15 Sep 2024 | Regional update
Aberdeen Chorus
Forth valley
Heartbeat Uk
Ignite Uk
Lace City
Mayflower Acappella
Milltown Sound
Vocal Dimension Chorus
Solent Sounds
Sheffield Harmony
Singing Unlimited / RMT Nominee
Viva Acappella
Aberdeen Chorus told us:
Linda is a valued and much loved member of our chorus who volunteers to take on any job always with great enthusiasm and joy. She has made a huge contribution to many aspects of chorus life over the years . A quiet unassuming person Linda can suddenly turn into the most entertaining life and soul of any event she is involved in!
She is a great asset to the chorus and with many years of dedicated service Linda truly deserves to be Aberdeen’s Unsung Champion of 2024
Linda joined the Aberdeen Chorus in 1999 singing bass, and since then has taken on many roles including marketing and publicity, performance co-ordinator, member of the physical warm up team, and for several years has been Assistant Bass Section Leader, always giving total commitment to everything she does. She puts great effort into supporting the bass section always being very helpful and encouraging when evaluating singers and constantly striving to help others to do their very best. Over the years Linda has contributed humorous ideas and script for our summer shows and Christmas pantos and with the help of her husband Terry has produced great photos and videos of the chorus shows providing much entertainment during lockdown. Linda beavers away in a quiet but very efficient way and is always quick to volunteer when things need done, including driving a large van full of risers! She is unfailingly friendly, helpful, supportive, kind and very knowledgeable in chorus matters and can be relied up to be the voice of reason, always providing wise counsel.
And of course her dancing at chorus retreats is something not be missed giving her all as usual!
Her dedicated service to the Aberdeen Chorus makes her a worthy Unsung Champion.
Forth Valley Chorus Chorus told us:
Jane is an absolute legend of fundraising within FVC. For many years now, Jane has been making and selling "Jane's Jams" - her homemade selection of jams, marmalades and chutneys, which she brings along to chorus every week. Every year, this is one of our top fundraisers.
Jane grows all the produce for the jams in her allotment, and opened her allotment up to visitors as part of our Open Gardens fundraiser. She has also recently expanded into running very popular marmalade-making classes.
She keeps producing Jane's Jams when FVC is not actively fundraising, and even found a way to keep going during lockdown, delivering her jams to members in Edinburgh and beyond!
Jane doesn’t make a big deal out of any of this. She just quietly keeps at it in an unassuming way, with a lovely smile and good grace. Jane is so woven into the fabric of the FVC family that it would be hard to imagine life without Jane and her jams! She is a true unsung champion who thoroughly deserves recognition.
Jane is a longstanding member of FVC and sings a mean bass! She is currently serving on the Management Team as Fundraising Co-ordinator, and is doing a great job of promoting other members' fundraising efforts and pursuing other fundraising avenues. Jane is also a key member of the riser team, which assembles and takes down our risers every week.
Heartbeat UK Chorus Chorus told us:
Hilary has worked tirelessly for Heartbeat across many different roles during her eight years in Chorus. She has been involved in organising many successful events, all of which have been thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by our members and supporters.
Hilary is constantly, quietly, working behind the scenes doing the things that need to be done and volunteering for the next thing to do! She is a mover and a shaker across the board, from rehearsal set up every week, to being across our media, comms, and general admin.
Hilary is extremely inclusive and supportive, encouraging and motivating all to get involved in activities and shared occasions.
This nomination of Unsung Champion is to say thank you to Hilary and show how much we appreciate all that she does and how we feel very lucky to have her in Heartbeat.
Hilary (Hils) is hardworking, diligent, enthusiastic, cheerful, fun, kind, caring, and a supportive friend to all in Heartbeat.
Ignite UK Chorus Chorus told us:
Dawn has done an amazing job as our finance coordinator which is such an important and very demanding job. However, she appears to do it with ease and high organisation. She works many hours each week behind the scenes ensuring our finances are always in good order. She has brought some great changes to the organisation of chorus financial matters by developing numerous new ways to sort out and keep on top of Ignite’s income and outgoings. She is always available to answer any budgetary questions and has enabled Ignite to really understand where they are financially, paving the way to a clearer and affordable future.
Dawn is instrumental in the running and organising of so many things, diplomatic and she makes sure everyone’s voice is heard. She is dedicated to making Ignite a fair and accessible group for all and is willing to help anyone She is always there for all her Ignite friends.
In addition, she is always working to improve her voice and is very committed to learning new songs quickly and accurately. She brings a lot of energy, enthusiasm and time keeping to sectional rehearsals.
Dawn is, definitely, an important part of the Ignite UK team.
Dawn and her partner Sean enjoy nothing better than messing about in their boat.
Lace City Chorus Chorus told us:
Bev does an enormous amount of work behind the scenes arranging transport and accommodation for the chorus when we attend regional and international convention. It's a huge responsibility and she works tirelessly to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible for us all.
Bev's joined Lace City as a singing course participant and took part in our Christmas show in 2015, joining the chorus as a full member in 2016. At first she sang tenor but later became one of our 'Super Leads'. She quickly became a valued member of the chorus, helping to arranging travel and accommodation for our last trip to International in St Louis, 2018 utilising her experience working for a group travel organiser to make sure everyone arrived safely and had somewhere to stay. She is particularly noted for her infamous 'party bus', which has grown from the first time she drove a minibus to Convention at Gateshead. As a lover of travel (both in real time and vicariously) you can always count on Bev to make the experience fun. When not singing with the chorus Bev enjoys walking with her dog Rufus.
Mayflower A Cappella Chorus told us:
Hilary joined the lead section of Mayflower A Cappella Chorus in 2016 and soon became a very active member. Hilary has served on the board as secretary and has just completing another term on the board where her commitment and dedication to getting things done is met with smiles and enthusiasm. Hilary has been instrumental in negotiating and securing hotel accommodation and travel to and from convention over the years. Even when Hilary was unable to attend Convention, she still made sure that we were all sorted. Hilary doesn't expect recognition for her dedication to the chorus, her efforts and commitment do not go unnoticed and we believe Hilary is Mayflower A Cappella Chorus most worthy recipient of the Unsung Champion Award. Thank you Hilary for all that you do xx
Hilary and her husband Martin have lived in Plymouth since 1989. They have 3 grown children and 2 grand children with another due very soon.
Outside of chorus (that actually is a thing), Hilary likes to keep fit, playing tennis and badminton, doing yoga and swimming. Being outdoors in the sunshine with friends and family is one of Hilary's favourite things, and a dip in a warm sea and sailing with Martin is another of Hilary's go to activities.
Milltown Sound Chorus told us:
Our Unsung Champion for this year is Sarah Harrison, our treasurer, keeper of the keys and just an awesome human being! Always makes the time to chat to everyone, check in on people and is just a lovely person inside and out.
Sarah has been a Millie for five years, and she has thrown herself into the role from the beginning. In addition to being an amazing baritone vocalist, Sarah is also funny, friendly, and willing to help others. She works quietly in the background, "behind the scenes," never expecting credit or attention, and puts in countless hours at home working on both music and the chorus's financial management—a difficult task, to say the least. She is also the first to volunteer to help with any bookings, arrangements, or other tasks, even if they have nothing to do with money side of things.
The Chorus simply just could not run without her, and we are forever grateful she walked through those doors at the learn to sing in 2018. She is never allowed to leave!
BIO
Sarah is part of our Baritone section, member since 2018. Married to Shaun, 2 lovely children, 2 step children and 1 naughty dog.
Vocal Dimension Chorus told us:
We would like to nominate Helen Blount for her contribution to the success of our chorus having been a very essential part of our Management Team and as an active chorus member.
Helen joined VDC as a tenor in 2017, inspired by our appearance in BBC1’s Pitch Battle and she soon graduated to the front row as a dancer. She took the position of Events Coordinator on the VDC Management Team and navigated uncharted waters to arrange numerous sing-outs plus hotel, meals, and rehearsal rooms at regional convention and International. Showcasing exceptional organizational and communication skills during the post-Covid period, she ensured that VDC was well and truly out there from the moment we were allowed to be. Her dedication to the role also contributed to us being able to fundraise over £15k toward members' International trip expenses. Furthermore, Helen became a very well-respected member of the team and was an absolute pleasure to work with, often providing support to our director personally when the going got tough! Helen stepped outside of her comfort zone to audition for the lead role of Cherry Bakewell in our latest International set The Great British Baking Contest. She won the part and throughout the rehearsal period was always well-prepared and dependable. Helen performed on the Louisville stage with the confidence of a professional. She received glowing reviews from Sweet Adelines worldwide and certainly played her part in winning our International Silver medal. Incredibly this was Helen's first International competition! When she sang her beautiful solos she owned the stage and we are so proud of her. Well done Helen, you are most certainly a worthy nominee as our Unsung Champion and you have our respect and gratitude in bucketloads!
Solent Sounds Chorus told us:
Sharon has been a member of Solent Sounds for 31 years and our Assistant Musical Director for 22 years. She's also Tenor Section Leader and Rules and Bylaws coordinator on the Admin Board, and it doesn't stop there! Sharon is a fantastic support for our Baritone Section Leader, who is new to the role AND she has been known to take the occasional Bass Section practice.
Our 2023 Open Division Package was written by her and she even stepped into one of the main character roles at the very last minute. Yes, she really is super cool in all situations!
Sharon has been an absolute star taking rehearsals, recently, sometimes at short notice, when Lorraine, our MD wasn't well. She kept us on track, encouraged and supported. She's a very special lady, a huge asset to the Chorus, our Sweet Adeline of 2024 and now a very deserving Unsung Champion! Thank you Sharon! xx
Sheffield Harmony Chorus told us:
Emma was our overwhelming choice for Unsung Champion this year. Despite her taking on the Treasurer role “just for a year” she has provided far sighted and pragmatic financial leadership for the chorus over the last few years. Members have commented on her quiet yet reliable management style, dealing competently with the continuing challenges of a post pandemic barbershop world. As one member put it - “Keeping our finances afloat for the last few years has been no mean feat”
Emma is a vital member of our Management Team member. She can be relied on for wise counsel and coming up with creative ideas and practical solutions in our discussions. She is highly respected and listened to.
Emma brings many other skills to Chorus, particularly from her professional life as an IT leader. This year she has played a key part in reorganising how we capture, store and share online information for our members, and she is always on hand to help people find what they need. That she manages to do all this alongside a demanding job and a big commute is testament to her passion for and commitment to Sheffield Harmony chorus.
Thanks Emma for all you do for us and cheers to you!
Louisa was introduced to Singing Unlimited (and barbershop singing in general) in September 2019. Her beautiful voice was instantly recognised and she started as a bass, but shifted to the Lead part very soon and that is right where she belongs! Firstly, her vocal talents are a great asset to our chorus. In addition to that she is very active in other areas, especially as she has digital skills a-plenty!
Her enthusiasm is infectious – she is a lovely lady, always helpful and willing to assist wherever possible.
We are delighted to honour her as our Unsung Champion 2024!
Apart from being part of the lead section, she is also a wonderful soloist and more recently, a quartet singer.
Her solo performance at our 10 year anniversary concert in 2023 was unforgettable.
On most rehearsal evenings before we start, you will find her setting up the video and audio materials to facilitate the recording and documenting of our weekly chorus rehearsals – an invaluable reference for all our members. Before we wake up the next morning these recordings have already been made available to us online.
She plays a leading role in our Marketing & communication team and from the moment she started with Singing Unlimited, our website, social media and communication channels have never been the same! Meaning: they were refreshed, improved and customized to our needs.
She has been very helpful to the Region’s marketing team in reorganising the regional website and the convention app. It’s no coincidence that her own company is named: Blue Ninja!
A ‘Ninja’ is a problem solver, she adds value, is flexible and adaptable and… is focused on collaboration!
There is no better way than to describe Louisa as a true Ninja for our chorus.
We are so proud of Louisa and grateful for the work she does behind the scenes - operational activities that keep the chorus running smoothly
Every Chorus Needs a Louisa!
As well as being Singing Unlimited's worthy nominee, Louisa was also honored as the Quartet of Nations’ Unsung Champion, in recognition for her tireless work behind the scenes that has been instrumental to the success of the region. While many of us see the polished results, few understand the immense effort and dedication Louisa has poured into this.
Louisa has provided unwavering tech support for the region and is always on hand for queries and advice, handling everything from maintaining the website to managing the phone app that keeps us all connected at Convention. Her ability to troubleshoot technical issues swiftly and efficiently has ensured that events run smoothly, and members have access to information and resources. Louisa’s contributions have gone beyond just solving problems; she has been the backbone of our digital presence, constantly updating and improving our website.
Despite working largely in the background, Louisa’s impact is felt by every member of the Quartet of Nations. Her work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to the region's smooth operations. Louisa embodies the spirit of dedication and service.
As the 2024 Unsung Champion, Louisa has set an inspiring example of selfless commitment, reminding us all that the efforts behind the scenes are just as vital as the ones on stage. The Quartet of Nations is incredibly fortunate to have her, and we thank her for her ongoing dedication.
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Louisa was born and educated in Australia.
She has lived and worked in Australia, Scotland, Germany and now in the Netherlands. She is the founder and CEO of a software and systems consultancy company, called ‘Blue Ninja’.
Louisa’s skills are wide-ranging. A passion for tech, a love of automation, and expertise in user and customer management give Louisa the ability to tailor the solutions to the user. She brings a fresh way of thinking and new ideas to her clients and their projects. Not only does she understand the complexity of business management, her motto is that the software and systems need to work for the business (and not that businesses need to fit to the software). Her accolades in the business world include:
- Finalist in the 2021 ‘UK Business Awards Best Online Business,’
- Finalist for ‘Woman Who achieves & Solopreneur Awards’ and
- shortlisted for the ‘Netherlands and British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Entrepreneur Of the Year’ 2020.
Louisa lives together with her partner Chris in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Viva Acappella Chorus Chorus told us:
Mary is simply wonderful - she’s talented, intelligent, kind, totally committed with a wicked sense of humour and on every occasion, self-deprecating and full of praise for everyone else. She truly epitomises an Unsung Champion and Viva is blessed to have her as our own!
When Viva Acappella were asked to vote for our Unsung Champion of 2024, the response was almost unanimous; it could only be the wonderful Mary Chapman!
As one of Viva’s current Assistant Directors, Mary has jumped in to take the helm on so many occasions, including jointly running our hugely successful Christmas concert in December 2023. Mary’s musical ear is incredible – not to mention that of her singing labradors Rusty, Rua and Ben, who will only join in if you’re singing well! – and her barbershop pedigree spans decades. As well as numerous quartets, most recently our very own glorious Vivacity, she has been a member of Viva almost from the very beginning, and in that time has served as Baritone Section Leader and Assistant Director for many years.
In recent months, Mary has gone above and beyond to keep the chorus on track, with learning new songs, practising our Christmas rep and preparing us to compete at SABS, working closely with the fabulous Nicky Salt, our interim Director.
A more kind and generous person you could not hope to meet; we are so incredibly lucky to have Mary in our chorus.
JUDITH MORRIS joined our Chorus 29 years ago, in the days when we were Somerset Hills Chorus, and she has been completely and wholeheartedly involved ever since. She’s been a Management Team member for most of that time serving as Treasurer, Secretary and twice serving as President for a total of 14 years.
One member said “Judith does all the background jobs no-one else wants to do, especially the I.T.” It was due to her persistent efforts and input over recent years that two Musical Directors ‘found us’, thus enabling us to continue as a viable Chorus.
Recognition for all that Judith tirelessly contributes is well overdue and this opportunity to say ‘Thank you’ officially is appreciated.
Judith really cares about others and cares also about doing all things properly. She is really well organised and keeps us informed with what’s going on in the Barbershop world. She also keeps contact with former members. She spends hours on her computer researching the official websites and trying to maintain our own; she orders our music and supplies the learning tracks we use. Judith is always prepared to embrace new ways of working and communicating, using Social Media and encouraging us to do the same to promote the Chorus. She says she enjoys the challenge.
Judith is Baritone Section Leader; blows the pitchpipe; and is usually the first to arrive at rehearsal and last to leave as the keyholder. She has competed in two quartets over the years and has never missed a Regional Convention – even representing our Chorus when we didn’t attend.
Judith was chosen unanimously to be our Unsung Champion for 2024.
Judith hails from the West Country, and finally settled in Taunton, Somerset in the 1990’s. A qualified State Registered Nurse, she trained in London and during her varied career she even served as a Captain in the Army. She lives with her husband David and has three children and seven grandchildren to keep her busy.
In younger days Judith loved Rally driving and she is still more than happy to drive to wherever there’s an opportunity to sing, whether it’s in a city or the remotest countryside. She plays piano and enjoys playing regularly with a recorder group.
Phoenix Chorus told us:
Glen has been an absolute rock for all the time I've known her. She is a fabulous assistant director, who supports MD and music team with patience and a smile. Glen is instrumental in music selection and teaching all those tricky notes and rhythms. She is a a Lynda's right hand person and their long-standing friendship and working partnership has been so fundamental to the development of Phoenix into who we are today.