0:00:02 > 0:00:06Choirmaster Gareth Malone believes that singing
0:00:06 > 0:00:08can change the toughest of lives.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10I know that music can bring people together
0:00:10 > 0:00:13under really extraordinary circumstances.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14In three weeks' time,
0:00:14 > 0:00:19these soldiers will be fighting for their country in Afghanistan.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20Three, two, one!
0:00:20 > 0:00:25They'll be leaving behind more than 120 women and their children.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Been quite a few fatalities, which is horrific.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32This is real. It's not Action Man here. This is real stuff.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35These people are separated from their husbands.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38There's a real danger that they could be injured.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40They might not even come back.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Gareth will pull these women together
0:00:42 > 0:00:44into a choir of military wives.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47I am here to lift your spirits, hopefully.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Pick you up and bring your voices together to be heard.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Words can't explain how much...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56How much I just want him to come home.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59If I let my guard down and let the emotion come out,
0:00:59 > 0:01:00I would be crying the whole day!
0:01:00 > 0:01:04The whole point of this is to give voice to these women
0:01:04 > 0:01:05and make people hear them
0:01:05 > 0:01:09and it's amazing how much some of them hide.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12You wanted to play with the big girls, you drink like the big girls.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13In less than eight months,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Gareth will take his choir from obscurity...
0:01:16 > 0:01:20This lot are going to absolutely rip us to pieces.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23..up through the ranks of the military establishment.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25It's about boosting morale.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27It's about finding pride in yourselves.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29I want to run away. I just want to run away!
0:01:29 > 0:01:34And right to the heart of the nation's tribute to the troops,
0:01:34 > 0:01:36with a grand performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39This is like no other gig I have ever done.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Gig is the wrong word. This is a ceremony.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43It does get you.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Going into a very sensitive situation with something as ridiculous
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and as crass as singing in a choir.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52It's testing what a choir is for
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and really testing it to the limit.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09It's early spring and Gareth is moving to Devon,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11where he'll be staying for the next eight months.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14He'll start a choir with the wives of soldiers and marines
0:02:14 > 0:02:17based nearby, who are about to deploy to Afghanistan.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23It's a time where the military is just in everyone's minds.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Every time I open the newspaper,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28there's been a new awful story from Afghanistan,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31but we don't think about who's left at home
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and we only ever hear about military wives
0:02:34 > 0:02:38when they're on the news and when something's gone wrong.
0:02:38 > 0:02:39When the chips are down
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and you haven't got anything else to get you through,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44I think that's what singing was invented for.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's for bringing people together - even when things are bad.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57I know nothing about the military.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Absolutely nothing, other than what I've been told,
0:03:00 > 0:03:01what I've seen on the news.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04I've never spent time on a military base
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and I know very little about military life.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I really don't know what to expect.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Gareth will be choirmaster at the Royal Marine Barracks
0:03:14 > 0:03:18at Chivenor, a remote spot in north Devon.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19Your name is?
0:03:19 > 0:03:20Gareth Malone.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24I think this is the most intimidating place
0:03:24 > 0:03:25I've ever been in my life.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Do you get used to it?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Yeah, you do, yeah.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35There's been a base at Chivenor since before the Second World War.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Three, two, one!
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Now it's a training base for nearly 1,200 men
0:03:42 > 0:03:44from the Royal Marines, the Army and the RAF.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I'd like to introduce you to the OC.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52In just three weeks, these men will deploy to Afghanistan.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54How's the mood?
0:03:54 > 0:03:57The mood is good. We've spent a lot of time training.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Although you can't train too much, we're at the point now
0:04:00 > 0:04:02where we've done enough and we're ready to go.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04Do you mind me asking how old you are?
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- 22.- 25.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I'm 28. I just had an easy paper round. Look young.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12How does your wife feel?
0:04:12 > 0:04:16We think that it's a bit harder for our families actually
0:04:16 > 0:04:17than us when we're deployed,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21cos they've still got to deal with normal day-to-day life.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Gareth's joining Family Day on the base.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31A chance for everyone to get together
0:04:31 > 0:04:34for the last time before the troops leave.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36Morning. Hi.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Good afternoon, everyone!
0:04:40 > 0:04:41My name is Gareth Malone
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and I'm going to be here for the next eight months.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50I want to invite anyone to come and join a choir.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55You don't need to be a brilliant singer but I'm around.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Come and speak to me if you're at all interested,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59if you've ever thought about singing,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03if you sing in the shower, it's about bringing everyone together.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08Tumbleweed.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11I'm starting a choir.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Good luck with that one.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Thanks.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16I'm starting a choir.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Oh, right!
0:05:18 > 0:05:22For the wives and girlfriends... and anyone who's left behind
0:05:22 > 0:05:23while the troops are away.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24Do you sing?
0:05:24 > 0:05:25No.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27You're deploying in three weeks?
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Yes. Roughly three weeks.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31How are you feeling?
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Not so good about it.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- Is it the first time?- Yeah.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36Big deal.
0:05:36 > 0:05:37Yeah, it is.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41So the whole purpose of me being here is to offer you something to do,
0:05:41 > 0:05:46something to take your mind off of what's going on while they're away.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47Would you be interested?
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Definitely.- Good.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Have you heard that I'm here to start a choir?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- Yes.- Word travels fast.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54Are you interested?
0:05:54 > 0:05:55Yes.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56Good! Yeses!
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Hello, George. Hello, Nicola.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00Do you sing?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Do I sing?
0:06:02 > 0:06:03What does she sing?
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Everything!
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- So you'd be interested? - Oh, most definitely.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12I like "Oh, most definitely". That's the most positive response I've had.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14Are you interested?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Well, yes, but you haven't heard me sing yet!
0:06:17 > 0:06:21What do you rate her chances?
0:06:21 > 0:06:25I think she's going to be outstanding. Absolutely.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29'I don't envy anybody to pull these individuals into a choir.'
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Soldiers are soldiers and they are trained
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and do obey orders for good reason.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Wives don't fall into that category
0:06:38 > 0:06:40and rightly so, and they never should.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43They will have their own views on issues,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45the ways that they want to do things,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47which I think will add to the challenge
0:06:47 > 0:06:49of trying to form them into a choir.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53It's so strange that here we are, drinking cups of tea and coffee,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56enjoying the weather and having a nice fete,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58and these guys are going to war in three weeks
0:06:58 > 0:07:02and they'll be in Afghanistan and everyone will be worried about them.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07So, it will just be such a strange atmosphere on the base after that.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09It's the calm before the storm.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20280 houses make up the married quarters, known as "the patch".
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Standing on the perimeter of the base,
0:07:22 > 0:07:26it's where the majority of troops live with their families.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29It's quite a dull place.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31There's nothing apart from all the houses,
0:07:31 > 0:07:36and the houses seem to vary depending on what rank you are.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38It does feel very remote from the rest of the world.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We're only about half a mile from Barnstable
0:07:41 > 0:07:43and yet we're in a little enclave.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I wonder if they have any interaction with the outside world.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49It's very claustrophobic,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53so you're right on top of everyone that your husband works with.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55There's no getting away from them.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Soldier's wife Nicky and her family moved to Chivenor a few months ago.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01It's her fifth base in ten years.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04She thinks Gareth's choir could make all the difference.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06It's hard to meet people I think
0:08:06 > 0:08:12because there is a big, big cross-section of all the services.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14There's cliques of people.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18What happens is you get parties, mess functions,
0:08:18 > 0:08:19and those wives go to them.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25The other wives don't because they are another regiment or something.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28You make acquaintances, not friends.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31And you need things to bring people together. You do need things.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Having a choir here is going to be brilliant.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40I can't say that I've ever seen the commanding officer's wife
0:08:40 > 0:08:43so I don't know who she is, to be honest with you!
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I know where she lives and I hear people say she's a lovely lady.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I'm sure she is.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Gareth wants to spread the word on the patch
0:08:53 > 0:08:57that his first choir rehearsals are about to get under way.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Hello.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Hi. I'm not a mum and I haven't got a baby.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- Hello.- Stacey.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Hi, Stacey. Hello.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09Hi, I'm Gareth. Local choirmaster. Hello.
0:09:09 > 0:09:15So what is there to do for you while your husbands are away? Nothing?
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Really?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Nothing whatsoever.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Just counting the long days.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25What about singing? I'm starting a choir.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27My dream is to be able to sing.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Your dream?
0:09:28 > 0:09:32I'm going to make that dream come true. I hope. He said!
0:09:32 > 0:09:34I used to be in a choir.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Oh, great! When?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38When I was, like, from 12 to 17.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Brilliant. So you know what you're doing.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Nice to meet you. Can I hear your voice?
0:09:44 > 0:09:45- No!- OK.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Well, it's really nice to meet you all and I will let you know.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50I will put a notice up.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- See you again.- Bye!
0:09:52 > 0:09:54'Ah! What's in here?'
0:09:54 > 0:09:59Sam's husband John is in the Royal Engineers.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04At 27, he's about to deploy to Afghanistan for the first time.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06It's a mixture of emotions.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08You feel guilt because you think,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11"Have I forced you into the Army to give us a better life?"
0:10:11 > 0:10:13And then you're angry that they're going.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Everything just feels so tense.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19Sam will be left to look after their two young children.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Brodie has autistic spectrum disorder.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25He's not developed at his age.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28He's seven but he's more at a four-year-old level.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31Life can be difficult
0:10:31 > 0:10:36because Brodie's behaviour can be really challenging at times.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39But I wouldn't change it though.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I am really up for the choir. I love singing.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I think my husband will have a bit more peace of mind
0:10:45 > 0:10:48that I'll be occupied and kept busy.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52So if you're kept busy, the time will hopefully go quicker as well.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54So, yeah, I'm really looking forward to it.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06It's March and after months of preparation and training,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08deployment day has arrived.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Some 600 men will say goodbye to their families
0:11:14 > 0:11:17and leave the barracks for six months in Afghanistan.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29For Nicky, it's the fifth time husband George has been deployed.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34We've done it before. But it's always different.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35All the feelings.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Cos the children are older.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41They know what's going on, yeah.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47I thought he wouldn't have had to go again, because he's done...
0:11:47 > 0:11:48What, George?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Just over 21 years.
0:11:51 > 0:11:5521 years. I thought he'd done his bit.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57But you have to get on with it.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02We've chosen this lifestyle, and that's how it is.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Here you go, chicken. Which one's yours? That one?
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- My stomach's churning. How many hours have we got?- Erm...three.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Three hours to go.- Three hours to go.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- Sapper Leak.- Sir.- Major Williams.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30Corporal Thompson. Sapper Maitland.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33The build-up to going is just...
0:12:33 > 0:12:36is just horrendous, to be honest with you.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Captain Pearce. - It never gets any easier.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45You still have that worry, "What if?"
0:12:45 > 0:12:48You know, you dread that fear of the knock on the door.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Staff Sergeant Bowe.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Sir.- Major Wilson.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Being told, "Right, OK, you're going off,"
0:12:55 > 0:12:57it frightens him, really frightens him.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02And he goes through a lot of emotions because of it.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03Captain Grant.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Sapper Maddocks.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10When he says goodbye to me, is that going to be his last goodbye?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Oh, I'm sorry.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32It's like a ghost town, there's nothing going on.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37Last week there were soldiers around and people driving about,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39now it's just really quiet.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48Today is Gareth's first rehearsal for his military wives' choir.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The chapel on the edge of the barracks will be their base
0:13:52 > 0:13:54for the next few months.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59They're in a real low point, their husbands have just gone,
0:13:59 > 0:14:00literally last weekend,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and I think a few of them probably
0:14:02 > 0:14:05haven't ventured out of the house very much,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09so this is the time to be having fun, getting them going.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I don't know how they're going to react to that, as well.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14You know, whether they feel it's appropriate
0:14:14 > 0:14:16while their husbands are away
0:14:16 > 0:14:19for them just to be having a nice time doing some singing.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Ten minutes to go.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31There's nobody coming yet. It's a bit worrying.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33It actually hadn't occurred to me
0:14:33 > 0:14:36that I wouldn't have people turning up.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I'm just going to guess you're here for the choir
0:14:44 > 0:14:46and not going to the military base.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48You're here for the choir? Brilliant.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Thanks for coming, Susie. Who's this?- This is Jack.- Hi, Jack.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- Hello.- Hi.- I take it you're here for the choir?- Yeah.- Hello, come on in.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- Hello, hi. What's your name? - Jodie.- Hello, Jodie.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Welcome, welcome to the choir. Go on in.
0:15:05 > 0:15:12- Hello!- Hello!- Hello. Really, really good to see so many of you here.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I'm going to do a head count. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Gareth's first rehearsal has attracted wives
0:15:18 > 0:15:19from across the ranks,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22right up to the commanding officer's wife.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23..38, 39, 40!
0:15:23 > 0:15:24CHEERING
0:15:24 > 0:15:27I think that's really good. I just wanted you to feel welcome today
0:15:27 > 0:15:29and that you could come
0:15:29 > 0:15:33whatever the circumstances of your exceedingly complicated lives are.
0:15:33 > 0:15:3741! Hello! Brilliant.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39I am here to lift your spirits, hopefully,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43pick you up and actually, the most important thing,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47to have an opportunity to bring your voices together to be heard.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51What I need to do is find out roughly where your voices lie.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55And I'd like you all to get to that end of the room. Now, go.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Gareth starts by splitting the choir into different sections.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02When we get too high for you, I want you to drift
0:16:02 > 0:16:04towards the organ over there.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05OK, so, and...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08THEY SING A SCALE
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Let's do that again with confidence. Go. And...
0:16:11 > 0:16:15THEY SING A SCALE
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Great, good. Another, "I'm out, I'm out!"
0:16:17 > 0:16:19THEY LAUGH It's like, "Oh, stop!"
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Now, hold on. Don't all leave!
0:16:21 > 0:16:24So you lot, Soprano One.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Right, now, you, we've got the lower-voiced ladies.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33We're going to call you Altos. Middle, we've got Soprano Two.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36The first song that we're going to sing
0:16:36 > 0:16:41is a real favourite of mine from back in...I think it was 1989.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44It's Guns N' Roses' well-known choral classic,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Sweet Child Of Mine.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Here's the introduction.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51INTRO IS PLAYED ON KEYBOARD
0:16:51 > 0:16:54We're going to do it quite energised. Shall we stand up?
0:16:54 > 0:16:57I'm assuming you just know it, so give it a go.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00# She's got a smile that it seems to me
0:17:00 > 0:17:04# Reminds me of childhood memories
0:17:04 > 0:17:10# Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky... #
0:17:10 > 0:17:14And stop. Now, if we can do that together then we will have a choir.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18What I'd like you to do is... I've got a special present for you all,
0:17:18 > 0:17:24it is the magical hat of confidence, and there's one each.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25So catch, there you all are!
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Put your magical hat of confidence on, and pretend
0:17:29 > 0:17:33that you're really great singers and you're just going to do it!
0:17:33 > 0:17:34OK, here we go.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37# She's got a smile that it seems to me
0:17:37 > 0:17:42# Reminds me of childhood memories
0:17:42 > 0:17:49# Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky... #
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Stop. Can you just sing me that last note together?
0:17:51 > 0:17:54THEY SING THE NOTE
0:17:54 > 0:17:56# You should have, "Ah!" #
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Thank you very much. How was that?- Hard.- Hard?
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Once your confidence is up, this is going to be brilliant.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05Fantastic, thank you.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I'm not used to hearing people beside me sing,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11and then you can hear yourself as well.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13And to me it sounds horrendous!
0:18:13 > 0:18:15That was quite stressful.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20I didn't enjoy that, so I'm a bit all flustered! I need a drink!
0:18:20 > 0:18:21Not singing I'm used to.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I wanted to just tap my feet and sing like I would normally,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27but I think I've got to learn a new way of singing.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30We'll see what the future brings, won't we?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32See how many turn up next week!
0:18:32 > 0:18:37'There is a really good basic sound there. Masses of potential.'
0:18:37 > 0:18:40But what has really surprised me is I thought they'd be really gutsy,
0:18:40 > 0:18:42and some of them were quite timid.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I think they lack the ability to express themselves,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48to just really let their hair down and...
0:18:48 > 0:18:52They don't have a voice. They really, genuinely, don't have a voice.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54They're not heard, they're not listened to.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57This is all about listening to them,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59really, genuinely, listening to their voices,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03and that takes confidence, and they haven't got it at the moment.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07To bolster confidence,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Gareth wants to single out the choir's strongest singers.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Hello, Sam.- Hello.- How are you?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17He's come to see Sam, who's sung in a choir before.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22I thought it would be nice to have a little listen to you singing.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- How does that sound? Like lots of fun?- No!- No.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Come on, let's give it a go!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29# The moment I wake up... #
0:19:29 > 0:19:30Good.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32# Before I put on... #
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Oh, sorry!- No, it's fine, that's good.- Sorry, sorry, sorry.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Collect yourself, and here we go. Good breath. And...
0:19:38 > 0:19:41# The moment I wake up... #
0:19:41 > 0:19:42Good.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43Oh, sorry.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45# Before I...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48# Before I put on my make-up... #
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Sorry.- That's all right. What are you apologising for?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- I don't know, cos I apologise for everything!- Yes.- Sorry. Sorry!
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Sorry for saying sorry! - Take a deep breath.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59# And while combing my hair now... #
0:19:59 > 0:20:00And one...
0:20:00 > 0:20:05# And wondering what dress to wear now... #
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- Sorry! I... Sorry!- It's good.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09# ..dress to wear now... #
0:20:09 > 0:20:10Yep.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12# I say a little prayer for you... #
0:20:12 > 0:20:13And...
0:20:13 > 0:20:14# For ever And ever
0:20:14 > 0:20:16# You'll stay... #
0:20:16 > 0:20:18I'm sorry! Sorry, sorry, sorry.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20That's really good. You've got a nice voice.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Hmm, I wouldn't say that. - No, but I would.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24SHE LAUGHS
0:20:24 > 0:20:26I know you wouldn't!
0:20:26 > 0:20:29It's a really nice voice, so the apologies have got to stop.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Honestly, we need to find some confidence,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33cos I think this is what this is all about.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37I get the strong impression that all of you, actually,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40are a little bit less confident than I thought you were.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45I know we're army wives, but we do have a bit of a... A timid side.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48A timid side, yeah. Why is that?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51It's been, like, 11 years since I was in a choir,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55so it's a long time ago. I've just been a mummy, and moving about,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58so everything sort of takes a back burner.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- But singing is my first love, and being in a choir.- Yeah.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03BABY CRIES IN BACKGROUND
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Kids are kicking off. Stop thinking about choir.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- Don't think about singing! - Sorry, my baby comes first!
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Thank you.- See you later.- Bye.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Sam's got loads of talent but very little confidence,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I don't know if that's because her husband's deployed
0:21:16 > 0:21:17or if that goes deeper,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20but either way I've got to find a way to get that confidence up.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21She's a very good singer.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Though deployment is mainly over,
0:21:27 > 0:21:31some 400 soldiers and marines remain on the base,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34some acting as back-up for those killed or injured in Afghanistan.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Gareth's been invited to join them.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I've cut myself on the uniform.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45I'm a bit out of shape.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49MUSIC: Theme from The Great Escape
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Yeah, I've got that. Ah!
0:21:54 > 0:21:57We'll be covering nine miles in 90 minutes.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59You're nodding, Gareth, you all right?
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Yep, absolutely, yes, sir. - OK. Let's go.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06You're a soldier, you train to go out to war,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and then some of them don't deploy.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12Battle replacement people.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Jump, right turn. Good.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18They're a resource that I should be using, because I want this
0:22:18 > 0:22:21to be a military choir, this is a military wives' choir.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24I want them to be inspired by the military and to have that discipline.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Left, right, left, right, left.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30And I think there must be a role for these guys.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Stand by. Go!
0:22:40 > 0:22:45I'm glad I'm a choirmaster! These guys... I mean, they're incredible.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47That's it, get out, lads.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Go on in, go on in. Hello, morning, Emma.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58It's more than two weeks since the soldiers left,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02and Gareth's keen to boost the morale of his new choir.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Right, big announcement.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10I think first off, I want you to approve something.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12It's rather a long and complicated name,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14but I think it is the right name.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17The RMB Chivenor Military Wives' Choir.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Now, I know that some of you aren't wives,
0:23:20 > 0:23:27but if we have the RMB Military WAGS' choir,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29it says something very different, I think.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Do we all feel like that's the right title for the choir?
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- All those in favour say aye. ALL:- Aye.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38You are now the RMB Chivenor Military Wives' Choir, congratulations.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40CHEERING AND APPLAUSE We have a lot of work to do.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Shall we start singing? OK.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44Sweet Child O' Mine, then.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Here we go. Standing up, let's go right through.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Sorry?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50# She's got a smile... #
0:23:50 > 0:23:52OK, that's not really selling it to me.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57# She's got... # I want the eyes up. You know what the first word. # She's got a smile... #
0:23:57 > 0:23:59That's fine, but this isn't fine. # She's got a smile... #
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I always say to people, sing before you're singing.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05# She's got a smile...# THEY LAUGH
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Let's have the introduction.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10You've got to look alive. If you're not singing
0:24:10 > 0:24:12at the beginning, you've got to look like you might, yeah?
0:24:12 > 0:24:15People are like this... "What's going to happen?"
0:24:15 > 0:24:16"Who's going to sing?"
0:24:16 > 0:24:17You are.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20# She's got a smile and it seems to me
0:24:20 > 0:24:24# It reminds me of childhood memories
0:24:24 > 0:24:28# When everything was as fresh as the bright, blue... #
0:24:28 > 0:24:29# Bright, blue sky. #
0:24:29 > 0:24:32# Sky... #
0:24:32 > 0:24:35CHOIR SING OUT OF TIME
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Shall we go back over it? Have a seat. Thank you, well done.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Really go for it. It doesn't matter if it's wrong. It's easier, actually, for me
0:24:45 > 0:24:47to correct mistakes, if I can hear them.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Whereas, if you're so like this, it's very, sort of, bewildering.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53"What's going on? Are they getting it right or not?"
0:24:53 > 0:24:55Be wrong and strong. That's what rehearsals are for.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57So this should be,
0:24:57 > 0:25:03# Hair reminds of a warm, safe place Where as a child I'd hide
0:25:03 > 0:25:07# And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly... #
0:25:07 > 0:25:11Whatever it is, yeah? Really strong. One, two, three, and...
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- # It reminds of a warm... #- OK.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Can I get a bit more chest from you, ladies...
0:25:15 > 0:25:17LAUGHTER
0:25:17 > 0:25:18..as it were?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20What's your D, sorry?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22# Hair reminds me of... #
0:25:22 > 0:25:23You cannot sing passively.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It's got to be engaged, all the time.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27# Her hair reminds... # Energised.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29One, two, three...
0:25:29 > 0:25:36# Her hair reminds of a warm, safe place where as a child I'd hide
0:25:36 > 0:25:43# And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by. #
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Sit down. Well done.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Thank you. That was really, really good.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49That was brilliant! I'm really taken aback.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51That was really good, wasn't it?
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Everyone out! Come on, out! Thank you! Well done!
0:25:56 > 0:26:01It went a lot better this week, I think. I felt a lot...
0:26:01 > 0:26:03A bit more confident and stuff,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05although I did quite a big batch of it wrong,
0:26:05 > 0:26:06got it all mixed up.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The first-week nerves have gone a little bit.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11We are all beginning to relax a bit more.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Everyone's starting to feel a bit more comfortable.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Good morale boost, actually, getting everyone together.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Oh, brilliant.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I've just got to try and get on top of my voice not going.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24These women can sing and they can sing well.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28In fact, they can sing a lot better than many of the choirs I've started.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32But they don't do, is put emotion into their singing, because they're too frightened to.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34For good reasons, they've clammed up.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I think that's what I want to change. That's my job here.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41It's to get them to be emotional, to have pride in themselves,
0:26:41 > 0:26:46and just to be singers, to be a proper choir.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47It's about expressing your emotion.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And I think they are going to find that quite hard.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00To mark the launch of the military wives' choir,
0:27:00 > 0:27:04the women have organised a surprise for Gareth.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06This is the first choir social
0:27:06 > 0:27:09and the girls have organised to have a big drink
0:27:09 > 0:27:13at the sergeants' mess.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16It's a chance for Gareth to get to know the women on their own territory.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20By reputation, they go large, so it could be an interesting evening.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23- Hi!- Hi, Gareth.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Hello, Penny, how are you? All right? - Bloody marvellous.- Good.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31- When you are a visitor, in any mess, you have to ring the bell.- Really?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- Yes, just to tell everybody you are here.- OK.
0:27:34 > 0:27:35Ring the bell.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36BELL RINGS
0:27:36 > 0:27:39ALL: Hooray!
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Sergeants' mess tradition dictates that whoever rings the bell
0:27:44 > 0:27:47has to buy drinks for everyone in the bar.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49- Look at you!- Cheers, everyone!
0:27:49 > 0:27:55The rule also states that if anyone refuses a drink, Gareth has to drink for them.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00- You've got to drink it, please! - No.- Penny will make me drink one.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05- You should have done your homework. - I should have done. I should have known a bit more.- There's one.
0:28:05 > 0:28:06Oh, no!
0:28:06 > 0:28:11OK, all right. That is horrible.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13It's like drinking aftershave.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- Hello. I've come to say hello. - Hi, Gareth.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17How are you getting on with the choir?
0:28:17 > 0:28:19OK, but when we came yesterday,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22you were singing stuff we'd never even done before
0:28:22 > 0:28:23and I kind of stood there
0:28:23 > 0:28:25and went, "Oh... I'll just join in."
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Would you...
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Do you want... Would you be prepared to sing on your own?- No!
0:28:30 > 0:28:34No. What about... What about...
0:28:34 > 0:28:37No, I'd be happy to give you a lesson,
0:28:37 > 0:28:42to improve, to get better, to feel more confident within the choir.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- I can't sing.- Would you do some karaoke later?- No.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Do you know what? - Have you heard her sing?
0:28:48 > 0:28:50I know how much I can't sing
0:28:50 > 0:28:52that even when I've drank my weight in alcohol,
0:28:52 > 0:28:56I still would not sing. I won't. I don't.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59I'm determined to crack this. You must, you must.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03The whole point of the choir is about bringing you together to sing.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05One, two, three!
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Yes! Ha-ha-ha!
0:29:11 > 0:29:14You wanted to play with the big girls.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16You've got to drink like the big girls.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20# I'm having a ball Don't stop me now. #
0:29:20 > 0:29:24'They are a force waiting to be unleashed.'
0:29:24 > 0:29:27They really are! They are just... They are trapped, really.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30They are trapped by their situation and actually need this choir
0:29:30 > 0:29:33to give them a focus, because otherwise they are just in there,
0:29:33 > 0:29:40drinking flaming sambucas and preying on unsuspecting choirmasters,
0:29:40 > 0:29:41who have just come past.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44No, seriously, they need this, they really do.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47# We're just dancing in the dark. #
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Hey, baby!- Go away, baby!
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Though it is still early days for Gareth's choir, slowly but surely,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05singing is starting to take hold on the patch.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Someone's practising.
0:30:09 > 0:30:15# If I lived every night... #
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Oh, my God!
0:30:17 > 0:30:18Ooh! Jesus Christ!
0:30:18 > 0:30:19HE LAUGHS
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Hello, that sounded nice. Are you all right?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26I'm so embarrassed.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29I heard the whole thing. It sounded very good.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- It really didn't, but thanks. - It was good.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Hello.- Hi, Gareth. - Hi, can I come in?- Yes.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40Gareth's finally persuaded Sarah to have a singing lesson.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- Have you done much singing before? - Never.- Never?- Ever.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48But if you can get over the hurdle of singing on your own,
0:30:48 > 0:30:53I think it's a real help when you come to sing in the choir and sing in rehearsals, honestly.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55Let's try it. (PLAYS SCALE) # Ah-ah-ah-ah. #
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- Don't think about it. - I can't, you're freaking me out.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- Why are you so scared of singing? - Because I can't.- Really?- Yeah.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06What songs do you sing? I mean, do you ever sing?
0:31:06 > 0:31:10The only time I ever sing is when the music is on so loud
0:31:10 > 0:31:13that it might burst your ears and I'm hoovering.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17I bet you I can make you feel more confident about your singing, I really do.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Give it a go. Take the plunge. Shall we just try...
0:31:20 > 0:31:24# Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. # Just try that.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Oh, I can't. Jesus.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- I can't. It's making me have funny cheeks now.- Funny cheeks?!
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Come on, with me, and... # Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. #
0:31:33 > 0:31:36It's like taking me driving test. I feel sick now.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39You're going to be fine. We'll be over in no time. Ready?
0:31:39 > 0:31:43And... The first note's the worst. Here we go. And...
0:31:43 > 0:31:45I'm getting a hot sweat.
0:31:45 > 0:31:46Another one?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49# Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. #
0:31:49 > 0:31:52It was less painful giving birth.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Surely, surely childbirth must be worse than this?- It's not.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59# Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. # Go on.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- # Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. # - Great. Keep going.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07- # Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. # - Bit louder.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10# Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. #
0:32:10 > 0:32:15Try now to sing Ah. # Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. #
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- # Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. # - That's really good. And...
0:32:19 > 0:32:23- # Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. # - Good, deep breath.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26# Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah. #
0:32:26 > 0:32:27Good.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30It's a nice voice, honestly. There's nothing wrong with your voice.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- I feel like I'm torturing you. - You are torturing me!
0:32:34 > 0:32:37That's what it feels like. Send YOU out to Afghan!
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- You get the information. Make them sing!- Good idea.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49Sarah and her two children are living through husband John's third tour of duty to Afghanistan.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55When your husband's away, it's like life almost is put on pause.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58You don't want to do things because you feel guilty
0:32:58 > 0:33:01that you are having fun with your children or with your family.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07You feel instant guilt, that they are out there working hard,
0:33:07 > 0:33:09missing us, and we are having fun.
0:33:11 > 0:33:16'We actually found Callum one night in his bedroom crying.'
0:33:16 > 0:33:20We had to ask him, "What's wrong, why are you upset?" And he just says he keeps getting
0:33:20 > 0:33:25these horrible thoughts in his head. He said that he thought two men would be coming to the house,
0:33:25 > 0:33:31to knock on the door and tell him that his dad had died. It's just hard. Generally hard.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35You get through it and just count your days down and wait for until it gets to the end.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Come in and have a drink and a biscuit.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42Dad said when he was away
0:33:42 > 0:33:47I had to look after mum and Owen, and these two, as well.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- And...- Be good.- ..and be good,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52because I'm the man of the house now.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57This is a message on my phone that my dad sent me.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03'Hello, Callum, it's Dad here. Just wanted to say hello. OK, I love you, bye-bye.'
0:34:03 > 0:34:06In my letter to my dad, I said
0:34:06 > 0:34:10that I would send him lots more letters.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13And I said, "I hope that you don't get hurt."
0:34:13 > 0:34:15And then I said," I love you, Bye."
0:34:15 > 0:34:21Despite her reservations about singing, Sarah thinks the choir
0:34:21 > 0:34:23could make a world of difference.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27A choir is a great focus for people.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31A few hours of just release and a bit of fun.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34And also, it's getting together. We're meeting new people
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Who are in the same situation. If you have had a bad day,
0:34:37 > 0:34:41you can sound off at them and they will know exactly what you are talking about.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It's late March and back on the base,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Gareth has been hatching a plan for his choir.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57The women don't know it yet,
0:34:57 > 0:35:02but there is going to be 200 hundred men from the rear party, the troops that stay behind.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06We're going to perform to them. I want them to feel like a military choir
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and I think that means performing for the military. This is a big test for them.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13I'm interested to see how they react to being thrown in at the deep end.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I'm hoping that this is going to accelerate our progress and not just terrify them.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Right, big announcement.
0:35:19 > 0:35:26I've organised for your first informal performance...
0:35:26 > 0:35:27in about half an hour.
0:35:29 > 0:35:30And we're going to do that
0:35:30 > 0:35:32on the base.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39It's going to feel scary, exciting. It's about putting ourselves on the line and going for it.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42MUSIC PLAYS
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Gareth has arranged for nearly 300 members of the rear guard
0:35:49 > 0:35:54to assemble in a hangar on the base for the choir's first performance.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02This is going to be scary. There is quite a large audience in there.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05How can we be a military choir if we haven't performed to the military?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08This is where we're getting our stripes.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11I'm really nervous. My stomach is going round 80 mph.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13I'm not looking forward to this at all.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16It will be good. We'll be all right.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22This lot are going to absolutely rip us to pieces. Totally.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Right, make me proud. Come on.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33APPLAUSE Oh my god.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45I've seen some intimidating audiences in my time.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47But this really takes the biscuit.
0:36:47 > 0:36:54Good morning. We are the RMB Chivenor Military Wives Choir.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59This is our first performance. Please be kind. I sprung it on them 25 minutes ago.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02They didn't know they were going to do it.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06Here we go. Their first ever performance. We...
0:37:06 > 0:37:08I'm really nervous.
0:37:08 > 0:37:13Here we go. It's Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns N' Roses.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22MUSIC STARTS
0:37:22 > 0:37:24HE MOUTHS
0:37:32 > 0:37:35# She's got a smile that it seems to me
0:37:35 > 0:37:38# Reminds me of childhood memories
0:37:38 > 0:37:42# Where everything was as fresh
0:37:42 > 0:37:45# As the bright blue sky
0:37:45 > 0:37:48# Now and then when I see her face
0:37:48 > 0:37:52# She takes me away to that special place
0:37:52 > 0:37:54# And if I stare too long
0:37:54 > 0:37:59# I'd probably break down and cry
0:37:59 > 0:38:04# Whoa, sweet child of mine
0:38:04 > 0:38:09# Whoa, sweet love of mine
0:38:11 > 0:38:15# Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
0:38:15 > 0:38:18# Where as a child I'd hide
0:38:18 > 0:38:25# And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by
0:38:25 > 0:38:34# And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by
0:38:34 > 0:38:41# Whoa, sweet child o' mine
0:38:41 > 0:38:48- # Whoa, sweet love of mine.- #
0:38:51 > 0:38:54CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Proper brilliant. They were right good. They should be very proud of themselves.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14It was really good.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Yeah. I want to see less clothes next time and more bikinis and that.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19That would be amazing.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22I was absolutely amazed at how good they were.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I wasn't expecting it to be that good.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30It was extraordinary. Something really happened. It was very exciting
0:39:30 > 0:39:33and I think from the opening notes, you
0:39:33 > 0:39:37could sense that everyone thought, "They're good."
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I think you know how well that went.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43That was an awesome achievement on very few rehearsals.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46It was much better than I thought it was going to be. I'm really happy.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48LAUGHTER
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Genuinely, what was great was that we found out
0:39:51 > 0:39:53what spirit there is here and you really stepped up.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Let's have a huge round of applause. Well done.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Well done.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05MUSIC PLAYS
0:40:08 > 0:40:15I've been here several weeks now and there is a sense of camaraderie developing.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19The women are really coming together as a choir and it's bringing them out of their houses.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22There's a sense of community about this.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25But it's a very isolated community.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31It doesn't seem to go beyond the walls of the patch, beyond Chivenor. That's what I want to tackle.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33That's what I want to change.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35I think these women need to start reaching out
0:40:35 > 0:40:39beyond their military lives and making people aware of what they go through.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42HE SINGS
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Gareth's determined to tackle his choir's sense of isolation.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54He heads to Barnstaple, a busy market town just five minutes from the base.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Excuse me, could I ask you a question?
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Yes.- Do you know anything about RMB Chivenor?
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It's down there.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Yes. Do you know nothing else?- No.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- Have you ever been there?- No.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- Do you know anyone who lives over there on that little patch of houses? - No.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- Do you know anything about RMB Chivenor?- Not really.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Do you know anything about the troops at all and what they're doing?
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- No.- No, nothing.
0:41:18 > 0:41:23What about the women who are left behind while the troops are away? Do you know any of those?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- No.- You haven't had much contact with them?- No.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- I don't see much of them at all.- OK.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- It would be nice to see more of them.- Yes.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- Because they do a great job. - They're a friendly bunch.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- Yes.- Thanks very much.- OK. - Bye.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Just universally people don't know that they're there or
0:41:37 > 0:41:40if they do know it's there they don't know anyone on the base
0:41:40 > 0:41:42and I don't think there is much integration.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46If we're to give these women a voice, they need an audience.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47They need people to hear them.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51I think Barnstaple's the right place to start because it is the local town.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55I'd like people to say, "We know them. They're the ones that sing.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58"They're the ones that have a choir, that speak for all military wives".
0:41:58 > 0:42:00That would be fantastic.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09In the heart of Barnstaple is an old Victorian market place.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Gareth's come to the meet the manager.
0:42:12 > 0:42:19- Hello, you're John?- Hello, Gareth? - Yes. Hi.- How are you?- This is amazing. What a great place.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23I'm after somewhere to perform for my choir of military wives.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27Somewhere really central in Barnstaple. I think this would be a perfect venue.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Yes. The acoustics are good in here. - Perfect for sound.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32Where would we do it?
0:42:32 > 0:42:37- How about a space sort of like we have here?- Yeah.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38That's great. If I was...
0:42:38 > 0:42:42If I had an audience there and I stood about here with them there...
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Yeah. We could work out a different layout for you.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- You could gather over there. - Yeah.- Yeah.- We could do that. - That's really good.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52- Thank you.- Good.- All right.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01Back at Chivenor, communications with Afghanistan have been shut down,
0:43:01 > 0:43:06which only happens when a soldier has been killed or seriously injured.
0:43:09 > 0:43:16"I love you. We really miss you. We want you to come home. Lots of love."
0:43:16 > 0:43:22Choir member Nicky has been expecting a call from husband George for more than two days.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25 PHONE RINGS
0:43:25 > 0:43:30Hello. Had something happened? Is that what it...?
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Something else obviously had happened. Yes, or no. Just say Yes or no.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Yeah. Oh, god.
0:43:39 > 0:43:44You be careful. OK. Bye-bye.
0:43:45 > 0:43:46He was OK.
0:43:46 > 0:43:52That's all I want to know. It sounds really selfish and really horrible.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55Every time I see it, it's like "He's OK, let's carry on now."
0:43:55 > 0:43:58We've got to plod on.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01It's always at the back of my mind. "Oh dear
0:44:01 > 0:44:06"Who's the rest of the people that we need to think about now."
0:44:07 > 0:44:12'Then you feel exhausted at the end of the day because you've got'
0:44:12 > 0:44:15to do everything - and that worry at the back of your mind.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19He'll be home soon, I hope.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22It does get you.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Silly, isn't it?
0:44:25 > 0:44:28I'm talking about it. It's mad.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Oh dear.
0:44:35 > 0:44:40At his next rehearsal, Gareth wants to report back on his trip to Barnstaple.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43I spoke to the good people of Barnstaple.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48I went and asked them what they knew about you, about Chivenor, about how much
0:44:48 > 0:44:53integration there is between the patch and the rest of the town.
0:44:53 > 0:44:59And most of them just went, "There's a base, there's a helicopter".
0:44:59 > 0:45:01LAUGHTER
0:45:01 > 0:45:02"Do you know any of the women?" "No."
0:45:02 > 0:45:07"Where are the men?" "Afghanistan?"
0:45:07 > 0:45:09There was a real sense that they just didn't know you were here,
0:45:09 > 0:45:13didn't know what was going on and I think one of the main
0:45:13 > 0:45:16purposes of this choir is giving you a voice.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21And I think that means speaking to the rest of the world so today
0:45:21 > 0:45:25I want to announce you are going to perform at the Pannier Market.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28LAUGHTER
0:45:28 > 0:45:31Yes! It'll be awesome, won't it?
0:45:31 > 0:45:33ALL: Yes!
0:45:33 > 0:45:37It doesn't get more exciting and edgy than the Pannier Market.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40I went there yesterday. They've got some massive pants on sale.
0:45:40 > 0:45:47My goodness! When is it? Here's the rub. It's in two weeks.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52CHATTER
0:45:52 > 0:45:56This is the shortest rehearsal period I've ever done for anything,
0:45:56 > 0:46:01but I've done it very deliberately because I want to get them on stream.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04We haven't got months and months, so it means getting them in gear.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07It's a jolt, a big shock.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10The Pannier Market on a Thursday! Whoo!
0:46:10 > 0:46:14Yeah, scary, very, very scary.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17It will be something for the local people just to know
0:46:17 > 0:46:19what's going on
0:46:19 > 0:46:22'and to show that we do exist.'
0:46:26 > 0:46:29For the Barnstaple performance,
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Gareth has a chosen a song he hopes will draw out the women's emotions.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37The next song is Adele, Make You Feel My Love.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Adele. There is a solo.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45There's a solo in this piece and I would like to start to hear people.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48If you are going to do the solo, you have to be prepared to stand
0:46:48 > 0:46:50up in front of the group and sing it.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53Because if you can't do it in front of the group then how are you
0:46:53 > 0:46:54going to do it in front of an audience?
0:46:54 > 0:46:58Who'd like to have a go at the solo? No?
0:46:58 > 0:47:02CHATTER
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- No.- She's gone a very different colour, everyone. Sam? No?
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Definitely not? Why not?
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- I don't want to do it. - Don't want to do it.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13- Sure? End of?- Yep.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18OK. Right. Anyone else? Just give it a go.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20Kelly.
0:47:30 > 0:47:35# When the rain is blowing in your face
0:47:35 > 0:47:40# And the whole world is on your case... #
0:47:40 > 0:47:42Emma.
0:47:42 > 0:47:49# I could offer you a warm embrace...
0:47:49 > 0:47:53# To make you feel my love. #
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Beth!
0:47:55 > 0:47:59# I could offer you a warm embrace
0:47:59 > 0:48:04- # To make you feel my love.- #
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Emma.
0:48:06 > 0:48:11# I could offer you a warm embrace
0:48:11 > 0:48:15# To make you feel my love. #
0:48:16 > 0:48:18Nicky.
0:48:18 > 0:48:24# And the whole world is on your case
0:48:25 > 0:48:32# I could offer you a warm embrace
0:48:32 > 0:48:36# To make you feel my love... #
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Brilliant. # When the... #
0:48:38 > 0:48:40That's it. Fantastic morning.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42Round of applause to everyone, I think. APPLAUSE
0:48:42 > 0:48:47With the solo auditions drawing to a close, Sam has a last minute change of heart.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50It takes quite a lot to stand up,
0:48:50 > 0:48:54do you want to just sing it for me now - once everyone's gone? Yeah?
0:48:54 > 0:48:57That's different with one person.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00OK, yeah, go on. Come on, let's do it.
0:49:00 > 0:49:01Can we just hear Sam?
0:49:01 > 0:49:04PIANO PLAYS
0:49:04 > 0:49:10# When the rain is blowing in your face
0:49:10 > 0:49:16# And the whole world is on your case...
0:49:16 > 0:49:23# I could offer you a warm embrace
0:49:23 > 0:49:27# To make you fee... # Oh, sorry. I'm crap, sorry.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31- No, you're not. Do it again. - No, I don't want to do it.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35- It was crap.- It wasn't crap. - No, I can't do it.- OK.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37I hate how everyone looks. I feel so self-conscious.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41- Everyone wants to support you. - I know but I don't want people to.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43Well done, well done.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48It's people, like, they're still there and they're looking at you.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50You think, "What are they thinking?"
0:49:50 > 0:49:52Do they think you're rubbish or,
0:49:52 > 0:49:54can they hear what I hear, which is absolute rubbish!
0:49:54 > 0:49:56'I just didn't enjoy it.'
0:49:56 > 0:49:59OK...tomorrow.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02'It takes someone with real courage to be able to sing a moving song
0:50:02 > 0:50:06'like that and show a bit of themselves.'
0:50:06 > 0:50:09Sam failed to sing in front of everyone else.
0:50:09 > 0:50:14She's super-nervous. Really under-confident, and under-confident in front of the rest
0:50:14 > 0:50:18of the group which is a shame cos she's actually got a good voice.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23I want it to be someone who can sing with heart, and guts. Because that's what the choir needs.
0:50:25 > 0:50:30Over the last few days leading up to the Barnstaple performance,
0:50:30 > 0:50:34Choir members themselves organise last minute get-togethers at each other's houses.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38And even Sarah is starting to enjoy singing.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43'I never for one moment thought I would ever sing in a choir.'
0:50:43 > 0:50:47Choirs are stuffy old ladies singing strange songs and wearing odd
0:50:47 > 0:50:52clothes, pulling these crazy faces while they're singing.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56The thing I like most is the camaraderie between all the women.
0:50:56 > 0:51:01We feel like sisters now, just helping each other out.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05I think we're so keen to do it, we will really try our best.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08We are standing together as a group of girls going,
0:51:08 > 0:51:11"I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me."
0:51:11 > 0:51:13We'll all get through this - together.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19No, no, you've got to breathe and be ready.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21# I know you haven't... #
0:51:21 > 0:51:26'We've got to do it no matter what, so we can either go and make complete idiots of ourselves,'
0:51:26 > 0:51:29or we can just go and belt it out and hope it sounds good.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33Come on, you've got more than that! Good, that's getting there!
0:51:41 > 0:51:44It's just days before the Barnstaple performance and
0:51:44 > 0:51:48Gareth's finally made his decision over who will sing the solo.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55It's good news. I'd like you to do a solo.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57Oh, my goodness!
0:51:57 > 0:51:59- Honestly?- Yeah, honestly. Yeah.
0:51:59 > 0:52:05Wow! I dunno if I'm ready for that this time of the morning.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08I picked you because under pressure I think you'll be fine.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10Some of the others, I think it's a bit too soon.
0:52:10 > 0:52:14I think they might've crumbled but I don't think you're going to, are you?
0:52:14 > 0:52:18No, nah, I promise you I won't.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20'I just think it's brilliant.'
0:52:20 > 0:52:23I'm so happy that he's chosen me.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27I'll be singing it to George. He'll appreciate it.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32It's D-Day for Gareth's choir.
0:52:39 > 0:52:44- Hi!- All right?- You all right? - Yes.- Nervous?- Yes!
0:52:44 > 0:52:46- Your chariot awaits.- Thank you.
0:52:46 > 0:52:51'I really hope, for them, that they feel like they've become a choir.'
0:52:51 > 0:52:55It's very different when you're in front of a public audience,
0:52:55 > 0:52:59there's expectation, it's been advertised, it's a big moment.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06I'm beginning to understand what giving these women a voice means.
0:53:06 > 0:53:12Its' about singing to the outside world, about getting outside this military environment,
0:53:12 > 0:53:14and being heard.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16Follow me!
0:53:16 > 0:53:18CHEERING Left, right, left, right.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21'Up till now they've just supported their husbands stoically
0:53:21 > 0:53:25'while they're away and I want them to be proud of who they are,
0:53:25 > 0:53:29'proud of their singing, and sing to all those people out there.'
0:53:29 > 0:53:32Ladies! Just sing your hearts out.
0:53:32 > 0:53:37Use your faces. Really, wear your heart on your sleeve with this one.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40We'll pick up the pieces later, OK? LAUGHTER
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Thank you very much. Let's do it. CHEERING
0:53:54 > 0:53:59More than 500 people have packed into the Pannier Market.
0:53:59 > 0:54:04CHEERS AND APPLAUSE
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Hello, Barnstaple!
0:54:12 > 0:54:13AUDIENCE CHEERS
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Ladies and gentlemen,
0:54:16 > 0:54:20it gives me enormous pleasure to introduce to you,
0:54:20 > 0:54:23The RMB Chivenor Military Wives' Choir.
0:54:23 > 0:54:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:54:30 > 0:54:34I think it's worth you knowing that every single person
0:54:34 > 0:54:36you're about to hear sing,
0:54:36 > 0:54:38has a partner in the Forces.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41Many of them at this moment are in Afghanistan,
0:54:41 > 0:54:45they do have a very hard time and they are incredibly stoic.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47They just get on with it.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49In true British spirit, I think.
0:54:49 > 0:54:53But here's a song I think shows you how much feeling there is.
0:54:53 > 0:54:57This is a beautiful song by Bob Dylan, Make You Feel My Love.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06# Ooh, ooh
0:55:06 > 0:55:12# Ooh, ooh
0:55:12 > 0:55:19# When the rain is falling in your face
0:55:19 > 0:55:24# And the whole world is on your case
0:55:24 > 0:55:31# I would offer you a warm embrace
0:55:31 > 0:55:38# To make you feel my love
0:55:38 > 0:55:41# Ahh, ahh
0:55:41 > 0:55:46# When the evening shadows and the stars appear
0:55:46 > 0:55:50# And there's no one there to dry your tears
0:55:50 > 0:55:53# Ahh, ahh
0:55:53 > 0:55:58# I could hold you for a million years
0:55:58 > 0:56:04# To make you feel my lo-ove
0:56:04 > 0:56:11# Though storms are raging on the rolling sea
0:56:11 > 0:56:16# And on the highway of regrets
0:56:16 > 0:56:23# Though winds of change are blowing wild and free
0:56:23 > 0:56:29# You ain't seen nothing like me yet
0:56:29 > 0:56:31# You ain't seen nothing like me
0:56:31 > 0:56:36# I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
0:56:36 > 0:56:42# Nothing that I wouldn't do
0:56:42 > 0:56:49# Go to the ends of the Earth for you
0:56:49 > 0:56:55# To make you feel my love
0:56:55 > 0:56:59# To make you
0:56:59 > 0:57:04# feel my love. #
0:57:04 > 0:57:08APPLAUSE
0:57:25 > 0:57:30It was so inspiring. I've come away and I feel really good now cos that was so lovely.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33It brings it home when you see them singing like that.
0:57:33 > 0:57:37What they actually go through, it's fantastic. It was a great sound they made as well.
0:57:37 > 0:57:41To anybody that can get up and sing when their husbands are in danger,
0:57:41 > 0:57:42I don't know how they do it.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45Brilliant, well done!
0:57:45 > 0:57:46Really good. So proud of you.
0:57:46 > 0:57:50You really blossomed on stage today. Very, very well done.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52Unbelievable.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56That feeling... just couldn't control the emotion.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58You just had to let it go.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00'Oh, that was amazing. Really good.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03'I really felt part of the choir this time.'
0:58:03 > 0:58:06Surprisingly upbeat and as you can see, a big smile on the face.
0:58:06 > 0:58:11'When I was on stage I definitely felt the confidence coming back.'
0:58:11 > 0:58:17I think it was just the whole adrenaline rush. I didn't notice 500 plus people, or tried not to anyway.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20So, yeah, so... I thought we were really good.
0:58:20 > 0:58:24They're proud to be in the choir and that's the first step.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27There's a real sense of purpose and mission about the whole thing.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30It's great. You can see it in their eyes.
0:58:30 > 0:58:33They sang with real fervour. It was great.
0:58:33 > 0:58:35Next time...
0:58:35 > 0:58:39A professional sound engineer is coming from British Forces Radio
0:58:39 > 0:58:45and we are going to be played out to all of the troops in Afghanistan.
0:58:45 > 0:58:47CHEERING AND WHOOPING
0:58:47 > 0:58:50It's completely appropriate to do that. And you're ready.
0:59:02 > 0:59:05Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:59:05 > 0:59:08E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk