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The Kingsmen held their long awaited Annual Awards Evening on 8th March 2023 and Honorary Members, friends and family were all invited to celebrate the achievements and contributions to Chorus activities by this year’s Award Winners. For the past couple of years this much looked forward to event had to be postponed due to Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

The evening got off to a great start with MD Gary Rowe leading an hour of fun and song – comprising small group, quartet, and Chorus singing; and with Kingsmen and guests learning and performing a couple of Barbershop Tags taught to all by Roy Hann, Founder Member of the Kingsmen and its Life Honorary President.

Following a ‘call to order’, Barrington Sowden, KBHC Chair, then formally welcomed all to the Annual Awards Evening, making special mention and giving a warm ‘Kingsmen welcome’ to guest Chris Warren.

Chris was a friend of Kingsmen and Honorary Member John Lavelle. John, a Member of the Bass Section for some 20 years, passed away in 2020, and kindly made a very generous donation to the Kingsmen in his will.

Barrington explained that the Club decided to use this donation to help fund the purchase of new risers, and then asked Roy to unveil a commemorative plaque in memory of John.

The inscription on the plaque reads ‘Standing Room Only; in memory of John Lavelle; a brother in song’ – words kindly prepared by current Honorary Members.

Ian Wooler, KBHC Secretary then invited Kingsmen and guests to share a few stories of their memories of John (with thanks to Andrew Vaughan, Tim Wyatt, and Stu Newberry) before asking the Chorus to ‘sing the risers in’ with a rendition of ‘There is Love Wherever There Is Song’.

The lyrics of the song start with the words ‘Joining in song we gather here with friends that we hold most dear’ – a very appropriate sentiment for the whole evening.

Then followed the announcements and presentations of the Annual Awards.

The winner of the Presidents Trophy for the Barbershopper of the Year went to Bob Moseley. Bob is a member of the Bass Section, and a long standing and much valued and respected member of the Club’s Committee.

The award, voted for by the whole Chorus to the Member they deem has done the most to promote the Chorus and its aims, was presented to Bob by Roy.

The Director’s Award, presented by Gary went to John Baldwin. John is the Leader of the Bass Section and a member of the Music Team.

Unfortunately John could not attend the evening so in ‘true award ceremony style’ a photo was shown of him in his absence.

Winner of the Rose Bowl, which is awarded by the whole Chorus to the best supporter, was presented by Barrington, to Rose Weeks.

Winner of the Harmony Award, for the person who has made new members feel the most welcome, was MD Gary Rowe.

The award was presented by Chris Lambart and Martin Gerrard who joined the Kingsmen following the last Learn to Sing in Harmony Course.

The Jack Nation Award, awarded by the Chair and the previous winner, Paul Harvey, went to Ian Wooler. The award is given each year to the person they deem epitomises Barbershop and all that stands for in their professionalism and promotion of the Chorus.

And a 10 Year Long Service Badge was presented by Gary to Ray Bailey. Ray joined the Chorus after attending a Learn to Sing in Harmony Course and is a member of the Baritone Section.

The formal part of the evening ended with some ‘thank-you’s’ (to the organisers and in particular to Rebecca Rowe for very kindly taking photos on the night) and final congratulations to all the winners.

And what better way to close the Annual Awards Evening than to end with one last, followed by an Afterglow – more fun and singing held at a local pub.