Looking back on 50 years with Castle Bromwich Singers

IT is 50 years since Stella Aston was asked to play piano for a new group of performers.
And half a century on, the retired school teacher is still a key member of the Castle Bromwich Singers and, indeed, is currently producing their forthcoming show.
Originally from Bolton, Stella recalls being asked to get involved shortly after starting at Castle Bromwich Infant School.
She was one of half a dozen ladies who attended the first rehearsal in Poplars Drive in April 1967.
“I didn’t really think about how long it would last,” said the mum-of- two. “When you’re in your 20s you don’t really consider what you’re going to be doing in your 70s.”
Over the years, Stella has been involved in scores of shows, with highlights including playing the part of Charlie Chaplin and performing at Villa Park.
“When we started the focus was on more classical music, but we moved into doing popular music as well – which at the beginning would have been bands like The Beatles.
“We do try to keep things up-to-date [the group recently added modern-day chart-topper Jess Glynne to its repertoire]. When you see the reaction of the children in the audience, you hope they will take a shine to it.”
The variety is reflected in the age range of members, which runs from a couple of 17-year-old girls through to a woman of 96!
Despite Stella’s many decades with the group, she was nonetheless bowled over to be recently told she had won a Solihull Borough Civic Award - recognising her contribution to the arts locally.
“I was amazed when I had the envelope come through. The committee had nominated me but they hadn’t said anything. To be honest I didn’t believe it.”
• Castle Bromwich Singers’ Christmas show will be taking place at the Baptist Church, Timberley Lane on December 12. Rehearsals take place at the same venue every Tuesday evening (7.30-10pm), with new members always welcome.