Having organised her third Go Sing! event, she was over the moon to see the community packing the pews at Bo’ness Parish Church.
It saw members of Falkirk Bohemians, LAMP, the Bo’ness Belles, Project Theatre, Retirement Rocks and Find Your Voice joining forces.
The event was founded by Jen, who works as a support for learning teacher at Kinneil Primary School.
Just after the pandemic, she also set up two singing groups – Retirement Rocks for older singers and Find Your Voice for young people.
With the aim of tapping into talent locally, Jen also hit on the idea of bringing other local groups together.
The first Go Sing! concert was held in 2024 and, after its resounding success, another was held last year. Jen was still nervous ahead of the gig on Monday though.
She said: “The church was absolutely packed; it was brilliant to see the community come out in such numbers.
“The talent was off the scale and it was an incredible night – I was so relieved, I was able to sleep on Monday night! Folk were already asking me what about Christmas? Watch this space!”
It is estimated the event raised more than £4000 for House of Hope Scotland, a cancer charity which provides support for people impacted by breast cancer.
Some of the funds will also be donated to the church.
Jen explained: “The congregation are so supportive, from the women who make cups of tea to those who do the sound booth and lighting.
“We couldn’t pull off the event without the church, which also does a lot of outreach work in the community so we want to show our thanks to them.”
The most poignant moment of the night was when Retirement Rocks led a tribute to former choir member Marion Hunter, doing a collection in her honour for Bo’ness Car4U.
Jen added: “My auntie passed away last November and was one of the founding members.
“The choir sang Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis and the audience joined in, using phone torches.
“She would have been tutting, wondering what all the fuss was about but it was a really touching tribute.”
