Harrogate village singing group has TV lockdown hit with classic 1960s song

A group of villagers from the Harrogate District has appeared on primetime television performing a new version of the classic Petula Clark 1960s song Downtown with lyrics inspired by lockdown.
Bishop Monkton’s Singing for Fun group appearing on BBC TV via Zoom.Bishop Monkton’s Singing for Fun group appearing on BBC TV via Zoom.
Bishop Monkton’s Singing for Fun group appearing on BBC TV via Zoom.

The rise to fame for Bishop Monkton’s Singing for Fun group began when it was challenged by its leader to write a new version of the song appropriate for the pandemic.

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The item on the North-East and Cumbria edition of BBC Look North at 6.30pm included interviews with the group's leader Angie Archbold and the writer of one of the new versions of the song, Pauline Beecroft.

Pauline was also heard in full voice singing her version of Lockdown to the tune of the 1960s hit song.

Another version, written by Group member, Gladys Hall, was also featured in the report.

The villager singers have now featured on Radio York, Look North and there are other BBC outlets interested, too.

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The group formerly met in a local church hall but transferred onto Zoom last April after lockdown was introduced.

It now meets virtually every Thursday online, singing a mixture of songs from the 1940s through to the present day.

Lockdown - new lyrics by Pauline Beecroft

Don’t sit around and let your troubles surround you, even though we’re in LOCKDOWN.

Put on a mask and venture up to the supermarket in disguise – LOCKDOWN.

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Empty shelves may greet you but there’s someone there to turn to

Tell them what you’re looking for but keep a social distance.

Stick to the rules!

Two metres is not so bad

You can make use of the space and no need to feel sad

When in – LOCKDOWN

Making the most of it – LOCKDOWN

Put a brave face on it – LOCKDOWN

Everything’s waiting for you!

LOCKDOWN.

Walks in the countryside are not to be missed when we are all stuck in LOCKDOWN.

You’ll notice things you never thought could exist, embracing everything – LOCKDOWN.

Traffic noise is non-existent, some say ‘more’s the pity’,

No pollution anywhere, they’ve sanitised our city.

Now wash your hands!

Remember your personal space!

We can forget touching noses, our eyes and our face,

While in – LOCKDOWN

Furlough will rescue you – LOCKDOWN

Zoom meetings welcome you – LOCKDOWN

You’re going to be alright now – LOCKDOWN

INSTRUMENTAL

And you may find a takeaway delivers with a bottle

Welcome it, but stand well back, then disinfect with detol.

Pubs open now!

So maybe I’ll see you there….

Sit outside at the tables, we’ll get our fresh air.

We’re in – LOCKDOWN

Children all back at school – LOCKDOWN

No, it’s not April fool – LOCKDOWN

No home tuition for you!

LOCKDOWN!

LOCKDOWN!

LOCKDOWN!

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