Specialisms
Supporting all who wish to sing and connect with others.
Supporting all who wish to sing and connect with others.
I love the power of music to make people feel as one and to bring a sense of well-being in challenging times. The voice can transcend language and geographical barriers and, when shared with others, can nurture a sense of connection and belonging.
In recent times I have enjoyed living more sustainably and contributing to my community through volunteering and generating funds for local food projects. I like to get my hands dirty, connecting with the soil and growing community links. While in Cornwall I felt very much with ‘my tribe’ at Bosavern Community Farm near St Just, Land’s End and I’ve recently joined the team at Paddington Farm Trust, near Glastonbury Tor – helping to grow and share organic fruit and veg.
I have developed a way of holding ‘song circles’ with a non-prescriptive approach to singing and chanting – to provide an opportunity to explore vocal sounds, percussion and improvisation, with spaces to breathe in-between and I am learning to get better at listening and encourage others to do the same.
And so…refreshed and with a different outlook on life…I find myself based back in Somerset, re-connecting with family and friends. I return to SW Cornwall once a month, following those threads back to the places and people I have been nourished by in recent years.
Penwith Song Circle is held monthly in the lovely Old School Studio, Newlyn.
Mendip Song Circle is putting down roots in North Wootton and occasional ‘pop-up’ events will spring forth in the Shepton Mallet area from time to time.
Background
After 40 years of singing in choirs, groups and in folk clubs, I started leading a community choir in Somerset in 2017. I benefited hugely from a fabulous ‘Sharing the Music’ residential weekend led by Susie Ro (Prater) where I learned to teach using Natural Voice methods and from observing other NVN teachers at workshops.
Alongside this I took great pleasure in singing with Glorious Chorus based in Totnes, led by brilliant songwriter and arranger Helen Yeomans until it ended in 2023.
In 2020 I moved to SW Cornwall and connected with the wonderful Pip Wright, singing with Levow an Bys in Penzance and Songs with Spirit, Songs for the Soul.
In 2023 I started running ‘Penwith Song Circle’ at the Old School Studio, Newlyn (formerly known as ‘Inner Space’) – complementing yoga and other therapies already on offer there.
My website, Penwith Voices, was created to provide a one-stop shop for all singing opportunities in West – sharing information to help others find a group suited to them.
Following my return to the Mendip area in 2025, I am now in the process of sowing the Song Circle seeds in villages close to where I live, and enjoying my reconnection with voices linked to the town of Shepton Mallet.
I am a Trustee for NVN – taking on the role of Treasurer in 2025.
Mendip Voices is a collective name currently linked to Mendip Song Circles, held in North Wootton (near Pilton) and Shepton Mallet. These are new and still bedding down but hopefully will take root and thrive!
Everyone is welcome to drop into a Mendip Song Circle – you will find a safe space, welcoming and relaxed.
The format suits experienced singers as well as those with less confidence who may be feeling anxious or who have never sung with a group before.
We focus on the breath – singing from the core and the heart – for health and well-being. No experience necessary.
We meet in a circle but with freedom to get up and move around when we feel like it.
This approach to singing is freestyle and informal, with percussion and song baths and space to breathe and pause in-between.
We introduce harmony and improvisation and simply go with the flow, exploring a variety of short songs, chants, mantras and rounds – inspired by cultures worldwide, including our own.
Contact Sue via mendipvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
Comments from participants of Penwith Song Circle:
“no matter how I’m feeling when I arrive, I always leave feeling lighter and uplifted”
“It was so welcome and welcoming. I love the way you hold the space in the session – it’s just perfectly toned – wonderful – such a skill to manage it all with such a deft light touch … and gorgeous singing and songs. Big thanks and gratitude for all that you do.”
“Thank you so much for this morning. I was blown away. Loved it. Very much.”
North Wootton - alternate Mondays 3.30-5.00pm
Shepton Mallet - most Fridays 09:30-10:30
Everyone is welcome – this is a friendly supportive group welcoming both experienced singers and those with less confidence who may be feeling anxious and or who have never sung with a group before.
We connect with self and others, the land and the sea – meeting in a relaxed and healing space close to Mount’s Bay.
We focus on breath – singing from the core and the heart, complementing yoga practice but with no experience necessary.
Our style and approach to singing is freestyle and informal. We introduce harmony and improvisation and simply go with the flow, exploring a variety of short songs, chants, mantras and rounds – inspired by cultures worldwide, including our own.
Contact Sue via penwithvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
Feedback:
“no matter how I’m feeling when I arrive, I always leave feeling lighter and uplifted”
“It was so welcome and welcoming. I love the way you hold the space in the session – it’s just perfectly toned – wonderful – such a skill to manage it all with such a deft light touch … and gorgeous singing and songs. Big thanks and gratitude for all that you do.”
“Thank you so much for this morning. I was blown away. Loved it. Very much.”
2nd Sunday 10.30-12.30 monthly (except Aug)
Shepton Voices is a collective name for pop-up events and occasional singing in the Shepton Mallet area.
Shepton Voices recently supported Let’s Buy The Amulet and raised £250 to buy community shares in this project.
Song leader Sue Rushforth has experience of directing a small choir to sing at community events e.g. Christmas Market and Light Up A Life for St Margarets Hospice at St Peter’s Church. Please contact if you are interested in singing with others on an occasional basis and/or have a request for a ‘choir’/group to sing at a named event or to support the community in some way.
Contact Sue via sheptonvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
Sue also leads Mendip Song Circle – a more meditative practice involving chants, mantras and rounds.
Contact Sue via mendipvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
Monthly
