A much-loved parish music group is preparing to celebrate 50 years of faith, friendship and music at St William of York Church, Thornton.

 

Speakeasy was formed in 1976 when Fr Tom Leigh noticed the large number of young people attending Mass and invited them to gather in the parish hall on Monday evenings to explore their faith and share their questions.

 

Music soon became central to the meetings, and the group took its name after a member remarked, on seeing the empty guitar cases, “This looks like a Speakeasy.”

 

The group began singing at the 6pm Sunday Mass, with Helen McColl later taking over leadership when Fr Tom became the Archdiocese’s Vocations Director. Speakeasy was pioneering within the archdiocese, introducing many beloved hymns still sung today. Their impressive four-part harmonies became a hallmark of their performances.

 

Over the years, the group has sung at weddings, baptisms, Confirmations and funerals, travelled with the archdiocese on pilgrimages to Lourdes, and was honoured to sing for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Liverpool. Five members went on to become priests, and several members found love in the group. Although members have moved away, including overseas, the friendships formed through Speakeasy have endured, with former members still gathering several times a year.

 

Speakeasy will be celebrating their 50th anniversary on 24 October, beginning with Mass at St William of York Church, Edge Lane, Thornton at 6pm, followed by refreshments and music in the parish club.

 

Speakeasy warmly invites anyone who has a connection to the group, past or present, to join in this special occasion.

 

For catering reasons, please contact Helen McColl at helen.speakeasy@hotmail.com or 07778 746600 if you plan to attend.

 

We look forward to celebrating together, rekindling old friendships and making new memories as we honour fifty years of faith, music, and community.