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August 5, 2020
Kingsmen and Community Immunity
One of the unintended consequences of Covid-19 has been how communities have galvanized to support those in need in their area. Many families have either lost their income or seen it reduced and have had to seek help from support services such as Foodbanks. The Kingsmen Barbershop Harmony Club is doing what it can to support its community by making some generous donations to the Kingsbridge and Ivybridge Foodbanks. ‘We call it Community Immunity’, said Chairman Stuart Newberry.
‘During lockdown, we felt it was the least we could do. Our members come from these communities and we felt that we wanted to support the valuable work that the Foodbanks are doing.’ (See our Blog post and video of 23rd May for more information). The Chorus is well known for its fundraising activities at concerts and events across South Devon, but all plans had to be curtailed, including traditional rehearsals. ‘We were coming up to our busy period with weddings, parties as well as supporting other organisations fundraise. All our public appearances had to stop and with that we’ve missed opportunities to raise money for important good causes.’
Horsemanship for Health and the Kingsmen
One such organisation is Horsemanship for Health based near Newton Abbot whose work with horses is supporting men’s and women’s mental health. It so happens to be the Chairman’s Charity for 2020 and the Chorus had already started to raise funds in support of their operation.
Their need became even greater because of Covid-19 impacting on their ability to generate income via courses and therapy work. ‘We decided to donate a substantial sum to Horsemanship for Health quite early on in lockdown, knowing they could use our support to sustain their operation’ said Stuart.
And it was at a virtual rehearsal via Zoom that Founder and Director of Horsemanship for Health was able to join the Kingsmen to say ‘thankyou’ and explain the work they carry out, particularly with men’s mental health including male patients at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish. ‘We are really grateful to the Kingsmen for their donation’ said Belinda. ‘It was quite an anxious time and this really helped us through a difficult period.’
The Chorus was planning a fundraising event with Belinda for Horsemanship for Health but that’s had to be postponed. ‘We’re hoping we can create some sort of a fundraiser later in the year as and when we can get singing again.’ You can find out more information about Horsemanship for Health from their web site: https://belindaseaward.com/horsemanship-for-health/
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
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.
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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
Two days after Valentine's Day, the Kingsmen had the privilege of bringing music, smiles, and harmony to patients and staff at Mount Gould Hospital, sharing songs centred on one simple but powerful theme: Love. From the first note, it was clear that this was more than a performance. Love was there in every sense; in the dedication of the hospital staff who paused in busy corridors to listen, in the smiles of patients, and in the shared moments of connection that music so effortlessly creates. The Kingsmen sang of love, friendship and care; themes that resonated deeply within a place where compassion is part of everyday life. Music has a unique way of lifting spirits, and for a short while the wards echoed not with routine, but with harmony and warmth. For the Kingsmen singers, it was a reminder that love doesn’t always need grand gestures; sometimes it arrives as a familiar tune, a shared laugh, or a chorus sung from the heart. The Kingsmen left Mount Gould Hospital feeling uplifted themselves and grateful for the opportunity to give something back and reminded that love, like music, is best when it’s shared. We received a lovely message of thanks from the hospital chaplain who said "you need to know that you made a difference to those who came. Here's some examples : one lady told me just 30 minutes before you sang that she did not feel well enough and was not in the right frame of mind. I persuaded her, telling her how good you are. You may have noticed that she was singing along and left feeling much happier and smiley. There were also patients from the neurological ward who have been in hospital for some months. It made such a difference to them leaving the ward for some "normality" and uplift in their lives". Well done gents for all you do, and thanks again and hope to see you soon ! "
Kingsmen celebrate with new recruit Sam Tolchard
