Shared Harmonies make ‘Song for Yorkshire’ competition final

The competition encouraged musical performers to create original works to celebrate this beautiful county.

Shared Harmonies has brought together hundreds of people during the pandemic, through creative projects, and was thrilled to get involved.

Wakefield resident and former railway worker, Margot Cutt, who features in the song, said: “It’s been lovely to share thoughts and memories as part of our weekly meet ups, the share, chat and song mix is just right. I’m delighted that sharing my story has brought my much loved steam trains into this song.”

Ali Bullivent, Shared Harmonies practitioner said: “Margo wore her uniform, explained the significance of her badges and let us hear the whistle. Everyone found it hugely interesting and informative.”

Emma Baylin set up Shared Harmonies in 2013, providing classes and workshops to boost the health and wellbeing of people, particularly those affected by cancer, poor mental health, living with dementia, Parkinson’s or respiratory conditions.

Song for Yorkshire judges this year included Lizzie Jones MBE as lead judge, the Kaiser Chiefs’ Simon Rix, Capital Yorkshire radio presenter JoJo, stage and screen star Natalie Anderson, TV presenter Luxmy Gopal, LNER commercial director Suzanne Donnelly and producer/CEO at Sheffield Theatres, Dan Bates.

The final winner, announced last week, was DMP Young Voices, but the whole experience was a rewarding one for Shared Harmonies.

To find out more about the group, visit www.sharedharmonies.co.uk