Article & links thanks to Aaron Symons, The Wirral Beacon.
Caldy Off Pitch Choir performed within the unique setting of Hoylake Lifeboat Station last Saturday, the first of their Summer concerts and in aid of the ‘Sing To Save Lives’ campaign – part of the RNLI Bicentenary celebrations aimed at inspiring the next generation of supporters and volunteers through music and to remind everyone that love of the sea and trust in the RNLI go hand in hand.
Established in 1803, Hoylake is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK, although its boathouse and Shannon‑class lifeboat are state‑of‑the‑art. It covers Liverpool Bay and the approaches to the River Mersey and River Dee, and its volunteer crew has saved hundreds of lives over more than 220 years of service.
Given the station’s history, the concert was a rare chance to step inside the boathouse and experience the space in a completely different way. Before the performance began, we were reminded that if a shout went up, we were to stay exactly where we were — a gentle but sobering acknowledgement that even in moments of music, levity, and community, the RNLI’s dedication to saving lives at sea never pauses.
Fortunately, no call came, and everyone was able to enjoy the evening uninterrupted. Still, it’s hard not to wonder how much the crew were able to relax, knowing they might be needed at any moment.
To prepare for the event, the lifeboat was moved to the ramp outside and the speedboat placed on the beach, opening up the boathouse for the choir and audience seating. The extra space created surprisingly rich acoustics, with the choir’s warm harmonies filling every corner.
They opened with a beautiful rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, followed by a playful medley of TV themes — Red Dwarf, Mr Bean, and Blackadder — before moving into a run of pop favourites.
The most memorable moment came at the end, when the choir launched into a set of sea‑themed songs and shanties. The RNLI crew joined in for What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor, much to the delight of the audience, before the choir closed with a touching tribute: We Are the Champions by Queen, with the line changed to “You are the champions of the sea.” The crew received heartfelt applause — a simple gesture, but one that clearly meant a great deal.
Their first summer concert inside the lifeboat station went down a treat with locals, with smiles and laughter washing across the room.
Caldy Off Pitch Choir grew out of a chance conversation between members of Caldy Rugby Club after a match in 2008. This was a time when choral singing was growing in popularity, so why, some of the group suggested, didn’t Jan Lyon, a musician and singer, start a choir in the rugby club ?
The choir began small. At first it consisted exclusively of ex-rugby players and rugby mums. It proved really popular and grew quickly – so much so that it
periodically threatens to outgrow the club house where practices are still held and has to impose waiting lists for new members.
The choir achieves high standards and recently won a trophy in their class at Chester Music Festival. It does its bit for the community, too, having raised thousands of pounds for local causes over the years. Despite the hard work that goes into the preparation of performances, the
atmosphere at practices is very much about fun rather than formality, and part of the choir’s appeal is the easy badinage between choir members and the
conductor !
It is a true community choir being lead and run exclusively by volunteers.
Off Pitch has a light repertoire and tackles any new piece with gusto, whether it’s light classical, soulful ballad or Uptown Funk.
Caldy Off Pitch Choir’s Christmas Concert and trophy winners at Chester Music Festival – images thanks to Chris Higgins, Caldy Off Pitch Choir.
Follow Off Pitch Choir on Facebook and YouTube.
Follow RNLI Hoylake on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website to find out more about what they do and how you can support them.
