magpie dance...grown from a 45-minute session per week to 10 sessions per week plus outreach...
TRANSCRIPT
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 1 The Kentonian
Registered Charity 1094386 www.thekentones.co.uk
VOLUME 5
ISSUE 15
DECEMBER 2018
Magpie Dance Our 2018-2019 Charity
The Kentonian Page 2 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
Introducing Magpie Dance
Magpie Dance is delighted to be chosen as the Kentones’ Charity of the Year, and would like to thank
everyone involved in nominating us. We are a small local charity that doesn’t receive regular core funding, so
fundraising really does make a huge difference.
Based in Bromley, we are the UK’s leading dance charity for people with learning disabilities. At Magpie
Dance, everyone who takes part is empowered for life. Through dance, our participants gain life, social and
communication skills with added health and wellbeing benefits.
We also deliver professional training for education, dance, health and business clients, and we work with the
NHS to provide in-patient work for people with dementia and learning disabilities.
“Magpie Dance is life changing - it offers something unique, providing opportunities in dance for people with
learning disabilities.”
Magpie Dance Parent.
“My daughter has mild cerebral palsy as well as a learning disability and Magpie Dance is essential for
helping her spatial awareness, which has improved dramatically since she has been attending.” Magpie
Dance Parent.
To see the full Magpie Dance Company in action, we will be performing Hidden Impact locally at Langley
Park School for Boys, Beckenham, on Sunday 9th December. Marking 100 years since the end of the First
World War, we present our flagship performance and exhibition exploring the ‘Hidden Impact’ of people with
learning disabilities, their journeys and contributions to the First World War.
You can secure your seat by booking online: http://buytickets.at/magpiedance/207279
Next term’s artistic theme will be ‘technology’. With our talented facilitators and live music sessions, we can’t
wait to see what our participants will achieve in the forthcoming term: we also look forward to collaborating
with the Kentones at upcoming events.
“Magpie Dance delivers focus, a sense of achievement and a sense of being part of a group.”
Magpie Dance Parent.
Your support makes this possible. Thank you.
Thalie Martini Magpie Dance Team: Chief Executive
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 3 The Kentonian
Magpie Dance is the UK’s leading dance charity for people with learning disabilities. We believe that
a learning disability should not be a barrier to personal and artistic success. Through dance, our
participants gain life, social and communication skills with added health and wellbeing benefits.
Our Vision
A world where a learning disability is no barrier to personal and artistic success in dance.
Our Mission To enable people with learning disabilities to reach their full personal, social and artistic potential
through dance.
Our Values People, Access, Challenge, Excellence – PACE
PEOPLE – Our people come first We work together. We listen, share and encourage ideas, support and respect individuals. We focus on
ability, not disability.
ACCESS – Our priority is accessibility and increased participation. We strive to ensure safe, physical access to activities and venues. Our commitment is to increase
participation of people with learning disabilities within the cultural sector.
CHALLENGE – We challenge perceptions We change perceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve. We challenge participants
to fulfil their potential and we challenge those they interact with to believe in their ability.
EXCELLENCE – We strive for excellence
We create high quality artistic experiences and professional practice.
Magpie Dance was founded in 1985 by Avril Hitman BEM who retired from the role of Artistic and
Executive Director in 2017. Our values and approach were founded on the social model of disability –
it is up to society to find a way of including people rather than excluding because of disability. Since
the beginning, the aim was for the dancers to have as many opportunities as possible to perform and
collaborate with different companies and artists. This remains vital to Magpie Dance, which has now
grown from a 45-minute session per week to 10 sessions per week plus outreach workshops – enabling
over 300 people to access regular dance activity sessions each year.
Our participants have a range of learning disabilities and are aged 8+, with no upper age limit to taking
part. Through dance, our participants gain significant life, social and communication skills with
measurable health and wellbeing benefits. Participants stage regular performances and national tours,
many in prestigious performing arts venues. Ambitious and talented dancers are supported through
professional progression pathways. We also deliver professional training for education, dance, health
and business clients nationally, and we work in partnership with the NHS to provide in-patient work for
clients with dementia and a range of complex learning disabilities.
Taken From Magpie Dance WEB Site.
The Kentonian Page 4 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
Waiting backstage, show time just minutes away. The old hands are calm but focussed. Pre-stage
butterflies under control. The new guys are a bit anxious but adrenaline is good - it hones the senses,
helps you to give that bit extra and to lift the performance. Curtains open on resplendent Kentones.
Pitch blows and we’re off!
Bob Gilbert and his Brucie lines set the tone
for MC for the evening.
Almost Like Being In Love is a good opener.
Balance is good and there’s a good balance
- it’s good to have such a solid bass section.
A happy song and the audience appreciate
it. In My Room is a lovely sound, beautiful
chords and again great balance in the parts.
Such a short song - I never remembered it
being so short. I wanted it to go on - to hear
it all over again. Dorothy Gale? Ohhh, THAT
Dorothy of the red shoes, green witch and
yappy dog fame. Over The Rainbow was a
treat. Who Will Buy revisited with cracking
phrasing that certainly lifted the song.
Some guys still a little unsure of the words but even old hands can get a mental block- even if it has
been sung for years. This is a challenging song but it worked well. This Is The Moment is a gorgeous
song and the basses ROCKED it! Well done. I love this song.
The Half Price Kentones? A bit unfair as Acafellas didn’t have half the sound, nor half the quality. A
great performance and Swing Low had some really interesting opening chords and a great
arrangement. This was the liveliest song of the show so far!
Viva Acapella!! Goosebumps from the opening chords. Happy Together - a wonderful sound and many
feet tapping around me. The quickly-learned choreography for Stray Cat was great, showing just how
talented this group are - not only do they sing like professionals, they dance too! Feed the Birds - I was
lost after the first three chords. A glorious sound that carried me into the story; perfect balance and a
bass section to die for! Great percussion
section for White Winter - I’m gonna borrow
that for my choir’s production of Africa.
Ceejai, Feeling Good. Excellent laid-back
feeling and jazz timing, the chorus’s
sympathetic backing and WHAT a backing
group! Ceejai is an awesome talent - this
was a great song!
Fifth Element is a treat for the ears and
what a future this quartet has! I loved Mood
Indigo, it’s delightfully reminiscent of
Cambridge Blues’ performance back in the
day. A slightly different arrangement of this
lovely song that made the hairs stand up on
my arms. The Contest package was in a word AWESOME.
Medway Band set up their stage as the inimitable BG kept the audience entertained with witty banter
and old jokes. I’m sure he would like some new stuff from the joke meisters in the chorus but a job well
done.
The band launched into the excellent march Red Shield. This was a new one on me. Lovely cornet solo
and one of the most mellow euphonium sounds I’ve heard. The top Cs from the soprano cornet were a
Barbershop and Brass - An Evening of Music at Langley Park
Fifth Element
Kentones
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 5 The Kentonian
delight. The young lad’s euphonium solo was marvellous and so accomplished for only a 13 year old.
His mum and dad - also in the band - can be rightly proud. Lux Aurumque was light, warm, then as
heavy as pure gold! I loved this and don’t quite have the words to describe these feelings. I am sure that
Eric Whitacre never expected that an arrangement like this could make the song even better than the
original. Layer on layer of harmony - 23 layers instead of the original 8 made this piece one of the
highlights of the evening. Wilby’s Fugue from the Red Priest Concerto was mightily impressive. The
contrapuntal style was a joy. A most
challenging piece and I’d love to hear the
complete concerto.
Quick interval with a Bud and a comfort
stop then it was back to the Band. Who
doesn’t love 633 Squadron when played by
such a good band? What a MAGIC piece,
especially with the sound of an amazing
Merlin-engined Spitfire! Blue Bonnet was
performed by principal cornet Elaine with
elan and delightful clarity. Jim Shepherd
would be pleased with that. Well done!
Black Pearl was a wonderfully
atmospheric piece. The small cameo solos
from individual players gave recognition to players in a way that rarely gets seen in brass band concerts.
The dances of Gaelforce were a fitting closing number to a splendid set from an accomplished and well
controlled band. A band cannot make this sort of glorious sound without absolutely loving what they do.
Took me back 40 years to my days in Eagley Mills brass band in Bolton, where I was in the band for 12
years and principal cornet for 3 years. Wish we’d had some of this music when I was a lad. Stirring,
emotional performance. I loved it and would travel to see them again.
Viva came back for their second set. I
have never heard Amazing Grace quite
like this before. A lovely solo and duet.
Any other version will never quite cut it. I
am spoiled! Some complicated harmonies
in the Stevie Wonder song, well executed
which made it look easy, but the lovely
singing belied the technical tuning
challenges that were managed with style
and ease. Loved it! (I seem to be saying
that rather a lot!) What Kind Of Fool was
outstanding. The contest package was SO
impressive. Not difficult to see why this
Chorus is in the top three in all Europe.
Thanks ladies, we are privileged to have been able to hear such an amazing performance from an
outstanding Chorus. We all love you and wish you every success at International next year.
The Kentones return for the show-closing set. When She Loved Me is a song dear to my heart. I would
challenge anyone not to be moved by this Randy Newman song in Toy Story. The guys sang the song
well, with a sensitive performance that was thoroughly enjoyable. Shenandoah is often taken for
granted but it’s a lovely song. Even after singing it for 30 years it is still a challenge of tuning. That said,
the tonal centre for the evening’s songs held firm - so much better than in years past. Well done to
Peter and Ryan for their work over the past few years, with the guys producing a solid, confident well-
balanced sound. Amarillo provided a fitting close to the show - over-enthusiastic hand clappers at the
wrong spot notwithstanding, ‘cos ‘twas ever thus.
Well done Kentones for an excellent evening of first class music and entertainment.
Mike Corr
Viva Acapella
Medway Band
The Kentonian Page 6 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
More Barbershop and Brass
Quote from Kim Botting (Mayor of Bromley)
I was delighted to be invited to the Kentones' Barbershop and Brass Concert, performed at Langley Park School for Boys. In my thank you speech to everyone I said I would describe the acts as professional, brilliant, soothing, harmonious, lovely, uplifting, fantastic, enjoyable , talented , and awesome. Thank you to compère Bob Gilbert who was brilliant and thank you to Chairman John Sollitt especially for doing a fantastic job over the years and who was retiring after 3 years. Thank you to Musical Director Ryan Jensen and all the Kentones who were brilliant. I also saw them perform when I was Mayor in 2015-16 and they were brilliant then, and again recently in the Glades for charity at the CCT Pop-up shop. Thank you to the Committee and thank you to Barrie & Brenda Newman, who invited me and introduced my consort and husband Cllr Mike Botting and me to the wonderful Kentones. Thank you to musical director Colin Couves and all the Acafellas- brilliant . Thank you to musical director Gaynor Schofield of Viva Acappella. It’s great to see such beautiful, glamorous and talented ladies on stage - I loved their outfits as well . They were all brilliant. 'Thank you to Fifth Element who were all amazing . Thank you to musical director Nicholas Garmin and the Medway Band: they performed brilliantly and I particularly liked their performance of 633 Squadron because I am President of the Royal British Legion in Orpington and that tune is so moving. Thank you to Martin Costello and Langley Park School for Boys for all their support. Thank you to Sponsors Springhill United FC and Hadlum Design and the Kentones Supporters’ Club . In all, a wonderful and brilliant evening- thoroughly enjoyable. Best Wishes
On Saturday 22nd September 2018 at 6.30 pm
the doors opened at Langley Park School for Boys to a melee of people of all ages arriving excitedly to hear the Barbershop and Brass concert. They were not disappointed! The Worshipful Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Kim Botting and her consort husband Mike, accompanied by Brenda and Barrie Newman, clearly had a good time, especially with Barrie winning £100 in the raffle ! The Kentones sang so well with their musical director Ryan Jensen, who has introduced a more groovy approach plus some other songs which were rather beautiful. Acafellas, directed by lovely Colin Couves, never fail to delight as with Viva Acappella, who appear to be professional and sing to a very high standard under the guiding hand of Gaynor Schofield with great choreography to boot. All the singing groups had beautiful outfits right down to shiny shoes which is good for the audience. Fifth Element consisting of Duncan, Brian, Jon and the Kentones’ own Ryan sang into a fifth dimension with really tight risky harmony which worked so well and made it exciting being so close to the edge!!! The joy of a brass band never fails to give us a lump in the throat with their mellow tones and the Medway Band played a talented, varied programme with great performances from several soloists, including a shy thirteen-year-old playing an instrument nearly as big as him. Great stuff! Robert Gilbert compered throughout, which is not easy, filling in when not sure when the next act is ready. He emphasised that all the acts were prize winners and we were able to see why. A great evening and the audience left as excited as when they arrived. Many thanks to all concerned including all off stage and the hard working Supporters. Here’s to the next time. Sincerely Ann and Peter Brinson with best
wishes to you all,
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 7 The Kentonian
GOING DUTCH?
Hello,
The organizing committee from The Barbershop Meeting Festival 2019 has been started .After a gordious second lustrum in 2017 we look forward to a splashing new one: its the 11th! And 11 is the carnival’s number for nice crazy people in Den Bosch. Den Bosch is than called Oeteldonk. It means “11” stands for fun. So that brings me to the key question: Can and will the Kentones be our guests in 2019? The festival is planned on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th of September 2019. We really would be happy if your answer could be positiv. Of course, Bob we were vere pleased that last year you was with us. But maybe it is even better if a whole chorus could join us. ♫♪ I hope you can make our organizing committee happy and we look forward to your answer. All the best and let hear from you, in harmony, Jacques de Rijck Chairman of BOF 2019
Jacques writes far better English than I could manage using Flemish or Dutch. Ed
The Kentonian Page 8 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
Another great Kentones year! Thank you to the Main
Committee and the Music Team, and all who help in other
ways, for the hard work you put in week by week; and thank you to all members and Supporters
for your unfailing friendship. A very happy Christmas to you all.
David & Norma Southgate.
To all Kentones past and present . All Kentones’ Supporters past and
present and everyone who reads the Kentonian "Have a Very Merry
Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. From Gill and Carlo
Azzopardi xx
Barrie and Brenda send good
wishes for a happy Christmas to
all our friends in the chorus and
Supporters . Especially a healthy
2019
Sharon and Colin P. Browne would like to send Christmas
greetings to all, wishing them a very Happy Xmas and
prosperous New Year 2019..
Greetings at Christmas - May you
have friends at your fire, blessings
in your home and joy in your
heart.
Avril and Chris Sydee
Joyce and I would like to extend our warmest greetings
to all members of the Kentones and their families for the
coming Christmas and New Year. May it be a
year of fulfilment and success.
John and Joyce Weeks
Carole and Les Moore would like to wish a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members
of the Kentones, their wives and partners and
everyone in the Kentones’ Supporters Club
The Priddins of Hastings wish all
their friends in The Kentones the
happiest of Christmases.
Diane Beckett joins me in wishing all Kentones, Supporters and everyone
else associated with the Club a Happy Christmas and a healthy, tranquil New
Year. David Tindall
HO HO HO Have a Jolly Christmas and a Merry NOO
YER ONE and ALL
Linda & Brian ob de fish
A very Happy Christmas to all our friends in the wonderful Kentones and
Supporters. May your days continue to be merry and
bright With love and hugs and mince pies
Mike, Jenni, Hannah and Sophie xxxx
We wish all the Kentones and their families a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Terry and June Cooke
Denis and Pat send our very best wishes
for a healthy and prosperous New Year
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 9 The Kentonian
Best wishes to all Kentones and Acafellas,
Members and Supporters for Christmas
and the New Year from
Ann and John Vaughan.
We wish all members of the
Kentones and our Supporters a
Merry Christmas and a healthy and
happy New Year.
Jack & Pat Willoughby.
To all the Kentones, families and Supporters. A very merry
Christmas and a happy New
Year. From
Kevin Gray and partner Jane Higgs
Merry Christmas to everyone. I would like to thank everyone for
helping me through this sad time losing
Jean. All the Best. Love Alan x
Colin and Sue Couves wish to send
Christmas greetings to all members,
Supporters and friends of the
Kentones. Wishing you good health
and happiness in 2019.
Adrian and Liz Emes send Best
Wishes for Christmas and the New
Year to all the Kentones and our
Supporters
John & Di Rayfield wish all members,
Supporters, and their families A VERY
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A
HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR.
Best wishes at Christmas time to all
the Kentones and Supporters and
wishing all happiness for 2019.
Colin and Margaret Barnes
Brian and Hazel Showell wish the Kentones
and their loved ones much joy at Christmas, and
continued happiness in the New Year
A very Happy Christmas to you all John and Jenny Sollitt
The Kentonian Page 10 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
Wishing everybody a very Happy
Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Best wishes from
Elaine and Dave Elliott
Wishing all the Kentones and their
families and friends a wonderful
Christmas and New Year. All the best
for 2019. Simon
Thinking of you all and hope that
you have a really great time. Love
Geoff and Stella
Oh No! Carol Time again !!! Merry Xmas and Happy
New Year to everyone Roy and Marion Simpson
Best wishes for Christmas and a very happy New Year to all.
Onwards and upwards Kentones. John and Sheila Everson
To my fellow Kentones, Supporters and Friends. The best way to spread
Christmas cheer Is singing loud For all to hear.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy
New Year Annie and Steve Cooper
The very best Season’s Greetings to all. Hope you all have a ball !
Vicky & Bob Gilbert.
Frank and Pam Taylor wish all of
our barbershop friends a very
Happy Christmas together with the
hope that the Brexit New Year
does not cause too many
problems.
A very Merry Christmas and a
happy, healthy, New Year to all the
Kentones and our Supporters Joan
and Don Bodker
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 11 The Kentonian
My Journey So Far
It came as a surprise when one Wednesday afternoon in February my
wife Elaine said "I think I have found what you are looking for." She
then opened the News Shopper. "They are advertising a "Come and
Sing" course at a church hall in Orpington". We had been speaking for
some time about me learning to sing and how nice it would be to join a
singing group. We both sing in our local church and are involved in
church activities. I have happy memories of singing with my Mum in
a local pub in the East End of London. I was born (not in the pub) and
lived there till the late 80s, eventually moving to Kent. I enjoy singing
and very often can be heard singing in the shower and lately in my
garage very loudly (so Elaine says).
So along I went to the first week of the course, not knowing what to
expect and feeling nervously excited. Colin Couves made me very welcome at the door and it was not too long
before other members of the group came and introduced themselves. I will never forget that evening. I sat and
listened ...what an awesome moment ...four part Harmony. I had heard of it but did not realise just how good it
sounded. I could not read music, let alone sing like that. When I got home Elaine could clearly see how much
it had affected me.
The six weeks went by. I was put on the risers in the Lead section. Jack Willoughby was my mentor, and I
thank him for his time, patience and encouragement. It took a couple of attempts before I finally passed my
audition. My thanks also go to Ryan for his total dedication and commitment in making me believe in myself.
I was ready to become part of BABS. I felt quite proud of myself when presented with my certificate by John
Sollitt and Terry Cooke.
The camaraderie is great amongst the group. Elaine and I are still getting to know names to go with the
faces...eventually we will get there!
I felt very privileged in April to attend the rehearsal at the Canterbury Campus before the Harrogate
Convention. I learnt such a lot as we were put through our paces. Thanks go to Ryan who showed us we could
do this...he is so passionate about our singing.
We had a fantastic evening at the Barbershop and Brass Concert on 22nd September. All my family members
and friends said how much they enjoyed it. Thanks go to all who made it possible.
I am looking forward to my first Convention at Bournemouth next May. We are both so excited about this,
and by then will know a few more names!
Looking to the future, I feel I am part of something very special. Long may it continue.
Elaine and Dave Elliott
Did you hear that
FIFTH ELEMENT won third place
at prelims?
WELL DONE LADS!!
The Kentonian Page 12 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
As a new member of the Kentones I want to introduce
myself. My name is Julio Cesar Trebilcock. I was born in
the small village of Lerida, Tolima in the north of Colombia.
My paternal parents originally came from Cornwall and my
mother’s side of the family came from a fierce tribe of
Pijaos Indians (So beware!).
In 1966 I came to this country with The Ballet
Grancolombiano, a folkloric dance and music company
where I met my future wife. We travelled all over England,
which at the time was in the throes of World Cup fever.
After touring globally we married and have been together
for the last 50 years.
We decided to stay in London where I had odd jobs before I
started work at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden. I
had the wonderful experience of meeting and working with
the top operatic and ballet stars of the day.
After a wonderful 25 years I was asked to help Domingo,
Carreras and Pavarotti with the Three Tenors concerts.
After touring constantly, I decided to retire, and so became a
senior citizen with a freedom pass and plenty of spare time.
One day my dear wife told me about singing classes with the
Kentones . Now I have no spare time as I am learning the
words and notes of the repertoire for my exciting new
hobby. I have never sung in my life before so I hope to be
able to contribute a few decibels to the Kentones and
Acafellas for several years to come.
Julio
Meet Newbie Julio
Disabled Christian Fellowship
Julio being presented with BABS
membership certificsate
For the past 25+ years the Chorus has performed at the Sidcup Baptist Church as the
entertainment for the Disabled Christian Fellowship Christmas Party. It is probably the most enjoyable sing-out that we attend and this is reflected in the number of members who sign up for the event. This year under the directorship of Frank Taylor, 26 singers attended. The stage had this year been moved to one end of the Church rather than the usual position in the centre. This was a much better arrangement as it allowed far more room for us to perform. The usual enthusiastic audience participation for Under the Boardwalk was entered into using any instrument that came to hand. HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN PRACTISING? Everyone was in time! That has to be a first. The singing was followed by tea and cakes and a chat with members of the group. So thanks for inviting us again Elle, and here’s to singing for you next year. I’ll drink to that. Tea of course. Ed
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 13 The Kentonian
" What a day this has been, what a rare mood I'm in..... !" A pretty accurate
description of my feelings as Monday, 29th October drew to a close, having at last achieved my long-cherished ambition to fly a Spitfire from Biggin Hill. My passion for aviation was probably triggered at age 4 or 5, as my home was quite close to Biggin in the 1940s, and I still have hazy memories of the sights and sounds of the aerial conflict in the skies over Kent at that time. During my time in the RAF, and subsequently, I've been fortunate enough to fly (occasionally "hands on" ) in half a dozen different types of military aircraft, including a Meteor 7 jet trainer. I've also enjoyed gliding, paragliding (in New Zealand), ballooning and parachuting (by design...!) All stimulating experiences, but nothing has quite compared with the adrenaline rush generated by being airborne in a Merlin-engined Spitfire, doing a "victory roll" - and actually getting to take control myself for part of the flight over the verdant Weald of Kent in perfect weather conditions. This particular aircraft was a Mk 9c, built at Castle Bromwich in 1943 and delivered to Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron 441 serving with the RAF. In September 1944 it shot down a Me 109 over Arnhem, and after the war was converted to a two-seat trainer for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. After landing, my guests (son Steven, Diane Beckett and John Rayfield) and I were taken on a conducted tour of the Heritage Hangar's priceless collection of Spitfires and other WW2 aircraft in various stages of restoration and maintenance. That, too, was a fascinating experience, so all in all I came home a very happy boy. WARNING! If anyone wants to know more, just ask - but prepare to be bored rigid....! David Tindall Footnote: There are, of course, certain risks involved in flying in a 75 year-old wartime fighter over and above those associated with conventional aircraft, and these are strongly emphasised at the pre-flight briefing, together with instructions on how to bale out in an emergency. However, for anyone wishing to sample the experience whilst still on terra firma, there is now a Spitfire Simulator at the RAF Manston History Museum. (It's a lot cheaper, too!) All the controls and instruments are replicated exactly and you can choose to fly "virtually" anywhere and perform all kinds of aerobatics. My son is an Instructor on the Sim, and tells me it is so realistic that some customers feel airsick ...
Living the Dream
D C F Performance
The Kentonian Page 14 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
A G M Presentations
The 2018 A G M was held on 27 September. Some Committee
changes were made and Denis Delaroute was installed as our
new Chairman. As usual, cups, shields and bottles were
presented to several members as recognition for their
improvement throughout the past year and for their outstanding
contributions to the Club.
For building and administration of the Club
WEB Site Alan Lucking and Simon Bird
Colin Couves For his work with Acafellas
Ryan Jensen announced the Most Improved Singer
Adrian Emes
and also the Stage Presence Award.
Steve Cooper
Ryan was also presented with an “Awesome” top.
Presentations by John Sollitt
THE PRESTIGIOUS -
Barbershopper of the Year Award—Colin Barnes
Kentones Cup – Fifth Element
Oliver Andrews Cup – Sound Alliance
Denis, Jack, Alan and Roy
A vote was taken to choose this years charity and the
Members’ choice was – Magpie Dance
Adrian Emes
Simon Byrd
Colin Couves
Awesome Ryan
Sound Alliance
Ryan On Behalf of
Fifth Element Colin Barnes
Steve Cooper
Alan Lucking Simon Bird
Colin Couves Adrian Emes
Vol. 5 Iss. 15 Page 15 The Kentonian
Chairman's Corner
So, here we are again! After eight years I am once more chairman of this
illustrious Club, but it should not be this way. I believe it is essential for the
vitality of our Club that we regularly get new faces involved in its
management, with different views and new ideas and, with forty members, this
should not be difficult. However, every time we ask for people to step forward
the response is not exactly overwhelming, and I would again ask every member
to consider what they can do for their Club when the need arises.
The Management committee is responsible for running the Club on
behalf of the members, but the committee has to reflect the views and thoughts
of the membership. It is therefore essential that I, as Chairman, ensure that the
membership is fully informed of our plans for the future, such that there can be
meaningful input from members and agreement on the way forward. The quid
pro quo, of course, is that having agreed this, everyone does everything they
can to make it a success.
One hot topic of the moment has been how often we should hold a show. There are two main facets to
this; firstly there is the chorus getting experience in front of an auditorium audience, and secondly, fund
raising to help keep Club subscriptions low. It has been suggested that we run a full show every year, but this
was thought to be a bridge too far for various reasons. It was however, thought we could run a full show one
year and alternate with a simpler event the next, with just the Club performing in a smaller, cheaper venue.
This would give both audience experience and fund raising possibilities. There would of course be a
requirement for a show manager, and he would need the full support of the members if we are to go down this
route.
We have a busy Christmas period coming up, with three events in the Glades; one (just past) for
the Chartwell Trust and two for our new charity, Magpie Dance. We also have the invitation for new singers
to sample our Thursday night rehearsals 22nd November to 20th December, which hopefully will increase our
numbers. The New Year will see us into our new Convention song, and later we will be asking for volunteers
to maximize the productivity and enjoyment of our Canterbury weekend in April.
Beyond this there are other possibilities. Perhaps occasionally some Thursdays we could invite in an
audience for our rehearsal, maybe swapping the hall for the Church, and putting on a mini show between 8
and 9pm, with a bucket collection, to raise funds and coax in new singers. Wives/partners have always been a
big factor in encouraging men to sing! We are also considering another Learn to Sing course, as to date this
has been the most successful way of getting new members.
So, a very full programme for the year, and I hope some interesting discussions on how we take our
Club forward.
I wish you and your families the very best for the New Year.
Denis
The Kentonian Page 16 Vol. 5 Iss. 15
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.thekentones.co.uk
The Kentones
Honorary Life President – Frank Taylor
Club Night - Thursday 7.30 pm at St. Paul’s Church Hall, Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8JE
Main Committee: - Music Committee: -
Chairman - Denis Delaroute Music Director - Ryan Jensen
Deputy Chairman - John Sollitt Asst. Music Director - Vacant
Secretary - Colin Barnes Acafellas Music Director - Colin Couves
Treasurer - Les Moore Music Team Secretary - Colin Barnes
Membership Sec. - Terry Cooke Music Team Support - Simon Bird
Public Relations Officer - Part Leaders Lead - Jack Willoughby
Performance Sec. - Alan Lucking Asst. Lead - Simon Bird
Co-opted Member - Bass - Frank Taylor
Almoner Colin Couves Tenor - Tim Sowter
Baritone - Colin Couves
The Kentonian Magazine:- published QUARTERLY
Editor: Chris Sydee [email protected]
Consultant / Sub Editor: David Tindall
All Club material intended for publication: Proof reading - David Tindall - Graphic information - Al Horton
Acafellas
Chorus Director – Colin Couves
Meetings:– alternate Tuesdays, 10.00am to 12.00 noon at Chelsfield Methodist Church, BR6 6HD
Kentones Diary Dates
Date Time Function Venue
Sat 1 Dec 2018 12.30PM Pot Luck Pratts Bottom Village Hall BR6 7PQ
Fri 7 Dec 2018 6.00 PM Charity Show St John’s Church 251 Eden Park Road BR3 3JN
Sun 23 Dec 2018 11.15 AM Christmas Fund Raiser The Glades Bromley BR1 1DN
Acafellas Diary Dates
Date Time Function Venue
Sun 9 Dec 2018 10.30 PM Sunday Service Chelsfield Methodist Church
Wed 12 Dec 2018 18.00 PM Dartford Council Carol Service Dartford Open Air Theatre Central Rd, DA1 1LU
Thurs 13 Dec 2018 2.30 PM Christmas Lunch Scouts Centre, Longfield Hill, Longfield DA3 7AN
Sat 12 Jan 2019 2.00 PM Rotary Club Chislehurst Village Hall, Church Lane BR7 5PE