A choir is not just a group of voices, it is a family of hearts united in song.
About Warton Singers
Warton Singers is dedicated to bringing people together through the joy of singing.
Our choir is open to anyone who wishes to participate, no prior experience necessary.
With performances and rehearsals happening year-round, we provide a nurturing space for personal growth and musical exploration.
Warton Singers
Who Are We?
Warton Singers began life in 2019 as Warton Show Chorus, with a focus on musical theatre. After reuniting post-pandemic, we embraced a broader musical journey and rebranded as Warton Singers to reflect our expanding repertoire.
Today, we’re a vibrant choir of over 40 members from all walks of life, united by a shared love of singing. Our music spans an eclectic mix—from musical theatre and folk to gospel, pop, and timeless classics. We perform two major concerts a year and regularly take part in local events and fundraisers, bringing harmony and heart to our community.
Musical Director
Stewart Hankinson
MMus, BEd, LLCM, LGSM, LNCM, AMusNCM, FGMS, FSMW, FSCO, MISM
Stewart’s musical training started at the age of six with piano
lessons in his home town of Lytham. By the age of fifteen he had become the organist at St. John’s Parish Church in Lytham and formed his first community choir at the same time. In his early twenties he was already an established singing and piano teacher and musical director of several musical theatre groups. For some years he was an official accompanist for the British Federation of Music Festivals.
After studying singing with teachers at the Royal Northern College of Music, Barbara Robotham and Patrick McGuigan, Stewart then worked with the renowned Australian Baritone, John Cameron. He gained diplomas in the teaching and performance of music and
subsequently performed all over the UK as a soloist with choral societies, orchestras and opera groups and as a concert artist. Highlights of his performing career as a singer and accompanist have included performances in Germany, France and Spain as well as at the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall.
Stewart was awarded a BEd. in Music Education from the University of Huddersfield and then taught for many years in secondary and further education, latterly as Head of Performing Arts in Manchester. More recently he gained an MMus with Distinction in Music Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Liverpool, where he is now a member of staff, teaching singing and working with the university choirs. Stewart is also on the staff at Ripley CofE Academy in Lancaster and Southport Piano and Music Academy.
At the age of fifteen, Stewart formed his first choir, which has led to a lifelong involvement in the choral movement as a conductor and accompanist. This has encompassed working with youth and adult groups in schools and colleges as well as in the local community,
including Over Wyre Singers, Bolton Chamber Choir and Fylde Opera Group, achieving great success both on the concert platform and in competitions. Currently, in addition to Warton Singers, he directs the Ainsdale Village Singers in Southport and is Director of
Music at St. Paul’s Church, Warton.
Many of his students have progressed to study at music conservatoires and universities and are now working in musical theatre and opera companies.
Accompanist
David Windle
FGMS. FFSC
After private music lessons as a boy, David studied the classical organ, piano and composition at Huddersfield School of Music.
He has been a professional musician for 42 years, during which time he has worked in classical music, musical theatre, churches, big bands, television, radio and for the cruise lines Cunard and P&O.For several years he studied arranging and composition with the late Derek Hilton who was formerly the musical director of Granada Television.
David was the Musical Director for the Blackpool Tower Circus for many years, in addition to playing the mighty Wurlitzer organ in the Tower Ballroom, which he continues to do. He also acts as musical director for many pantomimes, including the pantomime at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham.
He was the organist at Dewsbury Minster for many years and now is proud to be the Director of Music at the White Church in Fairhaven in addition to being the accompanist to Lytham St. Annes Choral Society. David is a valued member of the team at Warton Singers.
Chair:
Fred Taylor
Media & Marketing:
Tammy Park
Secretary:
Sally Lockhart
Social Co-ordinator
Margaret Jacob
Helen Duckworth
Treasurer:
Kate Press
Charity Co-Ordinator
Emma Bonney
Librarian:
Debbie Bridge
Members:
Nina Ingham
Dave Sagar