THE BROMLEY BARBERSHOP HARMONY CLUB MAGAZINE

Registered Charity 1094386 www.thekentones.org

The Kentones

THETHE

Volume 4 Issue 7

Acafellas

January/February 2014

As you will see from these pages, with the rehearsals and seasonal singouts, Christmas came early for all those involved with the

Kentones and Acafellas.This gave us a glorious and happy ending to 2013 and, as we go eagerly into 2014, has us well prepared as we contemplate new

challenges and rewards from the joy of singing.

PEACE IN HARMONY

Firstly I would like to thank so many Acafellas (19 singers and Colin) for turning out and giving a rousing performance at the Home where my mother was so wonderfully looked after, during her last days on Earth. I am particularly grateful to them as there was also a gig in Dartford later the same day.

What was impressive was the fact that most of us turned up in the correct uniform. It would, obviously, be bad form to name the guys who failed in that department, and I promised Tim Priddin, David Tindall and Brian Scothern that I would not blow the gaff, so I am duty bound not to name them.

Singing in a residential home can be a challenge, but our performance coincided with the Home's Christmas Fayre so, in addition to residents and staff, there were many visiting family members to respond positively to our efforts, and they did. We performed our basic repertoire, which now includes the glorious “In My Room”, augmented

with a brace of Christmas standards “Silent Night” and “Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire” ("The Christmas Song"). Special mention in dispatches must be made of Brian Scothern's energetic dance debut during the ballet sequence of “McNamara's Band”. Brian stepping in (so to speak) for John Vaughan was a real crowd pleaser.

I had to return to the Home the next day to collect our CDs, and received several positive responses from staff members who had been there, including - “It was really great to have a group to entertain us who really CAN sing”. Trisha, the lady who organised the event, said how much she enjoyed it, particularly “Can You Feel The Love”.

So although it was not our most high profile singout, we performed well in somewhat cramped conditions, inspired a lot of joy in the room and, for me personally, you made a Happy Man Very Old (to quote Ronnie Scott).

Brian Showell

A message from Holywell Park

Dear Mr White I am writing to tell you we recently had our Christmas fair on Saturday, November 30th here at Holywell Park, which opened with the Acafellas singing for us. They were fantastic, a huge success with our residents, their families, friends and staff.I especially want to say a huge thank you to Brian Showell, who arranged the event for us - it's a day we shall never forgetYours sincerely Tricia BartholomewActivities Co-ordinator, Holywell Park.

ACAFELLAS AT HOLYWELL PARK RESIDENTIAL AND NURSING HOMESaturday 30 November 2013

Acafellas at the WarrenWednesday 4th December 2013 saw Acafellas recalled to the Warren to reprise their storming success of Christmas 2012, to sing for the Orpington Ladies' Luncheon Club Christmas meal. This group of ladies raises money for Cancer Research; hence we waived our fee and sang for the fun of it! Colin advised that we should arrive at 12.45pm for a rehearsal and to change into our old No.1 uniform of blue jacket, blue trousers with satin stripe and patent shoes. Most of the chorus acquiesced and arrived on time, but several had misunderstood the long-suffering Performance Secretary's singout sheet and arrived in plain trousers, normal shoes, and red waistcoats!! Perhaps John Sollitt should have sent an e.mail on the day or, better still, driven to each address to check!There was a distinct feeling of 'déjà vu' about our changing facilities, which were in the Hobbit Suite; the location of Mike Corr's 'Thanks for the Memories Party' the previous Friday evening.The rehearsal went well and, at 2pm, we made the short journey to the main building where the sumptuous Coney Suite is situated. To rapturous applause, and lined up in three rows, with the good looking men at the front, as long they were wearing the correct apparel, and the others behind, we started the performance with a rousing rendition of 'Yes Indeed', followed by 'Hello Mary Lou', 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' (from the musical "Lion King"), 'No More Sorrow', and then the very serious Irish ballad 'McNamara's Band' (concluded by the ever agile and sylph-like John Vaughan performing a jig (without the aid of a safety net). I'll say no more than that, but "Watch 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the New Year", said David Tindall!A Christmas lunch concert wouldn't be complete without a Carol but she was unavailable so we sang 'Silent Night', followed by 'The Christmas Song', 'In My Room' and then, one of our Convention songs for Harrogate, the upbeat number 'Love Me'.Our traditional last song 'Amarillo' started well, I thought, but after a few bars Colin stopped it and walked purposefully towards David Tindall, who I thought had done his usual brilliant and funny inter-song commentaries, without managing to completely break the expensive microphone or cause himself any grievous bodily harm. As it turned out I need not have worried, because Colin had seen John Vaughan pass out at the back of the group, and he was obviously concerned that his only ballet dancer might not be available for our next performance in Chatham. David immediately

announced that John didn't like singing 'Amarillo' so had feigned a collapse!With the show at an end, we changed and enjoyed a pint kindly provided by the ladies.footnote..John put his untimely collapse down to Colin's one hour warm up and the heat of all the ladies in the hall. He had had an ECG and was at rehearsal the following night: what a trouper, what a man.

Chris Garrard

A WARREN WELCOMEJust had to thank the Acafellas for their splendid performance at the Warren on Wednesday 4th December. The Boys all looked so handsome in their blue garb, making some of the ladies feel weak at the knees!! Normally at this time after a hearty lunch, some come close to falling off their perches, but not with you there. Everyone said how much they enjoyed your singing, ranging from hearty amusing songs to soft poignant ones all beautifully introduced by David Dimples and well controlled by Colin. Thank you for your time and effort in making over 100 ladies very happy. You are all so generous in every way. Out of interest, who left their blue jacket in the car?! Good luck in the Glades and see you back at my place: all welcome. Ann BrinsonChairman

Well it was a looooong time waitingfor dinner to be finished.

David tickling the ears of the audience. John doing his jig - a crowd pleaser every time.

Saint Mary's Island Active Retirement Association(Saintara)

It was our Christmas lunch (very good that was too) and we were to have Acafellas (from the Kentones) entertain us. The Kentones had come to us once before, about 5 years ago, so we had an idea of what to expect and were very much looking forward to hearing them.

Well, all I can say is they sang their socks off! It was great, and everybody in the audience loved them. Lots of people afterwards said to me just how much they had enjoyed their performance. The singing and presentation was good and the overall performance was great; altogether a wonderful pre-Christmas entertainment.

We were so sorry that the group had to wait for such a long time before going on stage. This was due to an over-active fire alarm that would not stop ringing and so delayed the proceedings. It was all made worse by the local security people who, when they arrived to turn it off, broke the switch so that the loud ring could not be stopped, at least not until one of our more 'active' members took a screwdriver to it! A case of experience over knowledge!

Thanks to all the Acafellas for their show: we really appreciated it and hope to ask them back again sometime in the future.

Stella Mountney

Come on, watch me now.

How time flies. It seems that no sooner is one Convention over than the next is just around the corner.Judging at Convention is extremely tough and you have just a few minutes to impress with your two songs. There is no room for error, so each man must play his part and learn his part thoroughly without exception.A solo singer might have more flexibility with the performance, provided the tempo with the accompaniment is maintained. Should something go astray, adjustments could be made and the overall performance can be acceptable. With a chorus, however, every man must know everything about the song, the dynamics, the words, the notes and the intended interpretation so that everyone can act as one, under the conductor’s guidance, to produce a winning performance.Getting all this from so many men is no easy task, so the professional and successful skills of Gaynor Dugay are called upon to show just what needs to be done.It was ironic then that the first song on the agenda was “What’ll I Do” and, after a couple of hours, Gaynor had certainly shown us exactly what to do. Our second song however demanded rather more understanding of the interpretation, and much fun was had as we tried to emulate Elvis Presley with “Love Me”. It will be interesting to see how many of us can achieve the swivelling hips and the curling lip!Some of us will no doubt overdo it, but one thing’s for sure, it will make an interesting sight! Hopefully we can impress the ladies.Barry White Editor

FIRST COACHING DAY AT ELTHAM COLLEGE

A ROARING SUCCESS?The usual final rehearsal before Christmas was followed by the traditional visit to Ye Olde Whyte Lion pub at Locksbottom, and what a lively evening it turned out to be.

Many of the pub’s patrons were already in high Christmas spirits when we arrived, particularly a group of lively ladies who undoubtedly inspired some of our more ‘vulnerable’ members.

Whether these ladies or the loud atmosphere influenced our performance is not clear, but apparently our singing left something to be desired.

Nevertheless we succeeded in raising a welcome £145 for our charity.Barry White Editor

On 22nd December, thirty-plus able-bodied Kentones assembled at Bromley's ridiculously renamed shopping mall to entertain the throngs of Christmas shoppers in aid of their chosen charity, the Marjorie McClure Special School. What better way to start the programme than with a rousing rendition of "Wonderful Day" - especially as it actually WAS, after the recent awful weather. The Chorus sang well - and it was noticeable that Colin's direction was being carefully watched by the majority - well done! It was lovely to see so many young children there - many of them thoroughly enjoying putting coins in the collection boxes as much as (or more than?!) listening to the singing. One of the boys from the School was also present, and he was REALLY enjoying himself. That's what it's all about, so stay well and keep singing. Happy New Year to you all. Veronica Taylor

CHRISTMAS AT THE GLADES(a.k.a.intu Bromley)

Carols (and more) at The GladesIf it's December it must be The Glades.

Where? The Glades. Bromley's famous shopping centre.

Sorry, guv, before my time. Bromley's shopping centre is called intu Bromley.

intu Properties plc, formerly Capital Shopping Centres Group plc, is a United Kingdom-based Real Estate Investment Trust focused on shopping centre management and development. Yada yada yada.

So we sang at The Glades. Christmas Carols and other jolly numbers from the Kentones' vast repertoire, to collect cash for our chosen charity, the Marjorie McClure Specialist School. Colin Couves conducting.

Sing Out Monitor John Sollitt set a trap for those not paying attention. He changed the set uniform. Black shirts to go with the regular kit. So naturally I turned up wearing a Persil-white shirt. Tim Sowter wore something similar. We were dreaming of a white Christmas, with shirts just like the ones we wore.

Fortunately, with the aid of my trusty iPhone, I was able to enlist the help of a quick-footed Evelyn, who found the right black shirt, the one with the mock-

cufflinks, among the multitude of black shirts I habitually wear, and raced over to Bromley. I flagged her down in East Street, dived into the car, tearing off my white shirt like Clark Kent in a phone box, then sprinting intu The Glades, doing up my buttons as I ran.

Slipping seamlessly on to the end of the front row, we were off and running. Warm? I could have roasted those chestnuts on my open brow.The sound we made was good. Mike Corr joined the assembled throng and his thumbs up signal confirmed that we were sounding good. The Gilbert family contributed some (very) young ones for a spot of tintinnabulation when we sang "Jingle Bells".

ndThere had been some concern that December 22 was a tad too close to Christmas, and might affect the collection. Those fears proved groundless and, under the able management of Brenda Newman, the support team collected the generous sum of £600!You could say that the Kentones bring Christmas cheer intu Bromley. At The Glades.

Phillip Khan-Panni

Bromley Festival 2013

Having won the Anniversary Salver at Bromley Festival this year, we were delighted to be asked to perform at the Prizewinners' concert at Bromley Parish church in October. We were the last act, following three very talented young performers, a pianist, a soprano and a cellist who played and sang classical music by Bach, Debussy, Pergolesi, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky. In comparison, our songs from Lennon and McCartney, and Bonner and Gordon ("Yesterday" and "Happy Together") might have been considered a bit low brow! But the superb acoustics of this beautiful church helped us, and we were well received by the audience. Indeed, an encore was asked for and we duly obliged with "In My Room".

We are grateful to the Festival organisers for inviting us to this enjoyable occasion and for giving us the opportunity to promote the Kentones. Thanks particularly to the curate, Rev. Andrew Jablonski, for his warm welcome, and to church members for their kind hospitality.

John Boothby - Harmonal Therapy

I want to pay tribute to the confident and seamless way in which Colin has taken over the reins of Musical Director. We are mightily favoured to have such talent available to us and we cannot thank him enough for stepping into the gap - not just holding us all together but taking us forward with real craftsmanship, enthusiasm and skill. What an asset to the Club he is!

I am writing this Corner having thoroughly enjoyed the Fish and Chip supper on Thursday evening, having just returned from an Acafellas sing in Sidcup on Friday, and looking forward to our day of coaching with Gaynor at Eltham on Sunday. These three events epitomise to me the three essential threads of what our Club is all about.

There is the very rich social aspect to the Club, enhanced and often led by our amazing Supporters. It is impossible to rate this too highly. At its shallowest level we enjoy each other's company week by week, but at a deeper level our companionship proves a real strength and stay in those times when life throws hardships and trials our way. Some of our company are experiencing anxious times just now, and we support them by holding them in our thoughts. Someone said to me recently that they would want to belong to this Club even if we didn't sing! When I contemplate the rich social aspect of our Club life I know exactly what he means.

Getting out and singing to an audience is the bread and butter of what we do. There are the large, prestigious performances of course, and they are the ones that tend to remain in our memories, but the smaller, more

routine singouts are what we are mostly about. The Acafellas engagement on Friday was stereotypical of these events. We gave of our best and we enjoyed ourselves, and that carried across to the audience, many of whom had never heard barbershop before. We had lots of compliments paid to us, both officially and privately, and it was clear we had brought a lot of pleasure to a lot of people. Yes indeed, this is definitely what it is all about.

And then there is what awaits us on Sunday, when we will benefit from another training day with Gaynor. These sessions are evidence of the seriousness with which we approach the demands of our hobby - we want to sing, yes, but we want to sing well and to achieve the highest standard of which we are capable. We subscribe to the Chinese proverb “The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle” - or to translate it more freely “More practice gives you a better chance of success in real situations”. When I first joined the Kentones I remember being very impressed with how serious and determined was the rehearsing. We may hold our heads high in this respect, as this third thread of what we do is not one we stint on.

So how do you fare in these three aspects of the Club? Is there any thread you need to develop more strongly in order to be a fully functioning member of the Kentones? It is my sincere hope that no one will miss out on all that the Club has to offer.

David Southgate - Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

KEVIN TOOK THE PLUNGE!Bernie and I would like to thank all those who sang at our wedding on Saturday, and for all the best wishes and cards we received from members and Supporters. We really appreciated it.

The singing was fantastic. Not many of our friends and family have heard barbershop before, and they were blown away by it. We received so many wonderful comments. I'd especially like to thank my new mistress, the red headed bombshell Davinia :)

So thanks again, Guys, for helping to make our wedding a very special occasion.

Kevin & Bernie Phillips

TAIKO DRUMMING DAY AT MARJORIE MCCLURE SCHOOL

I made my way to Chislehurst, having been alerted by an email from John Sollitt that members of the Kentones would be welcome to visit during sessions by Liz Walters and Cathy of Inspire Workshops, who were going to teach the children basic Taiko drumming.Fully expecting to spend an hour on the sidelines observing how the school was utilising some of the funds that we have raised so far, I was astonished when Kirstie handed me two drum sticks (known as bachi in the Japanese Taiko tradition) and encouraged me to beat all kinds of hell out of the poor unsuspecting drum in front of me. I shared a drum with Kirstie, who had been at it all day and was very impressive. I discovered that, as far as my drumming technique is concerned, John Rayfield has nothing to fear from me, but that wasn't the point. It was very humbling to be present and witness the sheer joy that the kids experienced as the two instructors expertly coaxed them to lose their inhibitions and perform in unison. It made me proud to think that some of the money we had collected had enabled the school to enlist these two skilful and sensitive teachers from the Taiko School in order to provide these unique young people with an exhilarating and uplifting experience that they will long remember.My thanks, then, to Kirstie at the school, and Liz and Cathy of Inspire Workshops (tamashii.co.uk, info@taikoschool.com) for giving this advantaged but rhythmically challenged drummer an hour that he will be hard pressed to forget.Brian Showell

Honours for the MizensThe results of proceeds donated by charities can be judged by the success of the passionate, selfless endeavours of those working hard for needy organisations and services which may otherwise be poorly funded. Over the past two years the Kentones have been proud to raise funds for the Jimmy Mizen Foundation, and we are pleased to learn that Barry's and Margaret Mizen's success has been recognised by Prince Charles, who has used this to strengthen his resolve to help young people through his Prince's Trust and Youth United Network.

In his Investiture address, the Prince of Wales spoke of the need for more structured, constructive and challenging opportunities to be provided for young people in order to help transform their lives. He made specific mention of the Mizens, and of how they shared his convictions.We asked Barry and Margaret for their comments, and received the following :-

We have met His Royal Highness on a few occasions. He has shown interest in the work we do with other families bereaved through violent crime, something we have called Families Utd.

He has a heart for young people and is very supportive of the influence uniformed organisations (Scouts, St John Ambulance, Cadets etc, ) can have in their lives. Through this he established Youth United, to bring all the organisations together for the benefit of young people. We are fully in agreement with this.

He was keen to see if there is any synergy between Youth Utd and Families Utd. Through this came the visit to our community hub coffee shop, The Café of Good Hope, where he was able to meet and hear at first hand from young people of the help they had been given through the Prince's Trust and through uniformed organisations.

This in turn has led to what has been termed 'Step Up To Serve'. Its aim is to improve the lives of young people through social action, by doing some voluntary work directly or by belonging to voluntary youth organisations. It is also hoped that the number of adult volunteers can increase to accommodate the additional young people recruited.

For him to say publicly that he was inspired by us is truly humbling, but also an affirmation that what we do for the benefit of young people in Jimmy's memory is working.

As we have said from the beginning the changes needed in society will not be because of the actions of government or the judicial system alone, but through the response of each one of us.

If I want to live in a more peaceful, compassionate and cohesive society, what am I going to have to do?

The achievements of the Jimmy Mizen Foundation have only been possible because of the support we have received from so many people and groups. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Kentones for the support and encouragement they have given us.

All our loveBarry and Margaret

In recognition of her important work with young people, Margaret was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Greenwich, and both she and Barry have received MBEs in the Queen's New Year's honours.

The Kentones are proud of the part they played and wish Barry and Margaret continuing success with their endeavours.

Barry White - Editor

KENTONES HELP WAITROSE TO PROFITS INCREASE?

You may know that Waitrose reported a year-on-year profits increase of 4% nationwide for December. Perhaps word got out around the country that Waitrose Bromley South branch had awarded a green token collection to the Kentones, and shoppers flocked to their store as a result. Or maybe not.

We were up against stiff opposition - the Venture Scouts and a Charity for the Blind, so inevitably we came in third. However, we did raise £164 plus a £20 note. Yes, someone actually put in 20 quid. I thought that maybe it was a person affiliated to one of our charities. Hazel wondered if the kind donor had meant to put it in the slot for the blind but ....

Brian Showell

ST PAUL’S CHURCH HALLQUIZ NIGHT

7.30PM SAT 15TH MARCHJUST COME ALONG AND JOIN ANY OTHERS AROUND A TABLE, OR MAKE UP A

TEAM. NO MORE THAN 8 TO A TEAM PLEASE!IF YOU DO MAKE UP A TEAM BEFOREHAND LET STELLA OR GEOFF KNOW SO

WE CAN RESERVE A TABLE. WHY NOT GIVE YOUR TEAM A NAME?

INCLUDES PLOUGHMAN’S AND RAFFLEBRING YOUR OWN DRINK AND GLASSES

TICKETS £8 (£6 SUPPORTERS’ CLUB MEMBERS)FROM STELLA OR GEOFF MOUNTNEY

???

? ??

“MOVEMBER”

November was a strange month, as some of ourmembers joined the international incentive and grew hair

on their faces, raising over £1500 for the mens’ awareness charity.This was enhanced by Jenny Sollitt’s rehearsal cup cakes which

were worth every penny

The Kentonian 2014

The KentonesMeeting:Club Nights - Thursdays 7.30 pm at St. Paul’s Church Hall, Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent

Main Committee:

Chairman - David SouthgateVice Chairman - Geoff MountneySecretary - Brian ScothernTreasurer - Les MooreMembership Sec. - Roger ChickPublic Relations Officer - Chris GarrardPerformance Sec. - John SollittCo-opted Members: - Tim Priddin

Music Committee:

Chorus Director - Colin CouvesAss. Chorus Director - Tim SowterCo-opted members - John Rayfield

Part Leaders Lead - Jack Willoughby Bass - Frank Taylor Tenor - Tim Sowter Baritone - John O’Connor

Magazine:The Kentonian, published bi-monthly.Editor Barry White. Tel: 02086907008 Mbl. 07811573567. E mail barrywhite_55@tiscali.co.ukSub Editor: David TindallProof reader for all Club material intended for publication: David Tindall.Editorial assistant: Sam Newlove

Kentones Diary DatesDate Time Venue Function

Thurs. 1st May Eltham College Charity Concert

23rd - 26th May 2014 Harrogate International Centre BABS 40th Anniversary Convention

Acafellas Diary DatesDate Time Venue Function

Wed. 5th Feb. 7.15pm Thomas Philipot Almshouses SE9 5DJ Private

COPY DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE - THURSDAY 13th MARCH 2014ARTICLES, COMMENTS, VIEWS, REPORTS, PHOTOGRAPHS ETC....PLEASE SUBMIT THEM BY HAND, PHONE,

POST, E-MAIL TO THE EDITORS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

Chorus Director - Colin Couves

Meetings - Alternate Tuesdays 10.00 am to 12 noon at The Methodist Church, Chelsfield.

Acafellas

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP OF THE KENTONES OR SUPPORTERS?NEED ENTERTAINMENT FOR AN EVENT OR FUNCTION?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.THEKENTONES.ORG FOR INFORMATION.