A club which enables “people who have sung in the bath” for years to sing in public has gained charitable status.

The ethos of Redbridge Music Lounge, started in 2010, is “music for wellbeing” and it offers facilities for people with any level of experience to learn new instruments, perform and socialise.

Founder Chris Wyatt said he had aimed for Redbridge Music Lounge (RML) to become a charity from the beginning.

Its mission statement is to “promote, maintain, improve and advance the education and appreciation music”.

Chris said: “Other music groups cater for particular genres or tastes but we don’t put a limit on it.

“A lot of people who come in are retired, disabled or unemployed and it’s good for their self-esteem.

“There are a lot of friendships and relationships forming that inspire people.”

The lounge gives people the chance to learn a music instrument, meet like-minded musicians and perform in public.

It has spawned several bands and music groups, including the Redbridge Music Lounge Players, who perform at a variety of events in Redbridge and neighbouring boroughs.

RML groups played at last year’s Olympic and Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Redbridge.

They also play at community and charity events, including Ilford Shopmobility’s anniversary celebrations earlier this month.

Any funds raised are re-invested in the charity for new equipment and services at their base at Ilford Sports Club, in Cricklefield Place.

Chris said many of RML’s members had never performed until joining the group.

He added: “People who have sung in the bath for 20 years are singing in public for the first time.”

Chris was an amateur musician, playing in his spare time while he was working as a teacher in Newham before early retirement gave him the chance to make his hobby a vocation.

Now he hopes the charity can bring music into more people’s lives through Redbridge and beyond.

Anyone is welcome to join the Redbridge Music Lounge every other Wednesday from 11am-2pm at Ilford Sports Club.

Call Chris on 07929 071 155 or email criswyatt@aol.com for information.