We are the Swell Singers, an inclusive community choir based in Shepherdswell, near Dover, in Kent. We are a mixed group of almost all ages; parents and grandparents may bring their musical children and/or grandchildren (of secondary school age, 11+) to join in. We take care to nurture the relaxed, informal atmosphere which underpins our music making, and we are proud of what we achieve in performance.
Our repertoire is an eclectic mix of styles and genres, and we perform two main concerts each year: one at the end of the summer term and the other at Christmas. Funds raised from these and other occasional performances go to local charities chosen by the choir.
We sing for the simple enjoyment of it, and we also recognise the benefits of singing for mental and physical wellbeing. We don’t audition, and no prior experience is needed.
We rehearse every Tuesday evening during school term time at Shepherdswell Primary School, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm. Feel free to pop in and try us out; you do not need to book a place, and you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.
Or if you want to get in touch, send us a message using the button at the bottom of the page and one of the committee will respond.
If you’d like to see a few pieces from recent concerts, follow the link below to our YouTube channel.
We hope to see you soon!
youtube.com/channel/UChLwxsK8ksHvfU4KeRWaBMg
Village Hall
Tickets £10
Includes light refreshments on the night
Available from any choir member or pollylockie@gmail.com
See new page! Raise The Roof!
Maria Gregory
Chair
Maria was born and raised in nearby Canterbury, moved to Shepherdswell in 2019. She joined Swell Singers in 2024 and became Chairperson in 2025. She loves to crochet and look after her grandchildren in her free time.
Lynn Regan
Secretary
Dr Chris Price
Musical Director
Dr Chris Price was until recently the Director of Music at Canterbury Christ Church University. He sang for many years as a tenor lay clerk in the choir of Canterbury Cathedral. His professional work now embraces teaching, conducting and performing.
James Breslaw
Treasurer
James is originally from London and has run his own businesses in hospitality for the last 35 years. He is also a keen gardener, photographer and yogi.
Mike Gregory
Membership Secretary
Mike is a Shepherdswell villager who plays cello and brass in church. He loves to sing in our village choir, it's fun, interesting and is greatly improving his singing.
Committee members
Polly Lockie
Polly has lived in the village of Shepherdswell for many years with her husband and 5 children. She joined the Swells Singers in 2019 and enjoys the weekly harmonising and cameradie. She works in the village as an early years teacher nurturing the next generation of singers.
Jill Townsend
Jill has been in Shepherdswell since 2021.
She has been involved in music for most of her life and is passionate about involving people of all ages in the joy that music can bring.