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May 23, 2020
Kingsmen Support Local Foodbank Charities
When a major crisis such as the COVID19 pandemic hits, not just the nation but the world, it's sometimes easy to just sit back and think how lucky we are. True, living in the South Hams means that most people have already won life's lottery. But think again. People within our own communities, in Kingsbridge, Ivybridge and the surrounding areas, are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families. That's where the Foodbank charity is playing such a major role and we Kingsmen are pleased to be able to help them.
Whatever you think of what it says about society, it seems that foodbanks have become a part of necessity in our communities. Ticking over quietly behind the scenes suddenly changed when their operation was propelled front and centre to support some unexpected casualties of COVID-19.
Zoom Meeting between Kingsmen and the Foodbank
As Val Marriott, Chair of the Ivybridge Foodbank, told us that their operation of deliveries had increased by three fold since the start of lockdown.
The Kingsmen Barbershop Chorus recognise the good work done by the Ivybridge and Kingsbridge Foodbanks by donating £250 each to their cause. In a zoom ‘presentation’ they were able to meet up with Val who praised the work of her growing band of volunteers to cope with the increase in demand.
It’s a similar picture in Kingsbridge where coordinator, Gerrie Messer reported that their workload had increased from 25 deliveries a week to 175. Both Val and Gerrie experienced greater awareness of their work and the plight of families who suddenly found themselves unable to put food on the table. That has resulted in an increase in financial donations which has helped them enrich the food parcels by including fresh fruit and vegetables.
At the presentation, Chairman, Stu Newberry was joined by Secretary Ian Wooler and Membership Secretary, Jim Stewart.
As Jim said, ‘We wanted to support our communities during this crisis and what better than to do that through our foodbanks. We acknowledge the great work they do by thanking them for being of immense service to families who through no fault of their own find themselves unable to put food on the table’.
The Kingsmen have been unable to perform publicly since lockdown and rely on performances to raise money for good causes. Secretary Ian said, ‘Our membership and supporters come from these communities and it’s important for us to recognise the challenges that some of our neighbours may be experiencing, and do our bit to help out. We can do this by getting money to where it’s needed.’
Val Marriott ended the meeting on an upbeat note, looking forward to a happier time not too far in the future when we can get together and enjoy some celebrations and singing. Well said Val, we're counting the days for that too!
If anyone would like to donate to the foodbanks, here are the links Ivybridge - https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ivybridge/
Kingsbridge - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kingsbridge-foodbank?fb_comment_id=2910772229012905_2914985405258254
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The Kingsmen, along with Plymouth City Pipe Band, performed at a Concert at Malborough Village Hall on 9th October. The Concert was in aid of the award winning Kingsbridge in Bloom, a local Charity whose volunteers work tirelessly to enhance the natural beauty of Kingsbridge. The event, organised by Roger Rudman, was a great success and raised over £1000 for this wonderful Charity. Roger very kindly attended a Kingsmen Rehearsal after the event to thank the Chorus Members for performing at the Concert, and shared with all some of the lovely feedback he had received from those who attended. Photographs courtesy of Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary.
Dressed in their colourful Hawaiian shirts, a small group of Kingsmen performed at the South Hams Hospital on Tuesday 22st September. Keen to support their local community and local hospital, the group sang a number of songs on the Wards to entertain the patients, family and friends, staff and Trustees. And who can resist the opportunity to sing along with the Kingsmen? It is well known that singing is good for you, and the joint participation singing of a round of 'Swing Low and When The Saints' brought smiles to many faces and was a joy to behold. The event was kindly organised by Pamela Howarth, Lead Chaplain for Livewell South West https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ who, in thanking the Kingsmen, said that 'the singing lifted the spirits of patients and staff' - which was wonderful to hear.
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It's difficult to think of a better way to spend an evening than with the joy and harmony of song; enriched by the camaraderie, fun and friendship associated with being a member of a Chorus; and blessed by the sharing of precious moments with family and friends - all gathering to celebrate success; recognise and reward achievement; and mark significant milestones. But this is what the Kingsmen Barbershop Harmony Chorus https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/ has just done; and done in style. On display to greet attendees at the Awards Evening were items from the Club's archives, including an array of scrap books containing photographs and articles telling the story of the Club from the very first rehearsal attended by 12 guys at the Crabshell Pub in Kingsbridge in the Autumn of 1991; through tours (including 3 to the USA); results from competitions; and money (well over £100k) raised for various Charities. And inevitably, the page turning led to the sharing of stories, laughter and the recollection of happy memories. Chairman Paul Harvey opened proceedings with a warm Kingsmen welcome and handed over to Stu Newberry who took on the role as Master of Ceremonies. Stu guided attendees through the presentation and award of: the Harmony Award (recipient Kevin Hamer); the Jack Nation Trophy (recipient Chris Lambart); the Director's Award (recipient Ian Wooler); and the Barbershopper of the Year Award (recipient Kevin Hamer). Several Kingsmen also received Long Service Awards (the Club is a Member of the British Association of Barbershop Singers - https://www.singbarbershop.com/ ). 10 Year Badges were presented to Jim Stewart, Terry Weeks; Kevin Hamer and Ian Wooler (and will be to Charles Harrington, Geoff Sharps and Shaun Fewtrell - all of whom were unable to attend the event); a 20 Year Badge was presented to Gary Rowe; and 30 Year Badges were presented to Tim Wyatt and Steve Hancock. The evening culminated with the presentation by Chairman Paul Harvey of a special award - to Roy Hann, who founded the Chorus back in 1991 and who was the Musical Director for 30 years. The award was a glass trophy engraved with the words 'From your Brothers in Harmony. In celebration of your unwavering dedication, musical passion, and your 35 year milestone in founding the Chorus'. And you've guessed it - the celebrations continued at an Afterglow at a local pub, where more singing, fun and friendship was in abundance. Fancy having a go at singing? Want to join in the fun? If so, why not come along to one of our Rehearsals? You'll be guaranteed of receiving a big, warm Kingsmen welcome - and who knows, this time next year, you could be an award winner! For further information about the Kingsmen and Membership check out the following links: https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/become-a-member and https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/
Serene, Scenic, Spectacular
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The Kingsmen, along with Plymouth City Pipe Band, performed at a Concert at Malborough Village Hall on 9th October. The Concert was in aid of the award winning Kingsbridge in Bloom, a local Charity whose volunteers work tirelessly to enhance the natural beauty of Kingsbridge. The event, organised by Roger Rudman, was a great success and raised over £1000 for this wonderful Charity. Roger very kindly attended a Kingsmen Rehearsal after the event to thank the Chorus Members for performing at the Concert, and shared with all some of the lovely feedback he had received from those who attended. Photographs courtesy of Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary.
Dressed in their colourful Hawaiian shirts, a small group of Kingsmen performed at the South Hams Hospital on Tuesday 22st September. Keen to support their local community and local hospital, the group sang a number of songs on the Wards to entertain the patients, family and friends, staff and Trustees. And who can resist the opportunity to sing along with the Kingsmen? It is well known that singing is good for you, and the joint participation singing of a round of 'Swing Low and When The Saints' brought smiles to many faces and was a joy to behold. The event was kindly organised by Pamela Howarth, Lead Chaplain for Livewell South West https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ who, in thanking the Kingsmen, said that 'the singing lifted the spirits of patients and staff' - which was wonderful to hear.
After a great summer with performances at South Pool's "Up The Creek" event and the August Bank Holiday "Hope Cove Weekend" we are pleased to announce that we will be soon performing at Malborough Village Hall. Please come and join us on Friday 9th October when we perform at the Rotary Charity Concert supporting Kingsbridge in Bloom, a local charity whose volunteers work tirelessly to enhance the natural beauty of Kingsbridge. For ticket details please use the following link: www.estuaryrotary.org.uk , or for more information please click on the image below. Hope to see you there.
It's difficult to think of a better way to spend an evening than with the joy and harmony of song; enriched by the camaraderie, fun and friendship associated with being a member of a Chorus; and blessed by the sharing of precious moments with family and friends - all gathering to celebrate success; recognise and reward achievement; and mark significant milestones. But this is what the Kingsmen Barbershop Harmony Chorus https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/ has just done; and done in style. On display to greet attendees at the Awards Evening were items from the Club's archives, including an array of scrap books containing photographs and articles telling the story of the Club from the very first rehearsal attended by 12 guys at the Crabshell Pub in Kingsbridge in the Autumn of 1991; through tours (including 3 to the USA); results from competitions; and money (well over £100k) raised for various Charities. And inevitably, the page turning led to the sharing of stories, laughter and the recollection of happy memories. Chairman Paul Harvey opened proceedings with a warm Kingsmen welcome and handed over to Stu Newberry who took on the role as Master of Ceremonies. Stu guided attendees through the presentation and award of: the Harmony Award (recipient Kevin Hamer); the Jack Nation Trophy (recipient Chris Lambart); the Director's Award (recipient Ian Wooler); and the Barbershopper of the Year Award (recipient Kevin Hamer). Several Kingsmen also received Long Service Awards (the Club is a Member of the British Association of Barbershop Singers - https://www.singbarbershop.com/ ). 10 Year Badges were presented to Jim Stewart, Terry Weeks; Kevin Hamer and Ian Wooler (and will be to Charles Harrington, Geoff Sharps and Shaun Fewtrell - all of whom were unable to attend the event); a 20 Year Badge was presented to Gary Rowe; and 30 Year Badges were presented to Tim Wyatt and Steve Hancock. The evening culminated with the presentation by Chairman Paul Harvey of a special award - to Roy Hann, who founded the Chorus back in 1991 and who was the Musical Director for 30 years. The award was a glass trophy engraved with the words 'From your Brothers in Harmony. In celebration of your unwavering dedication, musical passion, and your 35 year milestone in founding the Chorus'. And you've guessed it - the celebrations continued at an Afterglow at a local pub, where more singing, fun and friendship was in abundance. Fancy having a go at singing? Want to join in the fun? If so, why not come along to one of our Rehearsals? You'll be guaranteed of receiving a big, warm Kingsmen welcome - and who knows, this time next year, you could be an award winner! For further information about the Kingsmen and Membership check out the following links: https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/become-a-member and https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/
Serene, Scenic, Spectacular
Howdy....
It's been Kingsbridge Fair Week recently and it was a joy to help kick things off to a great musical start. Dressed in our best and brightest Hawaiian shirts, the Kingsmen sang and entertained a lively audience from the Bandstand in the Town Square on an afternoon and evening of local entertainment, which ended with a firework display. If you were one of the men in the audience who enjoyed our performance and you like singing, then why not come along and visit us on a rehearsal night and join in the fun and camaraderie https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/become-a-member Kingsbridge is the hometown of the Kingsmen and we are celebrating our 35 anniversary this year. We like nothing better than supporting local events and charities; so keep an eye on the Upcoming Events link on our website to find out where we are singing and performing over the coming weeks and months. Hope to see you there! https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/ With thanks to Rebecca Rowe for taking these photos.
The communities of the South Hams have long, deep rooted ties with those organisations that serve to protect and save not only the sailors and fishermen local to these communities but also those visitors who pass by our shores or are staying here on vacation and enjoying our beaches and watersport facilities. With this in mind Heather Spencer, 2026 Ladies' Captain at Thurlestone Golf Club, organised a charity evening of fun, food, friendship and fundraising in aid of her chosen charity for her year, the new RNLI Lifeboat at Salcombe. The Salcombe Larks and The Kingsmen Harmony Chorus brought together an eclectic mix of songs from their repertoires, including music from The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle, Neil Diamond (and many more) and entertained the packed clubhouse either side of a splendid buffet supper prepared by the TGC catering team. If you were one of the men in the audience who enjoyed our performance and you like singing, then why not come along and visit us on a rehearsal night and join in the fun and camaraderie https://www.kingsmen.org.uk/become-a-member It was a particularly poignant event for the many of the performers. The Salcombe Larks originate from the town of Salcombe and the Kingsmen hail from Kingsbridge, both groups are closely associated with the South Hams RNLI. Some have immediate family connections too. Gary Rowe, the Kingsmen Musical Director, is the son of Raymond Rowe who was 2nd Cox at Salcombe for many years. Raymond won a bravery award for his role in a hazardous resume of a distressed vessel, the Janet C, off Start Point. He also appeared in the TV Series Lifeboat in the 90's. Ian Wooler, our Assistant MD, also has close family connections to the Eastbourne RNLI station. One of his Great Uncles, James (Jim) Hall was a member of the Eastbourne Lifeboat Crew for 45 years and received several awards for bravery and long service. Jim's Niece (Ian's Mum) raised money for the RNLI throughout her life. The event raised several hundred pounds in aid of the charity and both chorus groups were more than happy to perform free of charge to help.
The Kingsmen Welcome New Recruit Rob Loader
Congratulations to Chris Collins on passing his voice assessment
