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The Rhythm of Life Concert 2026

The Concert was held at 7.30pm on Saturday 11th July at Holy Trinity Church, Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa, CV32 5RG

With guest soloist Sophie Robertson.

Rhythm of Life Programme

Village Voices was conducted by our Musical Director Kieron Howe and accompanied by Helen Pugh. The event was a great success and our musical director, Kieron Howe, did a brilliant job, as did Helen Pugh.

Sophie Robertson, our flute soloist, was absolutely captivating, playing the pieces she had selected. We just can’t thank her enough for taking part at our concert. Sophie was accompanied by Julie Edwards on piano.

Variety at the concert was also enhanced by the quartet comprising: Helen Pugh – French Horn, Sophie Robertson – Flute, Keiron Howe – Trombone and Julie Edwards – Piano.

Village Voices raised £1,000 at the concert for the local charity Women Stepping Out.

Some mobile phone recordings from the concert:

Rhythm of Life – Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields arr. Richard Barnes

Do Not Be Afraid – Philip W.J. Stopford

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again – Andrew Lloyd Webber arr. Barrie Carson Turner

Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron – Traditional English Song arr. Alexander L’Estrange

O Waly, Waly – Traditional Somerset Song arr. Alexander L’Estrange

Beati Quorum Via – Charles Villiers Stanford

Something inside So Strong – Labi Siffre arr. Jonathan Wikeley

The Road Home – Stephen Paulus

Many thanks go to all those behind the scenes who helped to organise and provide for the event – including Top Nosh, refreshment servers, our furniture movers, entrance & raffle ticket sellers and those who provided and prepared the raffle prizes.

Also to Holy Trinity Church, Leamington.

Accompanist Roger Haygreen

The choir were very sad to learn that Roger passed away peacefully on Sunday 17th May 2026, at the Heathcote Rehabilitation Hospital, Whitnash.

VV members will remember Roger with great affection having been our accompanist from 2010 to spring 2025, when ill health forced him to stop playing.

Rest in Peace, Roger, and thank you for your service to Village Voices.

For more information about Roger please click on the following link Roger Haygreen.

Showtime Concert 2026

The concert was held at 7.30pm Saturday 28th March at Leamington Baptist Church, 13 Chandos Street, Leamington Spa CV32 4RN.

Songs from Stage and Screen with North Leamington Orchestra.

Showtime Programme

The choir raised £2,000 at the concert to support the local charity Women Stepping Out.

The event was a great success with a packed church and our musical director, Kieron Howe, did a brilliant job, as did Helen Pugh our accompanist, Joe Webb our percussionist & North Leamington Orchestra.

Some mobile phone recordings from the concert:

Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John & Tim Rice arr. Keith Christopher

James Bond Theme – Monty Norman arr. Paul Honey

Rhythm of Life – Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields arr. Richard Barns

Shenandoah – American Folk Song arr. Jay Althouse

Down to the River to Pray – Traditional Banjo: Peter Wimpenny Soloist: Merrady Wickes

Too Darn Hot – Cole Porter arr. Mark Hayes

This is Me – Benj Pasek & Justin Paul arr. Mac Huff Soloists: Hannah McCubbin & Lottie Stentoft

Many thanks go to all those behind the scenes who helped to organise and provide for the event – including Top Nosh, refreshment servers, our furniture movers and entrance ticket sellers.

Also to Leamington Baptist Church.

It was a brilliant evening of favourites from films, musicals, and more.

Women Stepping Out Introduction

Harriet and Margaret from Women Stepping Out, the charity Village Voices is raising funds for in 2026, gave a short introduction about the charity to the choir on Thursday evening 5th March.

Thanks to Lottie, Village Voices choir member, for organising this.

Warwickshire Vision Presentation Feb 2026

In 2025 we raised funds for Warwickshire Vision and at our 19th July 2025 Concert we raised £2,500 for the charity. By far the largest sum of money we’ve ever raised from one concert, and over the year we raised a total of £6,000, the largest sum we’ve ever raised in a single year for one charity.

Martin, representative of Warwickshire Vision, speaking on behalf of the charity:

Pete Eden MBE

Long-time member, supporter, and now proudly serving as President of Village Voices.

With decades of dedication both on and off stage (and at sea!), Pete has been part of our choir family for over 27 years.

Here’s a little about Pete, by Pete, to mark this new chapter:

“I retired from Warwickshire Police nearly 30 years ago and have since had a variety of positions.

For over 40 years, I’ve volunteered as a qualified Commercially Endorsed Yacht Master with the Rona Sailing Project, working with young people of all backgrounds and abilities. Although I stepped down from voyages this year, I remain involved whenever possible.

My wife Dot and I have been part of the choir for just over 27 years – I must be the oldest roadie in town! Over that time, the choir has grown from a mere 20 members in a village hall to its current strength, and I’ve enjoyed supporting concerts in many locations.

It was an honour to be elected President in 2025, especially during the choir’s 30th anniversary. I’m proud to serve as President of Village Voices and look forward to supporting its continued success.”

— Pete Eden MBE

Dave Pugh

Dave studied trumpet performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, graduating in 2001. Since moving to the Midlands, he has enjoyed performing in a wide range of theatres and ensembles. His experience includes appearances at the RSC and recording sessions for S4C and the National Geographic Channel.

In recent years, Dave has published several music books with Warwick Music and continues to compose whenever he can. After spending 21 years teaching in secondary schools, Dave is excited to have recently taken on the role of Strategic Lead for Curriculum and Progression at Warwickshire Music.

Christmas Concert December 2025

Saturday 13th December 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church, Warwick. Village Voices 30th Anniversary Concert – Sing Out, Rejoice, raising £2,100 for the charity Warwickshire Vision.

The concert included songs & carols old and new, the instrumentalist, Dave Pugh and Christmas Readings by individual members of the choir.

Concert Programme

Village Voices conducted by our Musical Director Kieron Howe and accompanied by Helen Pugh.

The event was a great success with a packed church and our musical director, Kieron Howe, did a brilliant job, as did Helen & Dave Pugh and those who gave the Christmas Readings.

Recording of Sing Out, Rejoice, Sing Out by Fiona Lander:

Also to St Nicholas Church, Warwick.