She was six months pregnant with the couple’s first child and Melbourne would be there new home.

This is where her husband would study English for 12 months before continuing along his chosen career path – mechanical engineering.

“When we first came to Australia we did not know any English.

“Just to say hello and that was it, it was very scary,” she remembers.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that six years later they would end up in Singleton and Veronica would be singing in public.

Diana Deaves first came to Singleton when she was in high school.

“I did year 11 and 12 here, moved away for a while then came back,” she said.

Diana said she remembers loving to sing as a child and even had a few singing lessons but did not think she was good enough to sing in a choir.

However, an advertisement promoting Singleton’s Harmony choir led to this busy mother of two having a change of heart.

“The advertisement made it sound like the main focus of the group was getting people together.

“It didn’t sound like I needed to be an accomplished singer, so I felt no pressure in making my decision to join,” she said.

This indeed is what the Harmony choir is all about - women of all ages, cultural backgrounds and singing ability coming together to share their love of song.

Diana said she loves going every week and I even enjoy performing at community events now.

“It’s lovely going to see the ladies every week; everyone is very friendly, welcoming and so supportive.

“It’s my main activity outside of being a mum and working and all that kind of stuff.”

Fellow choir member, Veronica, also cherishes her time with the choir and has formed some very close friendship whilst improving her English.

“Coming from a big city to a smaller town, I did not expect there would be many opportunities in Singleton but through the multicultural club I joined the choir.”

“I love the challenge of singing in the choir, learning how to breathe properly and staying in tune with the others; every song is a new challenge,” she said

Both women agreed that they are much more confident in their singing ability thanks to the choir’s musical director Sarah Lukeman.

Diana said it has been a long time since she has read music but it does not matter.

“Sarah has a great way of helping you learn without worrying too much about the notes.

“The way she builds your confidence is the most important thing because being confident in your ability is what helps to improve your performance the most,” she asserted.

“When you master a song it gives you a feeling of accomplishment,” she said.

Diana and Veronica, along with the rest of the group are looking forward to performing at the upcoming Singleton Community concert.

“At the moment we are planning to perform three songs and possibly a fourth                       with Sarah’s other choir.

“One is quite  quick, an up tempo song that we sing in rounds which is always quite challenging as you need to focus on your part and not get distracted by what other people are singing.”

They said this is something they have been working toward for some time now and the group as a whole has progressed to the point where they can perform this type of song with confidence.

The concert is a part of Singleton’s Art Festival and will take place during the ‘big weekend’ from the July 19 to 21.

It commences at 2pm on Saturday July, 20 at the Sisters of Mercy Chapel on Queen Street.

Besides the harmony choir a number of soloists, duets, small ensembles and the Singleton Singers will perform in the wonderful acoustics of the Sisters of Mercy Chapel.   

 Tickets will be sold at the door at the cost of $5 for an adult and $10 for a family.  

An afternoon tea will be available for $5 per adult and $2 per child, courtesy of the Singleton Branch Australian Red Cross.

For more information contact Sarah Lukeman on  0427 191 724 or at sarahlukeman@hotmail.com.