MUSICPROSPECTIVE members have been invited to sing the praises of barbershop.
Wight Harmony Barbershop Club is offering six weeks of free singing tuition, after previously offering "taster" sessions.
Forty men have already signed up for the free course but there are more spaces for practice, which begins at the end of this month, say the barbershoppers.
The appeal for new singers has been spearheaded by former Southern Vectis chairman Gary Batchelor. Mr Batchelor, 74, says the healthy hobby has helped keep him young at heart. He now divides his time between golf at Cowes, where he is club president, and as Wight Harmony president and chorus manager.
"We meet regularly at the Methodist Chapel, in Station Road, Wootton, to rehearse our programme of a cappella singing, which we present at hotels, parks, care homes and private parties all over the Island throughout the year," he said.
"And we welcome others joining us.
"We ended up with seven new members after the last sessions, so we are hopeful of finding yet more people this year.
"There is also an open invitation to any barbershop singer visiting the Island to come and have an evening singing with us any Thursday," said Mr Batchelor.
"I can be contacted on 01983 294325 and the e-mail is: learntosing@wight-harmony.org.uk"
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk