Page 32 - Phonebox Magazine October 2014

MK Acapella
Singing has certainly become a popular pastime again, whether it’s due to Gareth Malone’s mission to get the nation singing
or just that people are realising it’s a great way to forget about the stresses of modern life.
One group from Milton Keynes have now taken their love of singing to new levels after competing at a national convention. MK Acapella is an all-male group that specialises in the barbershop style of singing where four different parts are sung to produce some wonderful harmonies. This style of singing first gained popularity in the US but gained a foot-hold in the UK 40 years ago when the British Association of barbershop Singing (BABS) was established. They hold an annual convention where choirs from around the country compete. This year’s convention, held in Harrogate, was also celebrating the 40 years of this unique style of singing in the UK. MK Acapella were competing against a record number of 46 choirs, so were absolutely amazed to then walk away
with the award of most improved chorus in the UK. They won the Cambridge Scroll; awarded to the chorus who increased their score by the most points compared to the previous year’s competition.
Glenn Martin from the chorus said: “For a small chorus of about 24 men, many of whom only just started singing last year, it’s a great achievement and shows what can be done with commitment and determination to improve our standard”. “We spent months polishing our performance and songs, as well as improving our appearance with new suits. The competition is tough and the standard is very high, so it’s just great that all the hard work paid off and we picked up the award. A chorus is nothing without their musical director and this year Lyn Kirkbright took over the reins from Ed Kidby, who is a stalwart of the club having been a member for over 25 years & MD for over 10. However, Lyn is no stranger to barbershop singing since she also sings with the very successful & local Junction 14 Ladies barbershop chorus, as well as
Newport Pagnell WI
Towards the end of August twelve ladies from Newport Pagnell WI decided to treat themselves to Afternoon Tea at Frost’s Garden Centre.
A table had been prepared in the Conservatory, set
with blue and white china, and it looked very inviting. A mini prawn cocktail was followed by a range of dainty sandwiches with several different fillings. Afterwards, a selection of mouth- watering cakes was presented, looking almost too good to eat – they were delicious! All this was accompanied by a choice of tea, coffee or soft drinks, all served by a very attentive waitress. Definitely somewhere to go again – waistlines permitting!
For the September meeting, making a return visit, the guest speaker was Dru Ellis whose topic was ‘Unconventional Flower Arranging for the Terrified’. Dru explained that she was the one who was ‘terrified’!
Using a variety of containers, large and small, and in different colours, Dru showed the audience how to arrange just a few flowers and some greenery from the garden into an interesting and attractive display for the home. She suggested matching flowers to the colour of the container, keeping table centre decorations low so that you can see the person opposite, or placing the display in front of a mirror for twice the effect!
Dru certainly kept her audience spellbound – there was hardly a murmer while she snipped and shaped to produce several lovely arrangements.
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Afternoon Tea at Frost’s
The raffle winners this month were Christine Johnston and Celia Boyer. The competition was won by Marion Stapleton, 2nd Sylvia Puddephatt, 3rd June Weston.
It was a pleasure to welcome four guests this month, and it is hoped they enjoyed their evening and will come again.
Newport Pagnell Women’s Institute meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Club, and is always delighted to welcome new members. October is time for the AGM, but there will be a talk afterwards. For further information please call Evelyn Mison on 01908 615630 or just turn up on the night.