SINGING group leader Charlie Thomson is celebrating 10 years at the helm of the St Albans-based Global Harmony.

The group, which includes a cemetery manager, a gardener and a care worker, started life as a sacred chanting group before its focus switched to harmony songs from around the world.

Charlie took over in 2003 and added his own specialities – pop, soul and jazz.

He said: “There are no auditions – you just join in. Learning songs with others takes you out of yourself and gives a common, joyful focus. Singing is good for you. It helps with your concentration and lets you express emotion. We aim to have a friendly, non-competitive approach, and to enjoy each other’s company.”

The group performs in public twice a year and Caroline Holmes, who has been attending for five years, said: “I look forward to singing with people, many of whom are now my friends, in an open, fun and relaxed way.

“Charlie has so much patience with us and it has been lovely to be able to say thank you to him, with a cake and a poem, for all the time and effort he puts into our choir.”

Global Harmony meets from 7.30pm to 10pm on Sundays at the Friends Meeting House, Upper Lattimore Road, St Albans. More information is available from Charlie on 01462 630282 or 07973 376605.