Bromley author, Annie Lyons uses experience of singing with local Community Choir as inspiration for her new book.

When best-selling author, Annie Lyons needed inspiration for her latest book, she didn’t have far to look.

‘I have been singing with the brilliant Churchfields Community Choir ever since they were formed in 2015. I wanted to write a book which celebrates the south-east London community where I have lived for most of my life so the choir served as an obvious inspiration.’ The Choir on Hope Street, which will be published in paperback and audio on the 6th of April, is the story of two women who bring the residents of Hope Street together to form a choir in a bid to save the local community hall from closure.

‘I know from my own experiences of singing with the choir, just how wonderful and uplifting it is to be part of something like this. Community choirs are so important in bringing people together – we’ve sung at local fundraisers, festivals, the Beckenham Christmas light switch-on and even at the Tate Modern! I wanted to write about how music has a way of bringing joy and hope to the community because I believe that the world really needs a bit of hope at the moment. This is a book which I hope will make people laugh, shed a tear and maybe even feel like joining a choir!’

The Choir on Hope Street will be available from larger branches of Sainsbury’s, Waterstone’s and all good bookshops.

You can find out more about Annie by visiting www.annielyons.com or following her on Twitter: @1AnnieLyons or Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter

The Churchfields Community Choir meets fortnightly on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30 at Churchfields Primary School – visit https://www.facebook.com/churchfieldscommunitychoir for more information.

Annie and the choir will be doing a book signing and singing event at Waterstone’s in Orpington on Saturday 29th of April from 11.30 am.

Submitted by Annie Peters