Nicky joined Vocal Dimension in 2011 as a bass singer (although she is a wannabe baritone). She soon threw herself into chorus life and, using her musical and professional expertise, single-handedly engineered and produced a CD of Christmas carols. Not only did Nicky create the CD, she also proved herself a very persuasive saleswoman. Once, on the way back from a Christmas singout at Kew Village, her nerve extended to selling CD’s to random train passengers (whilst other chorus members tried to hide behind the seats!). Luckily the “victims” were all full of festive cheer and they succumbed willingly. More recently, the chorus has recorded its first official CD. Of her own volition, Nicky has spent many hours collaborating with the sound engineer remotely to achieve a blend of professional sound without losing the unique Vocal Dimension character. She is also Deputy Bass Section Leader and fulfils that role with humour and care.
Nicky’s experience with recording has also been invaluable in that she diligently records all weekly rehearsals and videos coaching sessions for VDC. This last includes carting all the necessary equipment to and from the venue, setting up and monitoring the kit during the day, then curating the resultant recordings ready for distribution. This is all done quietly, with the minimum of fuss or interruption and is a major commitment. Nicky’s hard work behind the scenes ensures that any absentees are able to profit from the experience, and also provides a valuable resource for future reference and development.
Nicky has recently stepped back from serving as Marketing and Communications Coordinator on the VDC Management Team where, in addition to writing copy, designing posters and programmes for various events, her positive attitude and networking skills have furnished the chorus with several useful contacts in the media and charity world. Despite having “retired” from the official post now, Nicky unstintingly continues to promote the chorus. She wrote and arranged a jingle for a local radio station, Susy Radio, recording and distributing learning tracks for each voice part, then supervising and refining the actual recording.
Nicky always includes the chorus in her own personal milestone events, such as her beautiful Bournemouth beach wedding to Lib (also a VDC bass, introduced to the group by Nicky!); her wonderful 60th garden party and the touching ceremony for her Mum’s funeral where VDC were invited to sing. Fun times have included Nicky singing an ABBA medley with our home-grown WAGS quartet – complete with a drawn-on beard – and the portrayal of the hilarious Cockney musical star, Kerry Oakey, in VDC’s Las Vegas Harmony Classic outing in 2016.
Nicky’s enthusiasm and attention to detail in all things VDC are admirable. She truly deserves her nomination to be a Woman of Note. In the words of Valerie Taylor, Vocal Dimension’s Director:
Nicky is passionate about what we do and cheerfully deals with all the recordings of every nature. She constantly seeks to make VDC the best it can be.
About Nicky
Nicky was born in Croydon. Due to her father’s job, the family moved around a lot and Nicky attended ten different schools before they eventually settled in Maidenhead. After A Levels, Nicky went on to Loughborough to do a one year foundation course in graphics and art. Whilst there, she did a four months placement with W.H. Allen Publishers (Mayfair) and met Gregory Peck!
Nicky then spent four years at Middlesex University. Whilst there, she was very proud to be supplementing her income by working as a motor cycle despatch rider, as there weren’t many female riders back then! Nicky passed her BA sandwich course in graphics with distinction, and her first job was working as a design and studio manager for Type House/Pencil Box.
Eventually Nicky made the bold decision to go freelance as a graphic designer and copy writer, and over thirty years she built up a successful business with a prestigious client base.
Now semi-retired, Nicky has recently taken on a new challenge – something she’s wanted to do for a long time – training to be a life coach, so that she can give something back and share her experience with people who need it.
She is a keen guitarist and drummer and has been known to perform in local hostelries! Nicky and her wife Lib visit Greece annually to indulge Nicky’s passion for windsurfing.
Before joining Vocal Dimension Chorus, Nicky sang with Brockham Choral Society.