Funky Voices' Sandra Colston receives MBE

Sandra Colston said she didn’t know how to react without swearing after receiving the royal seal of approval for her work at Funky Voices Community Choir.

The Colchester-based choir, which now boasts hundreds of singers, was founded by Sandra in 2007 after she came to Colchester years before to study for a degree in music.

It’s a vast contrast to the first session where only four people turned up, but the 47-year-old remained undeterred.

Sandra has now been awarded an MBE for her services to music, charity and community within East Anglia and admits, for once, it has left her speechless.

MBE - Sandra Colston

She said: “What did I first think when I heard the news? ‘F****** wow’.

“I wondered who had nominated me and why they had, it turned out it was quite a few people within the choir and outside it.

“I desperately want to keep it a secret and can’t wait to tell my mum and dad. I’ve planned a mass rehearsal tonight where I’m going to surprise the whole choir with the news.”

Sandra revealed music has been her life for as long as she can remember, adding she “lives and breathes” it.

She had been a teacher for 13 years before deciding to start a choir after parents urged her to do so. It has since gone “mad”.

Rehearsal - the choir

Sandra said: “Music means everything to me, it is the entirety of my life. It’s the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thought before bed.

“To be honest I need to change that as it’s probably not very healthy but I just love it, I love showing people what they’re capable of.

“Seeing people turn around and say ‘wow, was that us?’ when they hear the choir sing is a feeling that never gets old.

“I feel extremely lucky and privileged. It is the best job in the world to see people thrive through music and enjoy themselves while doing so.”