Who's Who
Carol Jopling
Choir Leader
Carol loves to meet new people when they join the choir. She enjoys hearing their stories about why they want to be part of the choir, which has grown steadily over the years and continues to grow!
She regards Upbeat! as a real community where people make new friends.
Carol also enjoys working with a few piano students to help them achieve their grades and she also gives music theory lessons.
Any spare time is spent with her family and sailing her boat.
Carol believes that music is a precious commodity which enhances peoples' lives in so many ways.
Upbeat! opens up music to everyone.
Helen Gosling
Choir Secretary
Helen joined Upbeat! in January 2016. She says her first concert was nerve wracking but she loves being part of the choir and looks forward to rehearsals each week. She took on the role of secretary in June 2024 and says she's still finding her feet, although her career background has always been admin so she is well equipped. She fully retired in June 2020, and in her spare time enjoys playing tennis, playing the piano, sewing and has recently bought a motor home (Bertie) and after a few trips this year is looking forward to many more trips in him!
The Team
Julie Vowles
Choir Treasurer
Julie joined Upbeat! in 2019 and was very warmly welcomed by Carol and the ladies of the choir.
Although not a reader of music, she has enjoyed the learning process and of course the singing
which has ranged from the very familiar to the new and exciting.
She took over the roll of Upbeat! treasurer in July 2024 which sits well with her experience of running a small business with her husband.
While still working, looking after the Upbeat! Finances and taking care of her young grandchildren
during the week, she also loves to get out and about at the weekends walking, birdwatching and
spending time with friends and family.
Anna Greenwood
Events Organiser
Anna is one of our longest serving sopranos, having joined in 2012! She does a fantastic job organising any choir events and expertly co-ordinates our Christmas and summer concerts, and any other events, such as weddings, choir socials etc. She is also our contact for the charities we support. If you need things organising, she is your lady!
Other than Upbeat! Anna has a busy life travelling and helping out with her two energetic grandsons! She loves to spend time at the coast and with family and friends.
Sara Brook
Social media/ Website
Sara joined Upbeat! in Jan 2015, finding it a fantastic way to get to know her local community and make new friends. Here she rediscovered her love of singing as part of a group, finding it a great opportunity to do something just for her while raising a young family!
She helps to keep Upbeat's social media and website up to date.
Outside of choir she also enjoys the coast, visiting exhibitions, eating out, going to the theatre and having fun with her family and friends.