Sue is a true original. She's been volunteering for the Liverpool choir since before the first rehearsal even took place! Here she is, in her own words:

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CHOIR WITH NO NAME?

I saw an advertisement for the Choir and arranged to meet Marie.

After talking to her I knew that the choir would be a great success in Liverpool and I definitely wanted to be part of it. 

PLEASE TELL US YOUR THREE FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING. 

Welcoming new members and volunteers.

Chatting to members about their lives.  

Singing at rehearsals and gigs.

If I am allowed a fourth thing it would be Mary's cakes!! 

HAS THERE BEEN AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT? WHAT WAS IT?

There are two.  Singing at a gig, when it was quite obvious that the audience thought we would be rubbish. Then they sat there open-mouthed as we sang and gave us a standing ovation when we finished.

The second is when the choir composed and sang our own original song, 'Survivor'. 

AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT VOLUNTEERING FOR US?

I'm trying to teach my budgie Charlie some new phrases. His current vocabulary includes "Come on you Reds" (Liverpool FC obviously), "Referee" (courtesy of my son), and "Shut up, shut up" (normally when I am practising a choir song). 

ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Anything that allows homeless or disadvantaged people an opportunity to be heard and believe that they are worth something is to be encouraged and supported in every way. It has been a privilege to be involved with Liverpool's Choir with No Name from the beginning. I have met some wonderful people, both members and volunteers, and long may it continue. 

NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAY ABOUT SUE:

"Sue is so very welcoming from the moment you meet her. She has the biggest smile and is always laughing. You can tell that she really cares, not just about the members but the volunteers and everyone involved. She knows each member and is really perceptive, noting subtle changes and potential worries or anxieties. She’s there to lend an ear if people need her and I think everyone knows that Sue is someone you can approach with ease. Sue is the first to jump up and make brews, the first person to dish out food on our coach trips and works the room like a pro when we sit down to dine together after rehearsals - ensuring everyone gets fed and watered. We love Sue!” Gemma, volunteer

"She is great, she is the matriarch of the choir and I love her to bits.” George, choir member

"She is a great woman!” Maria, choir member

"Sue always goes above and beyond what is asked of her and is always thinking of different ways to improve the members' experiences with CWNN - from bringing extra sweets and chocolates to organising pamper days and getting us involved with the Homeless Games!” - Mersey, choir director

"On my very first day meeting the choir, Sue made me feel so welcomed and taken care of; I knew I had made the right decision in taking the job, and her warmth and humour left me feeling really excited about what was to come. Sue is one of those immensely valuable people who steps up every single time, you just know she’s always there thinking not just about what needs to be done, but what else we can do to add that little extra. Sue is the mother of the choir, and we are so lucky to have her!” Ema, choir manager

"Sue welcomed me in to the fold as a Choir With No Name volunteer with her calm and approachable demeanour. I was immediately impressed with her skilful organisation of the pamper day for the members ahead of the Christmas gig - truly above and beyond the call of duty but she took it all in her stride. I love hearing about Sue’s very vocal budgie and I’m hoping to get my own pet bird so I can teach it some songs!” Becky, volunteer

Feeling inspired? We're always looking for volunteers at our choirs in London, Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham - find out how you could help