In Batley, we do amazing things; we are famous for beds, biscuits and brilliant education, but there is so much more talent to unearth once you scratch the surface.

A couple of weeks ago many people all over the country were celebrating the coronation in a number of ways; but it was extra special for a member of our local community, Mrs Shazia Seedat, who performed in the Coronation Choir on Sunday 7 May during the concert at Windsor Castle. Song Geet, Bradford’s first South Asian women’s choir, sang a beautiful rendition of ‘Brighter Days’ by Emeli Sandé in the magnificent setting and her choir lead performed the solo. 

The choir is only one year old and their aim is to give South Asian women a voice; not only allowing them to sing, but to provide them with some time dedicated to themselves, where they stop looking after others and can focus on their own wellbeing and spend time with like-minded people. They are proud representatives of our community and are such an inspiration for others.

Shazia has children in two of our Trust family of schools, and she plays an active part in our school communities. She also became a member of Song Geet only a month and a half prior to her performance, which is even more amazing as her very first stage performance was in front of an audience including King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal family as well as the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and his wife! 

Shazia really is a prime example of someone who proves ordinary people really can achieve extraordinary things - what a great role model for our young people and our community!