The Belles of Three Spires
Coventry based, a capella, barbershop group.
The Belles of Three Spires was founded in 1989 and performed at their first convention in 1995.
Lucy Whitwell has been our current musical director since 2012. With Lucy at the helm, the chorus won awards for Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS in 2013 and 2017. In 2017 they scored their highest competition score with 72.9% and a placing of 9th in the UK! In 2019, the chorus celebrated their Pearl 30th anniversary with a Pearl Ball. Our plans for June 2020 were to perform at Disney in California and attend BHS International Convention in Los Angeles. Sadly, these events were cancelled due to the coronavirus. But when singing got back in full swing The Belles were delighted to return to the Convention stage and obtain a score of 72.6% just short of their previous best, even after so much time apart!
We welcome singers of any experience level. Members do not need any previous experience or the ability to read music. Being a Belle is all about finding your voice!
Our rehearsals are at Meadow Park School, Coventry. We meet on Wednesdays at 7pm. If you are interested in joining us, please contact our MD (details below) before attending your first rehearsal.
50 Members
We currently have 50 members. We even had a new member join during lockdown! Check out our Singing Course from Wednesday 8th November.
New members are always welcome. Please contact our MD (details below) before attending your first rehearsal.
34 Years
34 years and still loving what we do every day
History
Timeline:
1989 – Founded by Michael Brough who was at that time MD of the Sounds of Three Spires Men’s Barbershop Chorus. His partner Cherry Hartshorn thought they could match the men, and she started with with six friends and later became MD once a few more members had joined.
1994 – The chorus joined LABBS and formed the Coventry Ladies Barbershop Harmony Club.
1995 – Performed at their first Convention at Brighton.
2000 – David Morehen became MD.
2003 – Paula Williams was invited to be MD. The Belles moved from 15th place to 4th place in the national competition.
2008 – Timm Barkworth became MD.
2009 – Winners of the Majestic Choir Festival in Torquay.
2011 – Placed 5th at the LABBS Convention in Harrogate.
2012 – Assistant MD Lucy Guess (Edmonds) became acting MD. Sang at Coventry Cathedral to welcome the Olympic Torch and also at Paralympics.
2013 – Appointment of Lucy as permanent MD. Awarded The Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS Convention.
2014 – 25th Silver Anniversary.
2015 – Increased score for third year running to 72.3% and increased ranking to 7th place at the LABBS Convention.
2017 – Highest ever competition score of 72.9% and a placing of 9th in the UK, awarded The Most Improved Chorus and Most Improved Director at LABBS Convention.
2019 – 30th Pearl Anniversary.
2022 – A long awaited return to singing and Convention obtaining a score of 72.6%.
Time to Sing with The Belles
Do you enjoy singing? Award-winning Coventry choir, the Belles of the Three Spires, is giving women aged 16+ the chance to boost their vocal skills by singing with the Belles over a six week singing course. The ‘Time to Sing’ with The Belles Experience, will take...
Festival Fever
The Belles have enjoyed taking part in several festivals this summer, starting with Nuneaton Festival on 14th May, then North Northampton Festival on 10th June and Leamington Festival on 1st July. We enjoyed performing for new audiences, getting to share our art form...
New Year, New Home
We have moved!
The first week saw of February 2022, saw us moved in to our location to Whitley Academy, Abbey Road, Coventry, CV3 4BD. Our new venue is in a theatre classroom, so the raised seating provides us with practice risers, and will be ideal when we start giving performances again to family and friends.
Christmas Sing Outs
A good number of Belles braved the cold and biting wind to bring Christmas cheer to the shoppers of Coventry, We raised £40 for the Brain Tumour Trust as well in the process.
Unconventional Convention Belles
The LABBS convention was an Unconventional one this year, with six regional hubs. Nine of our Belles were able to combine their stay in Harrogate with attending the Yorkshire and Humber Hub.
Belles sing at Generate Festival
The Belles of Three Spires were invited to sing at the Generate Festival as part of Coventry City of Culture 2021. It was an exciting event as it was the first singout for nearly two years due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Gallery
Contact
The Belles of Three Spires are available for bookings, and we are very open to new members! To book us for an event, please contact our MD (see details below). To enquire about becoming a member, please contact our MD before you attend your first rehearsal.