Budgewoi Ladies choir still going strong

The Budgewoi Ladies Choir is one of the longest running choirs on the Central Coast, singing and performing in the area for more than 61 years.

It all began in 1963 when five women decided to do a musical performance at the newly built Halekulani Bowling Club.

One of the women, Heather Silvester, put forward the idea afterwards that they should form a choir and so began a shared love of music and singing that has stood the test of time.

Another of those original members, Olive Nowland, was the original piano accompanist, and now lives in one of the retirement villages where the choir regularly performs.

She loves to hear the choir sing, especially since her daughter Kaye has joined the group.

Olive is now in her 90s and played for the choir for more than 50 years.

At the end of 2024 musical director Vivien Paulson retired from her position after being in the choir for 24 years and serving as the conductor for 22 of those years.

She is moving to Sydney to be closer to family and said she would miss the choir very much.

Happily, the Budgewoi Ladies Choir will continue its tradition of making joyful music in 2025 as other choir members, old and new, step in to take on leadership roles.

The meets every Monday at the Catholic Church Hall in Toukley.