The Happy Pod: The choir proud to admit they can't sing

Loading player...
The Off-Key Choir in Southport on Merseyside has a simple motto: just because you can't sing doesn't mean you shouldn't. Around 80 members come together every week to sing their hearts out, without the pressure to hit all the right notes. Since it was formed in 2018, the choir has also acted as a support group. It has become so popular there is now a waiting list to join.

Also: the successful canopy bridge project giving animals a safe way to cross roads in the vast Amazon rainforest. How a pirate ship themed video game is helping stroke survivors in Mexico to regain mobility. A pilot scheme from Guide Dogs is turning ultrasound scans into 3D printed models for expectant parents with sight loss to feel their unborn baby's features. Campaigners across Africa are celebrating after a UN vote to adopt a new world map reflecting the true size of the continent. Plus, as a new Gruffalo book is released, we hear why the original story resonates with so many children.

(Image: Sheila Byrne, member of the Off-Key Choir. Credit: BBC)

Presenter: Chantal Hartle.
Music: Iona Hampson
12 Sep 7AM English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

Russia and Ukraine continue strikes on energy targets

There's been no pause in fighting between Russia and Ukraine, despite President Trump's claim that both sides would temporarily stop targeting critical infrastructure. Russia says a gas pipeline was hit in the south of the country in an attack overnight, while officials in Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine said Russian attacks…
15 Sep 11AM 28 min

US reveals it has deployed space weapons

US Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink, has revealed that America has weapons in space to protect its assets in orbit, but he didn't divulge which weapons were there. His comments will be seen as a warning to Russia and China, raising the prospect of warfare in space. A treaty from…
15 Sep 12AM 30 min

NATO urged to intercept Russian drones after Ukraine attack

A US think tank says NATO should consider intercepting Russian drones in Ukrainian airspace, after a drone struck a train near the Polish border. The strike happened soon after a train carrying senior European officials had passed through the same station. The NATO chief, Mark Rutte, says the attack shows…
14 Sep 10AM 28 min

Centre Left coalition in Sweden on course for victory

Centre left coalition in Sweden likely to form new national government despite a slim majority. The far-right Sweden Democrats saw their support fall. Also: The state railway company in Ukraine says it's "quite likely" that a Russian drone attack was targeting a diplomatic train which had some of Europe’s most…
14 Sep 12AM 27 min

The Global Story: Can Dubai’s luxe image survive the war with Iran?

As the summer holiday season draws to a close, foreigners travelling to and from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates are facing delays, cancellations and severe travel warnings. The disruption comes as a result of the UAE’s position in the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Throughout the conflict, Iran has…
13 Sep 3PM 30 min