Hoorah hoorah

I missed community choir last week because the carpet laying aftermath extended until midnight. So tonight it is with a renewed sense of enthusiasm that I head over to the hall where we all meet. I am early, so I enter to find the Choir Mistress there on her own, pinning up the words to a new song.

Choir Mistress works for the same organisation I do, but instead of appearing to find this a burden, she is one of the most radiant and cheerful people I think I have ever met! We are too discreet to talk about the Council in front of other choir members, but this unexpected rendezvous presents an opportunity to have a jolly good chat before anyone else arrives.

In the middle of the conversation, I happen to mention that I never discuss my membership of the choir with anyone I work with. Choir Mistress looks a little surprised and asks why. I say it is because I don't feel safe around certain colleagues.

I don't feel safe.

- I said this to Line Manager about a year ago, and he affected complete incomprehension.
- I said this to Former Boss and he responded by saying "I don't think Line Manager would actually hit you".
- I said this to New Boss, and he said "that's just silly".

But I don't need to explain myself any further to Choir Mistress - because she instantly understands I don't feel psychologically safe.

Unlike hers, my department is a place where lies are told, gossip is spread, people are undermined and humiliated, managers bully, and spite and rancour are so rife that it is a wonder the Decent People find enough pockets of clean air in which to survive.

The community choir represents the complete opposite.
A group of people who work together to create something positive and harmonious.

It is one of the many sanctuaries I have been led towards over the past six months.
So a big hoorah for Choir Mistress, who gives up her time voluntarily to lead this merry band !

Hoorah for her, and everyone like her.