in the news - By George, chamber charity concert is an official first!

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Monday 23rd April 2007

A patriotic crowd filled Swindon's council chamber for an historic concert last night.

Almost 120 people went to the chamber, at the civic offices, for the Advertiser-backed concert to celebrate St George's Day.

Kentwood Choir performed songs, all written by English composers, and the choir's musical director Sheila Harrod said: "We are a show choir, so we wanted to sing some of the best British show tunes.

"We started off 43 years ago with six girls in my front room, so it is amazing to come this far and sing this historic first ever concert in a council chamber."

The concert was the first time the chamber, normally used for council meetings, has been used for a public event and is also thought to be the first time any council chamber in the country has been used for a concert.

Swindon mayor Mike Bawden, who organised the evening, said: "One of the things I said I wanted to do was hold a concert for St George's Day.

"St George is very important for us and I don't think we do enough to celebrate our patron saint, unlike our fellow countrymen, in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

"When I spoke to Sheila about the concert she said she had always wanted to sing in this council chamber."

The choir performed for almost two hours, singing everything from Elton John hits to folk classics and from the Beatles to Gospel.

They opened the show with a medley of songs from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph.

The audience even joined in on the wartime classics, with a packed chamber and public gallery singing along and waving St George's cross flags.

All of the proceeds from the evening's entertainment went towards Prospect Hospice's Prospect@Home appeal.

The charity's chief executive, Vicki Morrey, said: "A few days ago I was speaking to the relative of a patient, who said Prospect was a gift to the community.

"She was right. Prospect is a gift.

"Tonight we are sharing another wonderful gift, music.

"Sheila's vibrancy, energy and commitment really shine through.

"I think it is fantastic that they have shared that gift with us all tonight."

There were concerns that the BNP would try to take over the evening, after the far right party tried to give the event its official seal of approval. But Mr Bawden hit back at comments on the party's website, saying the charity event should not be politicised.

in the news - Animals join the carol concert

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Friday 15 December 2006

DONKEYS, lambs and a pair of llamas are joining the Kentwood Choir for a special concert at Roves Farm.

The choir will be singing carols around the indoor Christmas tree at the visitor centre on Thursday at 6.30pm, and will be joined in the limelight by some of the farm animals, including donkeys Hetty and Sam.

Rupert Burr, owner of Roves Farm in Sevenhampton, said: "This has become a wonderful annual event that is always hugely supported."

Advertisement continued...All of the proceeds will be going to the Prospect Hospice. Over the years the event has raised more than £9,000 and Mr Burr hopes to present another cheque to the Prospect on the day.

Adult tickets are priced £5, £3 for children, and this will include a mince pie, mulled wine, coffee or a soft drink.

Tickets must be booked in advance by calling 01793 763939. The concert begins at 6.30pm and doors open at 6pm.

For more information visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk

in the news - Thanks for supporting our hospice

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Monday 11 December 2006

ON behalf of everyone at Prospect Hospice, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Sheila Harrod and all at the Kentwood Choir together with the members of the Swindon Rotary for their generosity in once again supporting Prospect through the raffle at the Kentwood Choirs' Christmas Cracker on December 3.

We were delighted to hear that the concert had gone so well despite the change of venue.

The raffle raised an amazing £507.50 for Prospect Hospice and our thanks also go to those companies and individuals who generously donated prizes.

Advertisement continued...There was one prize of two cushions which was unclaimed, the lucky ticket was white number 332 and the winner can contact fundraising on 01793 815142 in order to make arrangements to collect their prize.

Each and every day, Prospect has about 250 patients within our care.

As you may know, we need to find the majority of our funds from voluntary sources and the local community so every single bit of support really will count towards the care Prospect provides.

Once again many thanks and kindest regards.

(Mrs) M GILL.

Community Fundraiser.

Wroughton

in the news - Choir gift buys computers

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, Thursday 6th April 2006.

BURTON Hill School has been presented with a cheque for £1,000 from Kentwood Choir director Sheila Harrod.

The money, which will be used to buy computer equipment, was handed to headteacher Harry Dicks as part of Friday's celebrations on the final day of term.

Burton Hill is a non-maintained school for children with special educational needs because of their severe physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.

Most of the students, aged between eight and 19, are in wheelchairs.

Fundraising coordinator Sarah Davis said the donation, which came from the choir's Christmas Cracker concert, would be a massive boost.

"It's a huge amount of money for us," she said.

"That would buy almost two touch screen monitors, which just opens up the use of a computer to students who find it difficult to use a mouse or keyboard."

in the news - Singers put on a grand performance

Swindon Advertiser, Wednesday 29th March 2006.

SWINDON'S Kentwood Choir has been raising money for a Wiltshire school.

The choir will be giving Burton Hill School in Malmesbury £1,000.

And musical director Sheila Harrod will be there on Friday to provide entertainment to pupils, staff and parents.

Sarah Davis, a spokeswoman for Burton Hill, which is a special school for children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties, said: "The Kentwood Choir's donation will make a huge difference to the students.

"We are currently raising money for a range of IT equipment including touch screen monitors for use in all of our six classrooms."

Not all of the children can use keyboards so the touch screens will mean they will all be able to use the same IT facilities.

Mrs Harrod will hand over the cheque to principal Harry Dicks.

review - KENTWOOD SHOW CHOIR

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Ros Hollands, Friday 19 November 2004

Sheila Harrod and her Kentwood Show Choir pulled off nothing short of what could only be described as a military operation on this first night of what is to be their last November show at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.  The staging of this production was first class.

Sixty spectacular show tunes that started with a bang and finished with an explosion ­ metaphorically speaking.  The music and arrangements this choir turns out are quite frankly second to none and incredibly difficult.  Their triumph, sheer professionalism and abundance of talent were stunning as we took the rollercoaster ride.   A ride that was neatly oiled, and never stopped.

Everything about Kentwood smacks of people who know exactly what they want and can carry it out, including the choreographer Pollyann Tanner and stylish set design by David Wicks, and indeed the singers themselves.

Everyone in the audience will have had their favourite moment or song.  Could it have been Geoff Walters and the delectable Robert Harman who has the best legs in a dress.   Or maybe Abby Bean, who's smooth, pure, tuneful voice belies her age.  Well she is a member of the Bean family.  Mum Chris sends shivers down my spine every time I hear her sing and hubby Clary has the same kind of effect.  Such talent in one family shouldn't be aloud.

A mind boggling quality of performance.

in the news - CHOIR IS ALL HEART AFTER MEAN THEFT

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Diana Milne, Tuesday 17 November 2004

The theft of a raffle prize from a charity shop struck a chord with members of a Swindon choir who have donated enough money to replace it.

Members of the Kentwood Show Choir were horrified to read in the Adver about the Christmas hamper being stolen from the British Heart Found-ation Shop in Havelock Street.

Within a few hours they had raised enough money between them to cover the £100 cost of its contents.

The choir's musical director, Shiela Harrod, said: "I thought that what happened at the shop was absolutely appalling. I just don't know what the world is coming to.

"Somebody must have really thought the whole thing through especially since the hamper was apparently tied down with fishing wire.

"I just think it's so sad that there is this greed about ­ especially at Christmas time.

"As soon as I read the story in the paper I was straight on the phone to the shop."

And the choir members were not the only people who were moved to dig deep for the charity. Virginia Ward, who runs the shop, said: "On the same day that Sheila rang, another lady called to say she would be donating a giant teddy bear that we could use as a raffle prize.

"And yesterday somebody came in with a £30 donation.

"What happened was awful but the way that people react just shows that there are nice people around.

"It's just what Swindon's all about really.

"Yes there are some rogues in Swindon but there are also an awful lot of very caring, kind-hearted and generous people.

"I think that the work that the Heart Foundation does in this country is so important and has touched so many people's lives."

This is the second year that the charity has had its raffle prize stolen from its front window.

In 2002 a giant teddy bear that was to have been given away as a raffle prize was taken.

Luckily the foundation's head office has donated a new hamper to the shop for this year's raffle but now the donations will replace the cost to the charity.

Anyone who would like to buy tickets for the raffle or thinks they can help should contact Virginia on 01793 431 070.

review - SHOW IS SIMPLY PERFECT

Evening Advertiser, Thursday, November 20, 2003 | Ros Hollands

I feel very humble as I sit down to write this review. I have just witnessed something on the Wyvern stage that left me uplifted, thoughtful, euphoric and above all stunned by the sheer talent that graced the stage, and I’ve seen them many times before.

It would be very easy for Sheila Harrod and her Kentwood Choir to become complacent after 39 years in the spotlight. No chance! This show was quite simply perfection, and I don’t use that word very often if ever.

The professionalism and diversity of music, in my opinion, surpassed all previous years, including the full scale musical The Sound Of Music, which the choir staged a couple of years ago. It showed just what they are capable of.

To single anyone out would be a crime. You can’t get perfection unless every note, word, costume, the lighting, compere, staging and all those other things that go with the word perfection are put together with the obvious expertise that Sheila and her team, including musical director Geoff Walters, has.

Every member of the audience must have had their favourite bit. I just wallowed in the brilliance and delight of it all from start to finish.

It was wonderful to see the guest appearance of some of Swindon’s stalwart theatre thespians, from the musical world. Enid Hogden, Beryl Jones, Mike Chivers and Keith Tyler joined the choir for a finale which was a world away from the norm for Kentwood. No glitz or dance moves, just passion and a sound to raise the roof in a remembrance section which was poignant and glorious to listen to.

The class which this choir has is recognised in many difference places around the world and within our own country.

If this is what they can offer year after year then there is no doubt that they will continue as one of the premier show choirs in this country and beyond.

My congratulations go to all those involved in this mammoth task and especially to the singers of all ages who delighted the audience.

Sheila’s moto is; Music is a fair and glorious gift from God. I can’t argue with that.

in the news - Kentwoods Camp Show 

ThisIsWiltshire.co.uk, Tuesday 21 October 2003

Members of Swindon's Kentwood Choir stretched their vocal cords at a Pontin's holiday camp. The singers entertained around 600 people at a Salvation Army gathering at the Brean Sands Holiday Camp in Burnham-on-Sea. The choir performed songs including Every Time I Feel The Spirit, Do Not Pass Me By and You'll Never Walk Alone as part of a 90 minute show. Richard Legg, a choir patron, said: "The music was enjoyed by everyone in the building, and we soon had the audience singing along. "We sold out of CDs, and are hoping to be invited back next year."

review - KENTWOOD CENTRE STAGE : READY TO PERFORM NUNS ON THE RUN

Evening Advertiser, Friday, November 15, 2002 | Flicky Harrison

The curtain rises on the overture from Cats in the lastest Kentwood Choir show next week. Sheila Harrod, musical director and founder of the Swindon choir always maintains that Kentwood shows gives something for everyone. But this production has pulled out all the stops. Songs from Kiss Me Kate and Iolanthe are followed by the Kentwood Juniors singing such classics as Annie, Any Dream Will Do, Anyone Who Had Heart and Fame. Three of the best men, Gary Beint, Robert Harman and Graham Davison-Smith sing Buddy, Joison and Beauty and the Beast.

The full choir finish off the first half with Glory Be Innogy a selection including: Down by the Riverside, Do Not Pass Me By, Everytime I Feel the Spirit and When the Saints. The second half opens with Sheila at the piano, and the choir, singing Rhapsody in Blue. Next up are a series of jazz ballads followed by the divas of Kentwood: Kathy Hobson, Michelle Lloyd and Tina Bennett. Sister Act - Nuns On The Run follows with songs: Cabaret, His Eye Is On The Sparrow and My Guy.

Operatic Highlights from Kismet and One Fine Day will then be highlighted. The finale is a Beatles special with a selection of songs sung by the choir and featuring Christine Bean, Clarry Bean, Karin Balfe and Gary Beint ending with the all time classic John Lennon song Imagine - don't forget your lighters! Kentwood Centre Stage is at the Wyvern from November 19 to Saturday November23 at 7:30pm.

The Choir will also be presenting a seasonal concert at the Central Church, The Pilgrim Centre in Swindon on Saturday November 30th at 7:30pm. Sheila, the choir and accompanist Geoff Walters will be performing. Tickets are £5 from (01793) 539620.

The Kentwood Juniors are also getting in on the act with their own Wyvern Theatre show. Ticekts are on sale now for Those Kentwood Kids which will be performed on Saturday February 23 at the Wyvern. The Kentwood Cracker christmas show on December 8 is already sold out.

review - STILL ON SONG!

Evening Advertiser, Friday, November 15, 2002
Swindon's best known singing group, the Kentwood Choir, bring their 38th annual show to the Wyvern next week. Founded by Sheila Harrod in her family's front room in Newburn Crescent in 1964, with just six young female singers, the Kentwood Choir now numbers 140 members of all ages and raises around £25,000 a year for local charities.

The choir, which is made up of many different age groups ­ including two of those original six members ­ gives as many as six concerts a month. Indeed, three weeks ago the choir performed at the Albert Hall as special guests of Dame Cleo Laine. But the surroundings don't have to be as opulent as the Albert Hall to exact a stunning performance from the choir.Regular performers at the borough's hospitals, old people's homes and countless charity events, they always put one hundred per cent into every performance, and their annual show is no exception, as the effervescent Sheila explains: "The annual show is always eagerly-awaited by everyone. And this year's show ­ Kentwood Centre Stage ­ promises to be fantastic."

Sheila describes the show as a pot pourri of every type of music from Fame to gospel, Kismet to Gilbert and Sullivan. "The choir are so committed to everything they do," says Sheila. "They really are wonderful. They think nothing of the weekly rehearsals and the many hours they put into it."

This year, as always, the choir will be putting their hearts and souls into their performance before finishing on a spectacular note. Although the most Sheila is revealing is that the finale will include The Beatles. "If you want to know more, you'll have to come and see for yourself!", she says. The choir will also be accompanied in the show by a five-piece band and will enjoy a series of glamorous costume changes, as well as choreography from local dance teacher Pollyanne Tanner. "Polly and I work very closely. In fact a lot of local performing groups work well together in Swindon and the choreography she's arranged for this show is fantastic as ever," Sheila adds. And the hard work doesn't end there.

As soon as the lights go down on this year's annual show, the choir will then be rehearsing for their next big concert ­ the
annual Christmas Cracker. Also at the Wyvern, the two-performance festive extravaganza sees all proceeds going to Swindon Rotary Club's nominated
charities.

"We all love what we do so much," says Sheila. "But although I know how committed they are, I really am determined to make a new year's resolution in 2003 to reduce the choir's number of monthly concerts from five or six to two or three. Many of the members now have children and other commitments and we could just keep going on and on until we all wear out! But that doesn't means to say we'll be disappearing out of sight ­ far from it! I've got lots more energy and enthusiasm left. I love this choir and as long as they continue to love to sing, we'll continue to entertain and raise as much money as possible for Swindon."

And there's plenty in the pipeline for the rest of 2002 and into 2003. "We've also got plans to do two new CDs next year," reveals Sheila, "One general music CD and another Christmas one ­ and of course there will be lots of charity concerts lined up ­ it's fantastic!"

review - KENTWOOD CHOIR GRACES THE STAGE AT LONDON'S ALBERT HALL

www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk

Swindon music director Sheila Harrod will be, in the words of the jazz classic, `accentuating the positive' on Sunday when her choir sings at the Albert Hall in London. Jazz superstar, Cleo Laine, has invited the Kentwood Choir to sing with her at the prestigious jubilee concert.

Sheila has always been a big fan of the singer and a few years ago she persuaded Cleo and her husband John Dankworth to come to Swindon. Since that original concert the choir has formed a special relationship with the celebrity couple and are often invited to sing at their Christmas concerts. Sheila said: "We have done the Festival Hall in London before but never the Albert Hall. I am both nervous and excited but the choir will do our town proud.'' As well as backing Cleo in Accentuate the Positive Kentwood will have their own spot singing Alexander's Ragtime Band, True Love, When The Saints Go Marching In. "We are over the moon and will be wearing our nice red glitter,'' said Sheila.

The invitation was to sing as part of the John and Cleo's Jubilee Concert that celebrates the showbiz couple's 50 years in the business. The concert is being compered by Michael Parkinson and the lineup of stars include Sir George Martin, Acker Bilk, Peter Fish and the National Youth Jazz Band. "It will be a galaxy of stars,'' said Sheila. "It was wonderful to be asked to sing at Cleo's Christmas show but this is a big honour. Even our president Geoff Walters will be singing with the choir. Well, I couldn't leave him out.''

A coach load of Kentwood fans will be going up to the concert on Sunday from Swindon to support the choir. The Kentwood Juniors are now getting in on the act with their own Wyvern Theatre show. Tickets are on sale this week for Those Kentwood Kids which will be performed on Saturday February 22 at the Wyvern. The Kentwood Cracker Christmas show on December 8 is already sold out.

review - HEY MRS PRODUCER : KENTWOOD'S GLORIOUS GIFT

www.thisiswilthsire.co.uk | Ros Hollands

Kentwood Choir present Hey Mrs Producer, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon: A wonderful open stage set greeted the audience on the first night of Sheila Harrod's annual show at the Wyvern. The Kentwood Choir in Hey Mrs Producer, started the evenings performance with Broadway Baby sung by Tina Bennett. Quite a start. The choir in an array of costumes then took us along on a roller coaster ride of songs from Broadway to Abba.

The staging and choreography by Pollyann Tanner was rehearsed to perfection. To say this was entertainment at it's best is an understatement. From the smallest in the baby class to the eldest on stage everyone performed their numbers as only Kentwood can ­ with a professionalism others might envy. There were some excellent solo's throughout, I wish I could mention you all, as well as the full choir's resounding sound.The youngsters looked charming in their King and I section with a beautiful solo from Louise Lloyd, Something Wonderful, very apt. Newcomer to the choir, Hannah Kilminster is a young lady with a beautiful voice. This is one to look out for in the future.

The musicians were on stage for this production. Under the direction of MD and choir president Geoff Walters they added to the powerful sound of the voices. I must confess that I did feel at times that they were a little loud. That's just me being picky, balance is sometimes difficult.

Graham Davidson-Smith with the Toreador's Song, nearly brought the house down, and Terri Rind with the Habenera made for a wonderful Carmen Section. Not forgetting the Tanwood Dancers. Bohemian Rhapsody, Clary Bean and the ladies were quite beautiful. Well it is my favourite piece. Choir principal Sheila Harrod took to the piano in the Stephen Sondheim section, some excellent, difficult solo's here. Especially Christine Bean with That Old Piano Roll. Excellent. Kathy Hobson's, Not While I'm Around had me spellbound. I could go on. Suffice to say the talent in this choir knows no bounds.

Sheila's choice for the finale section was the Magic of Manilow. That's just what it was, magic. Take the song One Voice, Sheila's, add the choir ladies, the men, and the band and what have you got the sound that is the Kentwood Choir. Sheila's favourite quote is, Music is a fair and glorious gift from God. How true that is.

review - SONDHEIM : SONDHEIM PROVES ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR SHEILA

Evening Advertiser, Tuesday, March 6, 2001 | Ros Hollands

Sheila Harrod and a portion of singers from the Kentwood Choir showed their exceptional talent and diversity at the Arts Centre on Saturday. Stephen Sondheim? Never heard of him? No, but I bet you have heard of his song Send in the Clowns. This started the evening's performance, with a rendition by Sharon Lloyd and The Company. And there it began.

We thought surely it couldn't get any better than that. Wrong? Every solo, group or company song was at the same high professional level as the first, never wavering from beginning to end. It says something about the true nature of Sheila Harrod and her singers when one, Christine Bean, had to go home during rehearsal because she was ill, and the understudies - a must in any performance - sang out of their skins. Even Sheila sang one of Christine's numbers, while playing the piano. That's class. It seems very unfair to pick out any solo performers, but I'm going to anyway. As always Lynn Hawkins was on top form.

That Old Piano Roll was a triumph in artistry not only for Lynn but from Sheila on piano, who's fingers were working overtime. Arts Centre manager Clarry Bean was on the other side of the footlights this time. His splendid musical theatre voice was shown to the full in Remember, from A Little Light Music, and Giants in the Sky, from Into The Woods. Kathy Hobson and Graham Davidson Smith showed the sheer power and technical excellence of their voices in their duet, Being Alive, from the musical Company.

Song of the night, in a comedy vein, came from Lynn, Kathy and Terri Rhind with I Never Do Anything Twice. Brilliant ! Losing My Mind, sung by Val Stump was an extremely difficult song, as is most of Sondheim's music and lyrics. Tina Bennett managed to get every word out with clear diction during her solos. I wish I could go on but I'd need a whole page. Suffice to say well done to all those who took part in this very difficult musical show.

When you can sing these songs with just a piano, you can be quite sure you are up there with the best of them. Oh, and I heard every one of the difficult, fast words, in every song. Some wonderful diction and learning here. I couldn't finish without saying a word about Sheila.

It is not often we see her at the piano. She never uttered a spoken word - this must be a first. She didn't need to. Her fingers did the talking. This lady has an exceptional musical talent. Perhaps that say's something about her teaching and musical achievements.
I hope we get another chance to see the Kentwood Kompany and Sondheim. It's such as shame that Christine missed it, after all the hard work from everyone, including her.

review - SOUND OF MUSIC : CHOIR COMES UP TRUMPS

Evening Advertiser, Thursday, November 16, 2000

Patrons of a Swindon choir, jazz legends Cleo Laine and John Dankworth have send a good luck message for the singers' first full length musical. The Kentwood Choir, under the leadership of founder and musical director Sheila Harrod, is performing The Sound of Music by Rogers and Hammerstein at the Wyvern Theatre until Saturday. As well as being a patron Cleo has sung with the Kentwood Choir and invited the singers to perform at her Christmas Concert. "Again the group has come up with an all round favourite that will give so much pleasure to music lovers of all ages," wrote Cleo and John. "To Sheila and her talented ensemble the very best of luck."
Sheila decided to tackle the popular musical as the choir's millennium show and it sold out within a week. "I was excited and apprehensive but the choir has come up trumps. They have worked hard and the acting is marvellous. Having a chorus of 50 nuns makes a difference and they do sing!" said Sheila, who is conducting the orchestra herself. "I am very excited and my dad would have been so proud as he used to train bands," said Sheila.

The performance is dedicated to Brenda Wozencroft, a well known actress in the town who died 12 years ago of leukaemia. She was a friend of Sheila's and in the last stage performance of the Sound of Music at the Wyvern Theatre, Brenda played the Baroness.

Anyone expecting the film will find it very different. "It is the Sound of Music through the eyes of Kentwood," said Sheila.

Pollyann Tanner, form the Tanwood School of Dance and Drama, is making her Swindon directing debut with this show. Clarry Bean, artistic manager at Swindon's Arts Centre, plays Captain Von Trapp and Sharon Lloyd is Maria. Clarry admits he has never seen the film. "It was out when I was about seven and I was more into Elvis," said Clarry. Terri Rhind is the Reverend Mother and Tina Bennett is Lisle. Although the jazz giants will not be attending the musical, Cleo Laine's sister Avril is coming along.

review - SOUND OF MUSIC : SHARON STEPS INTO SUPERSTARDOM

Evening Advertiser, Thursday, November 16, 2000 | Graham Carter

It's the perfect combination - Britain's best loved musical and one of its greatest choirs. This is the first time that Kentwood have set themselves the huge challenge of staging a full-scale musical, but nobody could have doubted their ability to pull it off. The result is a lavish and meticulously professional show that is credited to musical director Sheila Harrod, who conducts a 12 piece orchestra, and stage director Pollyann Tanner.

All seven Von Trapp children - Tina Bennett, Liam Kerrigan, Sophia Smith, Stephen Lockhart, Sophie Richings, Abigail Bean and Jenna Molloy - turn in faultless and often enchanting performances, as does the accomplished Clarry Bean as their dad.
Magic moments of comic relief are provided by Lynn Hawkins, Robert Harman and Graham Davison-Smith, while Terri Rhind nearly takes the roof off with a whopping Climb Every Mountain.

But if every one of the 77 strong cast are starts, then Sharon Lloyd must be a superstar. Kentwood's thousands of followers already knew about her golden voice, but they may not have expected her to produce the cutest, most natural and most believable portrayal of Maria you are ever likely to see - Julie Andrews's legendary version not excepted.

The tragedy is that not everybody who wanted to see it could, because it sold out weeks ago. I therefore suggest the Wyvern reprise the show, sometimes next year. Any seconders?