Each year choir members select one or more charities to benefit from funds raised at our concerts.
Over the past 9 years we have raised over £20,000 in support of a number of local charities.
In 2024 the choir will be raising funds for the local charity New Chapters.
Our chosen charity for 2023 was Rufus’ Friends’ Fund and the choir raised a total of £4,325 for the Fund during the year.
In 2021 and 2022 Village Voices fundraised for Evelyn’s Gift Charity.
The choir also supported in 2022 the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Action for Children & Myton Hospice.
Our chosen charity for 2019-2020 was The Friendship Project for children.
In 2018 the choir raised funds for the Helping Hands Community Project.
The funds raised from our concerts in 2017 supported 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts and Bloodwise.
On Saturday 20th July 7.30pm at Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington CV32 5HL Village Voices presented a concert to a packed audience in aid of the local charity New Chapters, which included:
Movements from Zimbe! – Alexander L’Estrange,
Adiemus – Karl Jenkins,
Sing Gently – Eric Whitacre,
Greater Love – Ireland,
Locus Iste – Bruckner,
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton,
Something Inside So Strong – Labi Siffre.
As Alexander L’Estrange turns 50, Karl Jenkins turns 80, and Anton Bruckner would have been 200, Village Voices celebrated some of their fabulous music with space for celebration and reflection.
We also remembered the 110th anniversary of the start of WWI and the 80th anniversary of D-Day with John Ireland’s music setting the words ‘Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’.
We invited the audience to bathe in the beautiful sounds of Eric Whitacre’s Sing Gently and finished the concert back in Africa with Labi Siffre’s empowering Something Inside So Strong.
Those attending were also captivated by the amazingly talented brothers: Edouard Scherer on alto saxophone and Martin Scherer on Euphonium, who added an extra musical dimension to the evening.
Very many thanks to our musical director, Kieron Howe and accompanist, Roger Haygreen, for making the evening such a resounding success.
Also many thanks to all those behind the scenes, including those who prepared the raffle prizes and sold tickets; provided the delicious refreshments and the catering team; and those who moved all the furniture before and after the concert.
Not forgetting those who organised the concert and created and distributed the publicity material.
Finally, many thanks to Dale Street Methodist Church for allowing us to use their lovely venue.
Below are some recordings from the concert:
This is Home by Sophia Efthimiou
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton arr. Roger Emerson
Something Inside So Strong by Labi Siffre arr. Jonathan Wikeley
Siyahamba & Freedom is Coming Traditional arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Sing Gently by Eric Whitacre
Roses of Picardy lyrics by Fred E. Weatherley music Haydn Wood arr. Peter Irvine
Greater Love Hath No Man by John Ireland
Locus Iste by Anthon Bruckner
Adiemus by Karl Kenkins
I will Sing with the Spirit by John Rutter
At the start of our choir session on Thursday evening 16th May, Irene, who had requested we support the local charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund in 2023, presented a cheque for £4,325 on behalf of the choir to representatives of the charity.
Village Voices and guests held a ‘Spring Sing’ Concert on Saturday 23rd March at 7.30pm St Nicholas Church, Radford Semele, which raised £1,125 in aid of the local charity New Chapters.
The packed audience was entertained by a variety of popular songs – old and newish – and enjoyed listening to the wonderful soloists Abby Taylor and Eva Hope, plus a rare public appearance of the Front Room Attic Band, with special guest Peter Wimpenny on banjo and saxophone. Please click on the link below for the full programme details.
Very many thanks to our musical director, Kieron Howe and accompanist, Roger Haygreen, for making the evening such a resounding success.
Also many thanks for all those behind the scenes, including those who prepared the raffle prizes and sold tickets; Top Nosh for providing the delicious refreshments and the catering team; and those who moved all the furniture before and after the concert.
Not forgetting those who organised the concert and created and distributed the publicity material.
Finally, many thanks to St Nicholas Church for allowing us to use their lovely venue.
We have one video from the concert, Kiss from a Rose:
Below are some audio recordings of the concert:
Village Voices
Wind Beneath My Wings by Harry Henley & Jeff Soilbar Arr. Roger Emerson
When I’m 64 by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Kiss from a Rose by Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel Arr. Timothy Allen
Can You Feel the Love Tonight Music Elton John, Lyrics Tim Rice Arr. Keith Christopher
Front Room Attic Band & Village Voices
Wagon Wheel by Bob Dylan & Ketch Secor of the Old Crow Medicine Show
Slow Train by Hans Theessink
Singing The Blues by Melvin Endsley
Village Voices
Sloop John B Traditional Bahamas folksong Arr. Gwyn Arch
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen Arr. Roger Emerson
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle
Believer by Daniel Reynolds, Daniel Sermon, Benjamin McKee, Daniel Platzman, Justin Tranter, Mattias Larsson & Robon Fredricksson Arr. Mark Brymer
The Choir + Peter Wimpenny on Sax, Roger Haygreen on piano, Ian Moore on Bass Guitar & Nigel Hulme on Drums
Rock Around the Clock by Mac C Freedman & Jimmy De Knight Arr. Geoff Funk
On Saturday evening the 16th December 2023 at St. Nicholas Church, Warwick, Village Voices with Southam Melody Makers held their ‘Ding Dong Merrily’ Christmas Concert in support of the charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund. £1,800 was raised for the charity, including Southam Melody Makers generous contribution.
The packed audience enjoyed a varied programme of well-known and not so well-known Christmas music, including pieces by the talented young violinist Kateryna Pratsovyta.
Kateryna also joined Elena Mitsuk and Kieron Howe as soloists singing the beautiful traditional Ukrainian Carol, V Vyfleyemi Novyna (There is News in Bethlehem), arranged by Kieron.
The audience also joined Southam Melody Makers and Village Voices in singing some traditional Christmas songs.
Very many thanks to Kieron Howe, musical director of Village Voices, for making the evening such a special occasion, as did Helen Pugh, accompanying the choir and similarly, Julie Edwards director and accompanist of Southam Melody Makers.
The evening also included some readings by members from both choirs.
Also many thanks to all who helped behind the scenes, including those who moved all the furniture into place, who prepared the raffle prizes and sold tickets, who generously provided food and drink for refreshments and those who served them up and cleared away. Not forgetting all those who organised the concert and provided publicity material.
Below are YouTube links to a number of videos recorded during the concert by Southam Melody Makers:
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The Lamb, Ding Dong Merrily & A Winter’s Tale The Lamb John Taverner words by William Blake, Ding Dong Merrily words George Ratcliff Woodward music Jehan Tabourot arr. Peter Hunt & A Winter’s Tale Mike Batt & Tim Rice
V Vyfleyemi Novyna There is News in Bethlehem trad. arr. Kieron Howe
Mary Did You Know? arr. Roger Emerson words and music by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
We Wish You a Merry Christmas trad. arr. Alexander L’Estrange
And finally some audio recordings of the concert:
The Lamb
Ding Dong Merrily
Winter’s Tale
V Vyfleyemi Novyna
Mary Did You Know?
The University of Warwick Brass Society and Village Voices presented: A Christmas Concert at Saint Nicholas Church in Kenilworth, on Saturday evening 9th December 2023.
The audience enjoyed and participated in a wonderful evening of festive songs with minced pies and mulled wine.
£366 was donated, from the proceeds of the concert, to Myton Hospice in memory of Colin Sullivan.
On Saturday evening the 15th July at St Paul’s Church, Friars St, Warwick, Village Voices presented Summer at St. Paul’s; a programme of varied choral music spanning the last 400 years and across the globe.
The choir was delighted to welcome Edward Button from the King’s Singers, who sang Eternal Source of Light Divine, accompanied by David Pugh on trumpet.
Other soloists included the very talented young flautist, Sophie Robertson, plus choir members Linda Hemming and Viv Hadley accompanied on piano by Julie Edwards. Also Julia Lea accompanying herself on guitar.
Very many thanks to Kieron Howe, the choir’s musical director, and pianist Helen Pugh, who accompanied the choir, for making the evening so joyful and successful.
Over £1,000 was raised for the choir’s chosen charity for 2023, Rufus’ Friends’ Fund.
Below is a selection of recordings from the concert:
Village Voices sing, with Sophie Roberts on flute, Early One Morning Traditional arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Village Voices sing Ave Verum Corpus from Gradualia by William Byrd
The choir sings Weeping by Dan Heymann arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Village Voices sing Wanting Memories by Ysaye M. Barnwell
Followed by Ah, Poor Bird and Rose, Rose Traditional
Ukrainian Prayer by John Rutter
Click to see Videos of Ukrainian Prayer, Harbour and Fields of Gold.
On Saturday 25th March Village Voices with North Leamington School Wind Band presented a concert of Music Stage and Screen at All Saints’ Church, Warwick.
The packed audience delighted in a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment with talented young soloists – Sophie Bull and Evie Howe. Plus the choir’s own Colin Sullivan accompanied by Peter Wimpenny on clarinet.
Kieron Howe, the musical director of both the band and the choir, and Roger Haygreen, the choir’s accompanist since 2010, together with Julie Edwards, did a wonderful job in making the concert such an enjoyable event.
From funds raised during the evening, Village Voices donated £1,500 to the local charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund.
Below is a selection of audio recordings from the concert:
Village Voices sing Moon River by Johnny Mercer & Henry Mancini arr. K Bellman
North Leamington School Wind Band plays music from the Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt arr. Michael Sweeney
Colin Sullivan sings If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof by Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock. Accompanied by Peter Wimpenny on clarinet and Roger Haygreen on piano
Village Voices, accompanied by North Leamington School Wind Band, sing Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (from Nabucco) by Giuseppe Verdi
Sophie Bull sings Requiem from Dear Evan Hansen by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Sophie Bull, accompanied by North Leamington School Wind Band & Village Voices, sings You Will be Found by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul arr. Mac Huff
Village Voices sing Now is the Month of Maying by Thomas Morley
Followed by I Wan’na Be Like You from Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book arr. Mac Huff
Village Voices sing The Seal Lullaby. Rudyard Kipling’s words set to music by Eric Whitacre
And Love Changes Everything. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart arr. Ed Lojeski
Village Voices & Cubbington Silver Band held a joyous Christmas Celebration Concert on Saturday evening 3rd December at St. Nicholas Church, Warwick in support of the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Myton Hospice.
The church was absolutely packed and the concert included ‘Walking in the Air’ – a trombone solo by Lilia Clifford and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ – a clarinet solo by Peter Wimpenny. Plus, a number of readings by individual members of the choir.
During the evening the Cubbington Silver Band played the National Anthem of Ukraine, and the choir sang a traditional Ukrainian carol, Boh Predivcnyj Narodivsja, especially for our guests – a number of Ukrainian refugees living locally.
Kieron Howe, the musical director of both the band and the choir, and Roger Haygreen, the choir’s accompanist, did a wonderful job in making the evening such an enjoyable occasion.
From funds raised at the concert, Village Voices donated £500 to each of the charities it has been supporting in 2022: British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. The Cubbington Silver Band making its own donation to Myton Hospice.
Below are some audio recordings from the concert:
Village Voices singing Torches by John Joubert
Village Voices singing Angels’ Carol by John Rutter
Cubbington Silver Band playing Everlasting Light by Martin Cordner
Village Voices singing O Christmas Tree arranged by Alexander L’Estrange
Cubbington Silver Band playing Schneewaltzer by Thomas Koschat arranged by Goff Richards
Village Voices singing Gaudete! Traditional
CSB playing Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewis arranged by Derek Broadbent and
Fairytale of New York by Jem Finer & Shae McGowan arranged by Jock McKenzie
Village Voices singing Boh Predivcnyj Narodivsja, a traditional Ukrainian carol
CSB playing the Ukrainian National Anthem by Mikhailo Verbytsky arranged by Kieron Howe
On Sunday afternoon 17th July 2022 the choir held a very enjoyable and varied concert at Northgate Methodist Church in Warwick, which raised £450 for Evelyn’s Gift.
The concert programme included:
First Half | Second Half |
---|---|
Mingulay Boat Song | The Ash Grove |
Shenandoah | Early One Morning |
Skye Boat Song | A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square |
Londonderry Air | The Long Day Closes |
Grace | The Rhythm of Life |
The Sloop John B | The Way You Look Tonight |
A number of choir members sang solos including Claire Darlington, Viv Hadley and Amanda Lewis. Trevor Barr and Kevin Sumner led the audience and choir in singing ‘The Lighthouse’ by Lin Marsh, and Trevor played an improvised piano piece. Peter Wimpenny played the clarinet as part of the choir’s rendition of ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’.
On Sunday 5th December 2021 the choir held a very successful Christmas Concert for family and friends at Northgate Methodist Church in Warwick.
The total raised for Evelyn’s Gift was £731.50, including donations raised from the sale of items during the term, proceeds from ticket sales & raffle and retiring collection.
The choir has not been able to hold any concerts in 2020 or raise funds from these for charity. However, individual members have donated the magnificent sum of £400, which we provided to The Friendship Project for Children in October 2020. This brings the choir’s total donation to the Friendship Project to £1,750.
Singing at the Guild Chapel, Stratford-upon-Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind. Followed by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
On Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm Village Voices presented its Christmas Gloria Charity Concert at All Saints Church 29 Vicarage Field, Warwick CV34 5NJ in aid of The Friendship Project for Children.
Village Voices were joined by Soloists Belinda Morley, Olivia Griffiths and members of Leamington Sinfonia for a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, followed by traditional carols.
Musical Director Trevor Barr and accompanist Roger Haygreen.
The sell-out concert was the most ambitious and successful presented by the choir to date and raised £1,350 for The Friendship Project for Children.
Friday 12th to Monday 15th April a number of the choir visited Londonderry. During their stay they were joined by Thornhill Chamber Choir and Colmcille Ladies Choir in concert on Saturday 13th April at the First Derry Presbyterian Church where £820 was raised in aid of The Western Health and Social Care Trust.
The choir also attended and sang at the First Derry Presbyterian Church Service on Sunday 14th April officiated by the Reverend David Latimer the church minister.
We are so grateful that David McGuckin, the superb church organist, was able to accompany the choirs and congregation, on piano and organ, at both the concert and Sunday service.
The visit to Derry was masterminded by our musical director, Trevor Barr; and during our stay he introduced us the architecture, history and culture of his home city, as well as finding time to rehearse and conduct the choir. Our grateful thanks go to Trevor and all who helped to organise our very successful and enjoyable time in Northern Ireland.
More photos can be viewed on the members’ social events page
On Saturday 6th April Village Voices combined with the Coventry Male Voice Choir presented a concert at Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa which raised over £1,300 for the Royal National Lifeboat Association.
Village Voices directed by Trevor Barr with Roger Haygreen accompanist. We were delighted to be joined by two very special guests:
Ellie Aitchison – Violinist
Imogen Parsley – Soprano
On Friday 18th January 2019 at the Helping Hands Gateway Cafe in Smith Street Warwick , Kevin Sumner from Village Voices presented Lianne Kirkman CEO of Helping Hands Community Charity with a cheque for £1,300, from funds raised at our concert on 1st December 2018. This brought our total raised for them during 2018 to £2,650. This will help fund the amazing work done to turn around the lives of local people. As Paddy Kirkman said speaking at the concert about their work they aim to “provide a hand up not a hand out. “
Funds raised at our concert on 24th March 2018 were presented to Helping Hands by choir members. The concert took place at Warwick (Northgate) Methodist Church, raised funds from sales of tickets and programmes, refreshments and general donations. Manager, Gary Matthews and Support Volunteer Callen from Helping Hands spoke at the concert about their work.
The money was presented to Charlotte Temple by Kevin Sumner on behalf of the choir. On receipt of the cheque for £1,350 Charlotte said that she was very grateful to the choir for choosing the Helping Hands Community Project to benefit from this year’s concerts. The monies will help fund on-going work in the local community.
Information about the Helping Hands Community Project can be found at Helping Hands.
Singing at the Guild Chapel, Stratford upon Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind. Followed by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
Our main Christmas Concert “Baubles and Bows” on Saturday 1st December 2018 at Warwick Methodist Church raised £1,300 for the Helping Hands Community Project. The concert was directed by Trevor Barr with Julie Edwards accompanist. The choir was delighted to be joined by some very special guests, accompanied on piano by Trevor Barr:
Belinda Morley – Mezzo Soprano
Terry Street – Alto Saxophone
2nd Warwick Sea Scouts was one of two charities supported by Village Voices in 2017. It has 160 members who come from Warwick, Leamington and the surrounding area. The Group is committed to providing equal opportunities in scouting for girls, who make up 50% of their number, consisting of Beavers (6 – 8 years), Cubs (8 – 10), Scouts (10 – 14) and Explorers (14 – 18 years).
They are recognised by the Admiralty for their proficiency in water based skills, leadership, training and provision of a full range of scouting activities plus sailing, canoeing, rowing etc. They also carry out community service and support local charities.
Demand to join is high, they have over 100 on their waiting list. They want to train new leaders and provide extra training for existing leaders so they can open another Beaver section and Cubs section and enlarge their Scout and Explorer sections.
On 8th February 2018, cheques for £1,250 were presented to Nick George for the Sea Scouts – the sum raised at our Christmas concert.
For more about 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts see their website, on Facebook or Twitter.
Sandra Hayward (Soprano) proposed the Heart of England Branch of Bloodwise, which is a charity dedicated to fighting all forms of blood cancer, as a charity supported by Village Voices in 2017. Her good friend, Anne Oliver, is the chair of the Heart of England Branch of Bloodwise. Anne and her husband, Jack, lost their younger daughter, Sophie, to Leukaemia about 20 years ago when Sophie was just 7 years old. Since then, Anne has worked tirelessly to support the Leukaemia Research Fund which later became known as Bloodwise, they are a small group of local voluntary supporters whose lives have been touched by blood cancer. They operate mainly in Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, holding street collections and fund raising events.
See more about Bloodwise on their website.
Singing at Guild Chapel, Stratford upon Avon. Readings and Carols in support of Springfield Mind This was following by refreshments in Stratford Town Hall.
Deck the Halls, Village Voices Christmas Charity Concert, took place at The Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa on Saturday 17th December 2016. It was in support of the Salvation Army Way Ahead Project.
Guild Chapel in Stratford for the Springfield Mind charity. This was for a small group of singers from the choir to sing Christmas Carols with readings from supporters of the charity.
Musicals & More. The choir performed a concert to a packed house at St Nicholas Church, Warwick, in aid of the Salvation Army ‘Way Ahead’ project.
Village Voices were invited by Springfield Mind to sing at The Guild Chapel on the corner of Chapel Lane and Church Street, Stratford upon Avon.
A sell-out Christmas Cracker Concert at St Nicholas Church in aid of Springfield Mind. Village Voices Choir members were joined by Omnium Gatherum, who have sung at a number of concerts locally. Like Village Voices their aim is to enjoy the music first and to share the efforts of their practice from time to time with an audience.
Songs for a Summer Evening in aid of Springfield Mind in Stratford on Avon.
The choir performed a concert ‘Spring into Song’ at St Nicholas Church, Warwick in aid of Springfield Mind.
‘Stuff the Turkey’, a Christmas Concert at St Nicolas Church, Warwick in aid of South Warwickshire Heart failure, Education and cardiac Rehabilitation Trust (SW HEART). Village Voices were joined by the Coventry Male Voice Choir.
A concert at St Margaret’s Church Whitnash in aid of the Whitnash Charitable Trust.
The choir joined other local music groups at Warwick DC Chairman, Richard Davies, Christmas concert at Leamington Town Hall in aid of Dogs for the Disabled, the Heart of England Community Foundation and the Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers Aid Society.
A concert Songs for a Summer Evening at St Nicholas, Warwick in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Village Voices presented a new repertoire and many old favourites.
‘Baubles & Berries’. A Seasonal Concert at St Nicholas Church, Warwick. We shared the event with The Spa Strummers ukulele band and supporting The Leamington Homeless Action Project.
Warwick District Council Chairman’s Christmas Charity Concert at Leamington Town Hall in aid of Castel Froma (incorporating the Helen Ley Care Centre) and Myton Hospice.
A concert to raise fund towards St John the Baptist Church, Wappenbury.
‘Frolic’; a concert at Long Itchington Church helped to raise £400 towards church restoration.
Songs and music with a ‘Watery’ theme were the basis of a concert in support of Water Aid at St Nicholas Church Warwick.
The choir entertained Christmas shoppers on the steps of Leamington Town Hall in support of the ‘Save the Children’ fund fund who organised a craft fair in the Town Hall. The event raised £5,000 for the charity.
On a pleasant summers day the Skellingthorpe Choir from Lincoln enjoyed a guided tour round Leamington. After a joint rehearsal and refreshments, the two choirs joined forces to entertain the audience in Weston-under-Wetherley Village Hall. Proceeds from the concert go to the Warwickshire Northamptonshire Air Amulance.
Our concert on 11 June at Galanos House, Southam, the Royal British Legion Poppy Home for ex-service people and their dependents, raised £570 towards the Galanos House Amenities Fund which enables residents to have trips out and short holidays.
The choir helped liven the pre-Christmas spirit at the ‘Cricketers’ pub in Archery Road, Warwick and collected money for Myton Hospice and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
The Choir sang at Cubbington Village Hall and helped to raise £600 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.