Are you man enough to join a choir in Cookstown?

Last week, the Hub community centre in Cookstown issued an appeal on Facebook for more men to join their ‘talented bunch’ of singers.

They have also said newcomers can expect to perform on stage by the summer.

“The Hub Choir meets every Wednesday night at the Hub, 7.30pm - 9.30pm and newcomers are welcome .... but we would especially love to see more men in our choir,” they said.

“If you have a partner, brother, son, friend who you think would like to give it a go, please let them know. The Hub Choir are a very friendly, light-hearted and talented bunch who give all newcomers a very warm welcome and encouragement.

“Don’t be shy, come along and sing, meet new friends, enjoy the craic and you’ll also be on the stage by the summer.”

Their appeal came as it emerged that singing in a choir may be just what the doctor ordered for cancer patients,

According to scientists one hour of choral singing was found to boost levels of immune proteins, reduce stress and improve mood.

Dr Ian Lewis, director of research at the Tenovus Cancer Care, who co-led the study, said: “We have been building a body of evidence over the past six years to show that singing in a choir can have a range of social, emotional and psychological benefits, and now we can see it has biological effects too.

“We’ve long heard anecdotal evidence, but this is the first time it’s been demonstrated that the immune system can be affected by singing. It’s really exciting and could enhance the way we help people with cancer in the future.”