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We travelled by bus car and shanks's pony to Clarion House near Nelson, where walkers, cyclists and socialist stalwarts meet - to admire the view, chew the cud - and, on an unexpectedly sunny Midsummer Day 2009, to sing.

Yes that's the contingent from Calder Valley Voices. Alan - the taller one - is arriving in the nick of time to join the basses. What a pro. What're we singing? he asked. 'Voice of the people'. And he opened up his folder and off we went. Encouraged, as you can see, by our ever-lively leader Helen.

Above is Bolton Clarion and their leader Moira Hill, later as you can see, or at least imagine, in fine voice herself.

And here's Burnley Clarion and their leader Janet Russell. While we sang many familiar and unfamiliar songs, one of the highlights was definitely Janet's take on the MP's expenses scandal to the tune of 'Where's the map?'

 

We all had a brilliant time. Including - pardon the self-indulgence - your webbie Alan, flanked here by Gwyneth Morgan, our organiser-in-chief, and Alan's partner Lauren, who did a great job as emergency soprano when Joy found herself alone among Calder Valley's high-pitched ranks.

Actually we all ended up joining each other's choir-groups as familiar songs from Zimbabwe, Colne and all points in between soared into the summer-scented Lancashire air.

Thanks to Gwyneth and the organisers in Bolton and Burnley, and to Tony Hughes, Gwyneth and Joy for the pictures.