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Accompanist Roger Haygreen

Roger had been playing the piano since he was aged 6, and the organ since he was 12. He gained his diploma in organ playing at the London College of Music while still in his teens. He was a member of the music team at Saltisford Church, Warwick, and had been actively playing, singing, and conducting in the local amateur music world for many years.

In the past, he has worked with Spa Opera,
and had frequently been asked to accompany soloists (vocal and instrumental) in activities such as exams, recitals, shows, workshops and the Leamington Competitive Music Festival.

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.

As well as being a wonderful pianist, organist and tenor, Roger was a genuinely lovely man. He was well known on the local music scene and will be greatly missed by so many. We offer our sincere condolences to his sister, Marion and his wider family.

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

Below are some recordings of Roger accompanying the choir in 2023 and 2024:

Wind Beneath My Wings by Harry Henley & Jeff Soilbar Arr. Roger Emerson

Roses of Pickardy lyrics by Fred E. Weatherley music Haydn Wood arr. Peter Irvine

Can You Feel The Love Tonight Music Elton John, Lyrics Tim Rice Arr. Keith Christopher

When I’m 64 by John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Love Changes Everything Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart arr. Ed Lojeski

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen Arr. Roger Emerson

The Rhythm of Life Concert 2026

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

With guest soloist Sophie Robertson.

The Rhythm of Life Poster

The concert, organised by Village Voices, is in aid of the local charity Women Stepping Out.

Tickets are £15.00 (under 18s free) and will be available from members of the choir, on the door and from Eventbrite.

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:

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 St Nicholas Church, Warwick.