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

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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.

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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

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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

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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!!

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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

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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

INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP OF THE KENTONES OR SUPPORTERS?

NEED ENTERTAINMENT FOR AN EVENT OR FUNCTION?

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 chsydee@ntlworld.com

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