Batley Community Choir gives another special performance of The Rose, ten years on from releasing it as a memorial single for Jo Cox
The musical directors of a Batley choir say it was “a really emotional experience” to perform a special song in memory of former MP Jo Cox on the tenth anniversary of her death.
Ten years ago, in the aftermath of Jo’s death, Batley Community Choir sang The Rose live on The Last Leg on Channel 4 as a tribute to her. Shortly afterwards, such was the overwhelming public response, it was decided to release the song as a memorial single for Jo.
With the blessing of Jo’s family, the choir recorded the song at Batley Town Hall, joined by more than 200 singers.
Choir director at the time, Gary Skyrme, made the musical arrangement and also recorded and produced the audio, while a professional film-maker agreed to make the video.
A decade later, now under the leadership of directors Emily Atkinson and Elliott Walker, the choir has performed the song again, and it was featured on a special episode of Calendar on ITV on Tuesday, June 16.
Elliott said: “It was really a privilege to be part of it.
“We remember it happening back then and were really shocked by it. So it was a really emotional experience to be asked to be part of it on behalf of the community of Batley.
“Everyone pulled together because they knew the importance of the occasion.”
Jo’s dad, Gordon, and her sister, Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater, were in attendance to listen to the choir.
Emily said: “There are a few members of the choir who were there 10 years ago. There were high emotions, some who spoke of their personal experiences of what they were doing when it happened.”
She added: “After the recording, Kim spoke to some of our choir members about how much it meant to them and to the community.”
Emily and Elliott took over the running of the choir in September last year and during that time it has seen an increase in its numbers, now having between 40 and 50 members.
The choir is currently working towards its summer concert, A Grand Summer Sing, which will be held at St Thomas's Church, on Grosvenor Road in Batley, on Saturday, July 18 at 7pm.
Elliott said: “We are dedicating a section of the concert to Jo. We will perform The Rose, as well as A Flower Remembered by John Rutter.”
The programme will also include a wide range of other music, including songs by Chappell Roan and Bon Jovi.
For more details about the concert or more information about joining the choir – new members are always welcome – visit its website: www.batleysings.org