The Darby Singers, a mixed community choir, was formed in September 1997 by Bernard Crawforth, a former Deputy Head of the Abraham Darby School, Madeley, hence our name ‘The Darby Singers’. Bernard’s vision was to create an all-inclusive choir for the benefit of the community. The choir continue Bernard’s vision today, spreading joy around the season of goodwill with numerous Christmas engagements as well as supporting local charitable fundraising projects throughout the year. We are a true Community Choir in every sense of the word.
Sadly our founder and inspiration, Bernie, died very suddenly in September 2004. Following Bernie’s death, the choir struggled to find a Musical Director, and we were overjoyed when Robyn Davies took over in September 2005. Robyn remained with us for 11 years. Robyn is currently the Musical director of Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir
In 2016, Lorna Parkhouse took over and has been with the Darby Singers since.
The Darby Singers have a varied repertoire and regularly perform at concerts and events. We assist local charities whenever we can in their fundraising efforts and in 2022 a concert at Lilleshall Church raised over £600 for a local scout group. Christmas is especially busy, with performances at Christmas Light switch-on events, Christmas Markets, Blists Hill weekends.
2022 saw the end of the choir’s long affiliation with the Abraham Darby Academy, something which has deeply saddened many of the established members who have been with the choir since it was founded by Bernie in 1997. That said, we were determined to continue his wonderful legacy to the community and we moved to our FABULOUS new venue – The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints in Lawley, Telford, TF4 2HG. The choir are so grateful for the welcome and hospitality the Bishop and Church Members have extended towards the choir as we continue to grow and serve the community.