JOAN’S ANGELS
Stewarton’s Community Choir
Joan Scott
In 2018, my dad sadly passed away with cancer. I think my way of dealing with the grief was to not listen to music anymore, which was silly because my dad (Bobby Magic) was a singer, comedian and all-round entertainer, who raised thousands of pounds for charity. He also sang the song for the first dance at my wedding.
Myself and Wendy, a fellow stylist at my salon in Stewarton, then decided to start a small pop choir by asking friends, family and clients to join us. We were really surprised at the level of interest which ultimately led to the formation of my community choir, Joan’s Angels.
The choir began in the salon where we would meet every fortnight on a Wednesday evening. However, we soon realised that we needed a bigger venue and were lucky to secure space at John Knox Church, Stewarton.
There are now 65 members in the choir aged from 19 to 88. We sing along to CDs and it is primarily for fun and wellbeing. We also offer free performances where we sing at care/nursing homes, and I am so grateful to those who give up their time to do this.
2022 brought the devastating news that my husband, Gary, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 50 years of age. Life changed, but at the end of the day, Gary is still here, although, it is mentally challenging for both of us. Gary had always been the fit and healthy one, running marathons, playing golf, and going to the gym, and he still pushes himself every day to exercise in some way. We both try our best to stay positive and hope for a cure.
In October 2025, I held my second charity event raising £6,445 for Cure Parkinson’s (my first event in June 2023 raised £2,320 for the same charity). I would like to thank Wendy, Marie, Michelle, Gemma, Donna and Linda for all of their help, as well as the 300 women who attended on the day. Not forgetting my choir who came and sang at the event! A big thank you also to all the businesses from Stewarton, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock, Dunlop, Irvine, Fenwick, Glasgow and Millport for their generosity with donations and raffle prizes, and to Gordon at The Park Hotel who was amazing.
My next charity event (a fundraising Ladies Day) will be held once again at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on Sunday 11th October 2026. Ladies, make a note in your diary!
Cure Parkinson’s was started by Tom Isaacs 20 years ago with three other people who were dealing with Parkinson’s. Tom was diagnosed at just 27 years old and sadly passed away at the age of 49. Tom’s wife, Lindsey, is the charity’s trustee and together with her small team, works hard to raise as much money and awareness of the disease as possible.
Joan’s Angels is a non-professional, community pop choir which welcomes those who are new to the area, anyone on their own, or those who you just love to sing. We always welcome new members and I only ask for £3 each fortnight to cover running costs, including a donation to John Knox Church for the use of the facility. Any remaining funds go to Cure Parkinson’s.
If you are able to commit to once a fortnight on a Wednesday evening from 7pm till 8.30pm and would like to join the choir, please get in touch on 07525157272.
