The Norfolk Broads Life Stories
The St Mary's Singers
St Mary The Virgin Church
Hemsby

As I parked behind the Barn Rooms and crossed over the road and into St Mary's the Virgin Church in Hemsby. I had no idea what awaited me but I left almost 2 hours 30 mins later truly and deeply blessed..
As I entered they were all attentively taking directions from their leader and conductress Donna Duval.. (who later during a break told me how she founded the group 20 years ago.. Just to do a Christmas carolling and it was such a success that they got requested to perform at different events).
Their first song was an Aria of perfection from the 20- 25 women of the group.. As their voices filled the church, the room delivered unbelievable acoustics... The sound reached my ears and it was magical.. I didn't know what to expect coming here but against the back drop of the stained royal blue glass and under a six foot cross their voices were reaching heights reserved for Angels..
My heart soared, I closed my eyes and let them carry me amongst the clouds.. My soul was awake as they finished.. Selfishly wanting more..
As they took more directions from Donna, there was chatting and laughter amongst them, I instantly recognised that they were not just a group of people /singers, this was a family, that they loved singing with each other.. The next chorus included the 3 men of the group.. And they held their own.. Deliciously complementing the female voices.. Their union powerful.. Their combined auras glowing radiantly.. It's been a long time since anything has touched me so strongly spiritually, not since as a teenager when I used to listen to my mother's prayers through the walls of our home in the stillness of the night, crying out asking for blessings for her children, family and the world, and all she ask for herself was strength to make it through the next day.. Silent tears formed at the corner of my eyes..
Donna took a break to tell me about the group, how they started and their journey over the last 20 years.. She was telling me about their recent performance and promised that if they still had their notes they would perform their closing piece..
They then proceeded to serenade my mind, heart and soul.. It started with a duet of I dreamed a dream into a solo from Donna, then a solo of one of the male voices, a male duet and then the singers combined.. Silent tears formed again at the corner of my eyes.. They sang this for me.. I was truly humbled.
It was then I realised that these singers were all over 40 yet when they sang they voices were ageless.. They interacted with each other like cheeky teenagers..
I grabbed my phone and text my wife "How Amazing they were" ... She ask me to go live to share what I was experiencing.. hesitating for just a moment before I did and I'm glad I did. Within 10 mins the video had over 800 views and the number kept going and going.. I think that video has generated the most views of any video on this site.. And that was down to this wonderful group of people who are not just Singers but a Family..
Another 20 mins of songs and they wrapped up for the evening and I took time out to thank them for their blessing of song.. Telling them how honoured I was to have sat there in their presence..
As I drove back I kept telling myself how incredibly lucky I was to have experience that.. I also noticed something.. There was signs of rain on Beach Road and down on the Long Beach Estate but around St. Mary's the Virgin Church not more than 100 metres away.. It was dry

Rueben Layne
14/07/2025

Norfolk Broads Life Stories series
St Mary's Singers
20 years of excellence

When I got in my car yesterday at 5am to drive to Hemsby at the invitation of the St Mary's Singers to their Christmas Carols Concert, I really didn't think I was in for such a wonderful experience..
Yes I had heard them in practice, preparing for summer shows but last night wasn't rehearsing.. Last night was vocal fire!! It was the real thing.. The real deal..
It was beautifully delicious!!
What we were treated to were perfectly crafted performances from the Future, Present and Past of the Singers, and at no time were we left disappointed.. Masterfully conducted by Donna Duval, they produce vocal gold..
The younger newer members of the group led it all off.. Sweet angelic unspoilt voices.. Holding their own.. The Future looking bright..
Then came the Present in all it's glory.. I closed my eyes and just listened.. A Duet here, the Ladies ensemble there and the Men?? All superb.. All sending shivers through your soul.. The beauty of Donna's guidance is that there's no single unit here.. All voices are equal.. Each voice important to the collective..
After a glass of mulled wine or two, a few mince pies came the second half of the concert..
Here We were introduced to thr Past who were invited to join the group for a couple of songs.. And the audience were also invited to sing along with them by Donna.. That was it.. The restraints were off.. The quiet whispers became a bit louder and louder until the whole church were members of the St Mary's Singers.. The place was rocking..
By the last song we were begging for more..
This group should be treasured.. Appreciated for what they do..
Should be recognised as what they are.. A Gem in Hemsby's Crown.. At the beginning I took my hat off and greeted each member with a handshake or a kiss.. At the end I was honoured to have them signed my program.. To frame it with my tickets.. Proud to have been there