasting improvements in their community.
It was founded by Paula Haylett, a Salvation Army captain, and when she moved in 2016 it appeared the choir might have folded, although former teacher Susan Thomson was persuaded to assume the role instead.
Since working with an accompanist to organize weekly sessions and singing events, Susan has seen the members take an increasingly active role.
“The choir has become a community in its own right, people have slipped out of the woodwork; someone opens, someone else opens the windows; others put the chairs,” she said.
“It’s something that just evolved, it’s not something I asked for and we’re now picking up the pace after the pandemic.
“What excites me is providing a regular, enjoyable, and accessible singing experience that anyone in the community can be a part of.”
The number of members of the choir varies and is currently between 25 and 30, but can reach 40, most of the members being retired, although others are between 20 and 30 years old. Unusually, Selby has nine men taking part in a normally female-dominated hobby.
