|
2009
14th September 2009 - Fundraising
for Macmillan Cancer Relief for Barbershop Awareness week
Green and white the Tudor Roses,
what a delight!
It's Barbershop Awareness Week
Let’s spread the word and be glad
With songs and friendship barbershop style
Not a piano to be had

The Tudor Roses one and all
Looked such a merry bunch
All decked out in green and white
Even with the credit crunch
With tea and cakes from our refreshment team
Raffle prizes for the lucky few
It’s for Macmillan, such a good cause
And 100 quid raised too
Poem by Haylie Fox
Thanks to all the Tudor Roses who
helped make their charity evening on 14th September such a success
and for raising £100 for Macmillan Cancer Relief, as part of the
national Barbershop Awareness Week.
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
5th September 2009 - Mayor of
Winchester's Charity Garden Party
St Cross Garden Party filled with
glorious (Tudor) Roses
The Winchester Mayor’s charity garden party at the Master’s Lodge,
St Cross on Saturday 5th September welcomed local performers The
Tudor Roses Ladies Barbershop Chorus, Shirazz Harmony Quartet and
the Winchester Community Choir. The proceeds from this garden
party were in aid of the Mayor’s charities Trinity Winchester and
Emmaus Hampshire, who work with the Winchester Churches
Nightshelter for the homeless.
 |
Di Crosfield, the Tudor Roses Musical Director, said “It is an
honour to be part of such a wonderful afternoon and to assist the
Winchester Mayor with his homeless charities. It’s also a great
opportunity to spread the word about barbershop singing.”
|
The garden party was opened by
Shirazz Harmony, an award-winning quartet, who also sing with the
Tudor Roses Chorus. They were in splendid form and were the
perfect way to start the afternoon of music, fun, games and cream
teas.
The Tudor Roses then delighted the crowds with a rousing
repertoire, ranging from traditional barbershop to more
contemporary songs. Their close 4-part harmonies filled the St
Cross gardens with glorious (Tudor) Roses, barbershop style.
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
28 June 2009 - Fine Tuning the
Chorus
On Sunday 28 June the Tudor Roses,
welcomed Carol Sherry to their rehearsals. Carol is an
accomplished coach and national competition judge and provided
invaluable assistance to the chorus in their preparations for the
upcoming LABBS (Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers)
Convention. This is the organisation’s National competition where
ladies barbershop choruses across the UK compete at the highest
level.
Unfortunately this will be the last
time that Carol will be able to guide the chorus as she will be
concentrating on her National Charity, The Eye Fund, which aims to
provide much needed counselling and aid to those who are losing
their sight due to degenerative diseases.
Carol and her husband Paul, set up
the charity on behalf of their son Simon, who lost his left eye as
a child and later developed Retinal Cone Dystrophy. Whilst losing
his sight, his vision was very unpredictable and he struggled to
cope. Simon died aged just 39 in 2005.
Despite have difficulty with his sight for most of his life Simon
became a talented graphic artist. Much of his work has been
incorporated in the design of a calendar, greetings cards and a
range of jewellery, which can be purchased from their website
www.eyefund.info.
The Tudor Roses would like to thank
Carol and Paul Sherry for all their inspiration and support over
the years and would like to wish them continued success with their
tireless fund raising.
The chorus hope that with the
guidance from Carol, the dedication, enthusiasm and skill of their
chorus Musical Director, Di Crosfield , plus of course hard work
and commitment from the chorus, their performance will continue to
go from strength to strength.
____________________________________________________________________
19th June 2009 – Test Valley
Community Volunteers event - Say thank you with Roses
Friday 19 June. The event was
organised by Test Valley Borough Council as a thank you to all
their volunteer workers.
 |
The Tudor Roses sang unaccompanied
in 4-part harmony whilst the audience relaxed on the lawns and
enjoyed their picnics. They performed a wide range of songs from
the traditional barbershop, Lullaby in Ragtime and the Deed I Do
Medley, to the more modern Close to You. Not forgetting, Can You
Feel the Love Tonight, which was a particular favourite of the
evening.
|
"The gardens were glorious. It was an honour to be part of such a
wonderful event" said Haylie Fox, one of their newest members.
What better way to say thank you than with (Tudor) Roses!
For more photos, see our
photo gallery. |
 |
___________________________________________________
5th June 2009 - Tudor Roses Light
the Way
|

|
The Tudor Roses, was delighted to be
invited to perform in the Flower Festival Concert at St Cross
Church on Friday June 5th. The concert was part of a weekend of
events organised as part of the parish appeal for the Church
rewiring and lighting project. |
The organisers had put together a
beautifully balanced programme with Winchester-based performers,
Tudor Roses, Southern Eclectic and a group from the Chesil
theatre. Each group had risen to the challenge in selecting a
varied programme from their repertoire which provided contrast,
anticipation, entertainment and enjoyment. The music was
complimented by readings and poetry on a gardening based theme,
which was tremendous fun.
The floral displays were breathtaking - so diverse and artistic.
Ranging from the traditional to modern and multi-media, they
sprang up to surprise you all around the church and grounds. “I
only wish I had more time to view them”, said Janet Taylor, one of
the performers from the Tudor Roses.
The grand finale, led by Southern
Eclectic, of Rose of England was a most fitting and emotional
ending to a wonderful evening.
Di Crosfield, the Tudor Roses
Musical Director, said, “It’s an honour to be part of such a
magical night and to know that we have helped light up this
beautiful church.”
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
___________________________________________________________________
2008
31st October - 2nd November 2008 – National Convention weekend,
Harrogate
Friday 31st October
Friday morning found everybody up early and double-checking that
they had everything they needed (such as their stage costumes)
before joining the coach taking the chorus to Harrogate. The long
coach journey was broken up with the fun quiz & impromptu singing
at the service station stops. We even cheered on the coach at the
times one of our quartets, Shirazz, were due to go on and come off
the stage.
After arriving, many of the chorus headed for the famous Betty’s
tea rooms before getting dressed up in Pink and purples Halloween
costumes in keeping with the evenings theme. The Tudor Roses just
love dressing up, so as you’d expect, they went to town with
costumes and make-up. Here are just a few pictures.
 
Betty's Tea Room
Halloween Fun
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
It was then time to stroll down, ‘en
masse’ to the venue for the evening show and quartet competition,
including seeing Shirazz on stage.
Saturday 1st November – Contest day!
Another early start. A quick visit to the Convention centre to go
on stage and see what it felt and sounded like, then back to the
hotel for rehearsals, costume and make up. Here we are getting
ready.
 
Warming-up
Making-up
Then a final check of costumes, make-up, jewellery etc before we
were heading to the Convention centre for final preparations…
including, for some, a couple of sips of medicinal port to improve
the voice!
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
Before we knew it, we were on stage singing and performing our
best before exhausted we smiled to our audience, knowing that we
had done our best …and had enjoyed ourselves.
The results placed us in the top half of the competition. As this
was the finals of a National competition, it recognises the high
standard of our singing and performance. It also demonstrated that
we had maintained the improved standard we’d achieved the previous
year. A result to be proud of…and we had a great time too!
Thoughts of Convention newcomers
We had a number of chorus members
joining us on stage for their first National Competition. Here are
some of their thoughts (thank you girls for sharing them with us):

“Singing on stage at Convention
-- or rather the waiting to get on stage-- has to be the scariest
experience of my life! However the emotion & elation felt after
singing was 2nd to none. Listening to the other choruses &
realising the standard required made me feel very lucky & humble
to be taking part.” Fiona
Arden, Marion, Fiona
“Dressing up for Halloween on the
Friday night was a real hoot. Everyone made such an effort with
their costumes that there was a lovely sense of camaraderie as the
Tudor Roses Covern of Witches entered the conference centre
together for the Friday eve show.
Tudor Roses are such a fun bunch of women to spend the weekend
with & many thanks to Liz & Anne for all their hard work in
planning convention beforehand & during the event.” Dagmar
“I had been nervous for the past several weeks (practising at
every opportunity) and really looking forward to the convention….I
was so anxious to do my best and not let the rest of the chorus
down.
Once fully made up and costumed, everyone looked amazing. We did
scrub up well! It was like being in a stage show. At the
convention centre again excitement reached a peak with all the
queuing and waiting to go on. The camaraderie of the group was
very apparent at this point when everyone was photographing each
other.
On the stage at last, I was amazed that I was not as nervous as I
thought I would be. I enjoyed it very much and it was over so
quickly. I think we did our best. At the photo call which followed
I felt like ‘a star’!
It was a terrific experience and I found the friendship and
camaraderie of everyone made it so much fun. The standard of the
performances and the organization of both our trip and the
convention itself were very impressive. Can’t wait to go again!
A great weekend!" Arden
_______________________________________________________________________
NEW 27th October 2008 - Family and
Friends evening

As part of our preparations for the finals of our national ladies
barbershop competition in Harrogate, organised by LABBS, we
welcomed over 100 family and friends to our dress rehearsal. We
were delighted to see such a large audience of smiling faces,
including past members, family members of all ages and friends.
Some of the audience had even travelled from as far afield as
Reading and Petersfield to be with us.
This was the first outing for our new stage costumes, resplendent
in black red and gold, complete with matching necklaces and
earrings.
The audience were treated to a selection of songs from our
repertoire, including our two competition songs, “You make me feel
so young” and “Once upon a time”. Shirazz, one of our quartets,
who were also competing in Harrogate, also sang their two
competition songs. The programme was completed with a few of our
regular favourites such as ‘hat’s what friends are for’. In fact,
singing to such a receptive audience really made us sparkle, and
it was so nice to chat with them afterwards over a glass of wine.
We were helped out on the evening by a number of husbands, for
whose help we greatly appreciate.
For a number of members of our chorus, this was the first time
they’d performed with us in public. Here are some comments on
their experiences (thanks for sharing them):
“Having only seen my fellow Roses in jeans and sweatshirts, it
was quite something to see us all made up, dressed up and ready to
wow our audience.
Although I had not sung on stage…since School..(a few years ago
now) I must admit to having few nerves. But it was all very
rewarding and what is more it was great fun - and it was wonderful
to see and hear the audience's response, including their demand
for an encore!!! What a great event, which left me feeling quite
high and with a wonderful mixed sense of feelings - some relief,
lots of achievement and not a little emotion.” Sian
“My son & daughter were absolutely amazed by the quality &
standard of our singing, definitely wanted more, & were very proud
& full of admiration for their old Mum being part of it!”
Fiona
________________________________________________________________
5th July – 50 years celebration
for IBM Hursley
The Tudor Roses were delighted to take part in a big open day for
staff family and friends at IBM Hursley to celebrate 50 years.
It was a magnificent venue and the visitors made the most of the
opportunities to enjoy the grounds, displays and activities on
offer.

A variety was musical entertainment
was provided including a performance from the Tudor Roses.
Performing on a purpose-built stage, thankfully protected from the
elements, the chorus performed variety of songs from their
repertoire. The event culminated in a grand fireworks display on
the lawn of the historic house.
For more photos, see our
photo gallery.
______________________________________________________________________
28th June 2008 -
Tudor Roses
win Barbershop Class at the Bournemouth Music Festival.

Tudor Roses Ladies Barbershop
Chorus had an amazing day at Bournemouth Music Festival on
Saturday 28th June. They entered the Barbershop class and were
overwhelmed to win the Roger Mills Trophy Cup against strong
competition from both male and female choruses.
The standard at the festival was high. Competitors came from all
over the South of England including the Isle of Wight, Bristol and
London to compete in many different classes. The winners of each
class then competed for the honour of becoming the Bournemouth
Choir of the Year. The Tudor Roses were the runners up in this
event.
The adjudicator was Neil Jenkins, the international tenor and
conductor, who recently sang with the Welsh National Opera at the
Mayflower theatre in Southampton. He awarded the Tudor Roses the
highest possible level of marks with an Outstanding grade and
praised them for their exceptional performance which showed “fine
artistry and stylistic flair.”
One of the competing quartets, ‘Shirazz’, all of whom are members
of the Tudor Roses, was also awarded Outstanding when they won
their class. This was their fourth consecutive win at local music
festivals. Neil Jenkins commented ‘a classy act that held my
attention’. Kathy Moore, who sings the Tenor part said “We were
absolutely thrilled to win against such strong competition.”
Musical director, Di Crosfield, said, “What a wonderful day for
the Chorus and ‘Shirazz’ and a magical one for myself. Hearing my
‘gals’ gave me ‘goose bumps’ and I have never been more proud of
them.”
The Tudor Roses were delighted to accept an invitation, from the
festival organisers, to sing in a Winners Show on July 11th 2009.
19th April 2008 –
Tudor Roses win regional heat to qualify for National Finals
Tudor Roses came a resounding 1st in
the regional heat of the National Ladies Barbershop Chorus
Competition held in Bristol on April 19th. This qualifies them for
the National Finals in Harrogate, in October, where they hope to
continue their success.
The group enjoy the thrill of competition but want to sing to as
wide an audience as possible. They are available to sing at any
event to provide sensational entertainment and promise to get your
feet tapping with their repertoire of songs ranging from nostalgic
melodies, to chart hits to blockbuster tunes from stage & screen.
10th March 2008 - Open Evening
On March 10th, in place of our normal rehearsal, we held an Open
Evening and were delighted to welcome around 20 guests.
The first half of the evening was Workshop Style. Ten ladies were
encouraged to join us for our warm up exercises and songs,
finishing with a rendition of Barbara Anne.
After the interval the Tudor Roses went into performance mode and
sang a range of songs (both traditional barbershop songs and more
modern arrangements) including Barbershop Strut, Breaking up is
hard to do, Close to You, Can you feel the love tonight, Fame,
Lullaby in Ragtime, Swinging on a star, Once upon a time and It's
raining men!
The evening ended with everyone somewhat exhaustedly singing
‘Friends’ together.
If you missed our Open Evening and would like to find out more
about joining the Tudor Roses, please take a look at our
About Us and
Join Us pages.

9th March 2008 – Quadruple
success at Portsmouth Music Festival
Tudor Roses Ladies Barbershop Chorus
enjoyed a successful day at Portsmouth Music Festival, Sunday 9th
March winning all classes entered to achieve presentation of the
Solicitor’s Cup & the Muriel Ellis Memorial Cup.
The festival attracted competitors (traditional choirs and
barbershop choruses)
from across the South East of England including Hampshire, Sussex
and Kent.
The adjudicator gave praise to the Tudor Roses for technical
ability, musicality and flair and awarded them winners of The
Pitchpiper Scroll for the best male or female barbershop
performance of the day.
Another highlight was Tudor Roses being the performers who most
impressed the adjudicator during the day, resulting in them being
presented with the Florence Cassidy Memorial Trophy. A mark of 90
(Honours) secured this fantastic award and Tudor Roses would like
to thank everyone who made the festival so much fun.
|