BFBS Radio has an hour-long special programme on Easter Sunday, telling the incredible story of the Military Wives Choir
The Choir was brought together for the BBC2 TV series "The Choir – Military Wives" which culminated with the Choir performing their debut song, “Wherever You Are”, based on love letters to their husbands serving in Afghanistan, at the Festival of Remembrance. The song went on to become the Christmas Number One single, raising more than half a million pounds for two forces charities – SSAFA Forces Help and the Royal British Legion.
Since then, five Military Wives Choirs have contributed to the album “In My Dreams”, that went to Number One on Mother’s Day. A Military Wives Choirs Foundation has now been formed to help women throughout the forces, at home and abroad, set up their own choirs.
On Easter Sunday, BFBS will be bringing you the full story of the Military Wives Choir. BFBS Radio’s John Adderley has been to the Royal Marines Base at Chivenor in North Devon, talking to Choir members about how being part of the Choir has changed their lives. John said:
“The Choir members say their success has given a voice those left behind during deployments to Afghanistan, and made people appreciate the hardship they, and their children, go through when the men are away. I also spoke to some of their husbands who explain how it was a comfort to know their loved ones were busy and happy while they were in Afghanistan.”
John also interviewed Choir Master Gareth Malone, who explains how he set up the Choir, never imagining it would lead to a number one single and album. John also speaks to composer Paul Mealor, who wrote the Choir’s Christmas Number One “Wherever You Are”, and others involved in the Military Wives story from the Royal British Legion, Decca Records and the Official Charts Company.
The hour-long programme on BFBS is from 1400-1500 (BST) on Easter Sunday, and includes tracks from the Military Wives Choir’s Number One album, “In My Dreams.” Tune in to hear the Military Wives Choir’s story on DAB Digital Radio in the UK, on FM across the Forces world, on Sky Guide 0211, Freesat Channel 786, www.bfbs.com and via the new BFBS smartphone app.
If you have family, friends or loved ones currently based overseas with the Forces, then remember you can send a message of support online at www.bfbs.com/messages