1 ## Annual Report 2023/24 ## **Background** As the Féile Women’s Singing group enters its 19th year, this eclec�c ensemble of women is growing stronger and becoming increasingly diverse. With the number of members rising weekly, the group dynamics are ever-changing. This change is both a strength and a challenge for us, especially under the guidance of our bubbly, enthusias�c, and musically gi�ed leader, Clare Galway. The Féile Women’s Singing group was ini�ally established as part of Féile an Phobail with the vision of bringing women together through their passion for singing, regardless of their views, beliefs, or backgrounds. The group now includes over 50 women of all ages, backgrounds, and abili�es from across Belfast and beyond. We perform a unique mix of African, pop, rock, and folk songs in our spirited a cappella style. We are eternally grateful to Anna Newel, our former director, who was instrumental in se�ng up the singing group. Although she has moved on to other projects in Dublin, her inspira�onal crea�vity, vision, and dedica�on have le� a las�ng impact. Most importantly, we are thankful for her decision to find Clare Galway and entrust us to her capable leadership. 1 2 ## **Where are we based?** Feile Women’s Singing Group holds weekly prac�ce sessions at Culturlann McAdam O’Fiaich, an Irish language cultural and arts center located on the Falls Road in Belfast. The group is very fortunate to have been offered a space for our gatherings. Although there are occasions when the space is unavailable, we are proud to call ‘An Culturlann’ our home. ## **What we have been doing during the year 23/24** Throughout the year the singing group con�nued to meet at the Culturlann on Wednesday evenings, in crea�ve vocal talent, suppor�ng one and other, sharing songs, harmonies and great company. 2 3 In June Féile Women’s Singing group leader Clare was hosted by Féile member and accomplished flautist Susan at her house for an intimate concert. A glorious occasion a full house of Féile faithful friends. The event included solo recitals from both Clare and Susan a testament to the talent within Féile the highlight was the performance of a song written by Clare to honour her wonderful mother. In May we were asked to sing at one of our wonderful care homes Kilwee. Feedback from the indicated how much the residents and staff appreciated singing and dancing together. “We had a wonderful evening with Féile Women's Singing Group. 🎵🎵 Our residents joined in singing to some of their favourite classic tunes… and what's a music gathering without a little dancing! 🤭 Thank you to the ladies choir for coming to sing for us and creating an engaging evening for all. “❤ #WomensChoir #ChoirMusic #SingingandDancing Fabulous to receive such a warm welcome and to enjoy an evening of singing and dancing with the most wonderful people. 3 FEILE WOMEN II,IL 5 Feile were asked to join a host of other artists to ‘stand Up for Indie News’ Thanks to VIEW and Una Murphy for the invite to sing at the event, alongside some fabulous local comedians and musicians Our rendition of ‘An Invitation’ by Rising Appalachia, sung as part of the evening was a very fitting song for times we are in, calling people from all corners to take a stand Féile Women rendition certainly lit up the Green Room at the Black Box. “An invitation, a celebration, a call to action, a call to action” The Culturlann McAdam Ó Fiaich our rehearsal space (our home from home) was set up a makeshi� recording studio, to record some choir vocals for Clare’s new, single 5 6 Féile singing group were honoured to have featured on Clare our singing group leader’s new release ‘An Irish Blessing’ Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day 6 7 Féile singers supporting Black Lives Matter campaign with a live online performance during our rehearsals at Culturlann. Performing at 2 Royal Avenue as part of Féile an Phobal’s Interna�onal Women’s Day Celebra�ons 7 8 We were proud and humbled to have been asked to participate in the mental health campaign facilitated by PPR project (Participation and the Practice of Rights) **‘No One left behind’** New Script campaign members joined Féile singing group in a collaborative effort to support the campaign for better Mental Health services. Billed as a 'New Script for Mental Health', author Louise Kennedy joined mental health activists, practitioners and others in the MAC to promote and facilitate conversations across society around what a better approach to mental health could look like, and in turn, to make that a goal. Feile women’s singers were honoured to perform the song ‘Ticking boxes’ (penned by our own Féile singer Sara Boyce) alongside activists involved in the campaign at the conference at the MAC in Belfast. ## _**“This filled my wee soul right up”…. Caroline New Script activist…a hugh thank you to Clare**_ Féile were included in a lovely feature by **Meon Eile** in our natural habitat, rehearsing upstairs in the **C** ultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich Sa bhliain 2004 bhunaigh grúpa ban Cór na mBan mar imeacht de chuid Féile an Phobail. Bhí an t-aischothú a fuair an cór chomh maith sin gur shocraigh siad coinneáil leis agus tá sé ag dul o neart go neart ó shin🎶🎶🎵🎵 Scéal iomlán thíos👇👇 8 9 ## **Christmas Events** Christmas is an important time for Féile to share with family and friends and an important time for us to share our joy of singing within the community. In particular we continue to sing and bring the joy of the season to our more vulnerable citizens by visiting local nursing homes including Kilwee residential care home and Cullingtree where residents join us in singing popular Christmas Carols as well as enjoying dancing along to popular tunes. “Glenowen Court Would like to say a huge thank you to Feile women's singing group for the wonderful entertainment tonight. Our residents and staff thoroughly enjoyed you sharing your vocal talents and your time with us this evening!!” 9 10 This year we lost 2 members of our singing group who will be sadly missed. In February we said a fond farewell to one of our beloved members Nora we celebrated her life; told stories, sang songs, gazed upon her wonderful photos and art-piece clothing. Nora’s ‘Chidambaram Samba’ friends made a joyful and cathartic sound, doing her proud as did Féile singers who attended a celebration of her life. In September we also lost the lovely quiet sole that was Ita, both Feile women gone from us too soon. Loved and respected by all, we will miss you both. Love from your Féile Women. Rest in power Nora and Ita 10 11 FEILE WOMEN STATEMENT OF ANNUAL ACCOUNT (April 2023-A Feile Women's Singers 7 Salisbury Gardens Belfast, BT15 SEL ril 2024 ACCOUNT BALANCE £2,337.72 £2,332.72 £2,327.72 £2,322.72 £2,317.72 £2,867.72 £3.067.72 DATE DESCRIPTION Balance brought fonvard Bank Charges Bank Charges Bank Charges Bank Charges Gig Payment Gig Payment CHARGES u CREDITS 3-May 2-Jun 3-Jul 2-Aug 18-Aug 13-Dec £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £550.00 li