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!
In 2024 the Belles were delighted that their long time Assistant Director and choreo lead Chesca Cocks became the joint MD alongside Lucy. We are excited to see what the future holds!
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.
46 Members
We currently have 46 members. We welcome new members at any time and would love to meet you. Please contact our MD (details below) before attending your first rehearsal.
35 Years
35 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%.
2024 – Chesca Cocks becomes Joint MD along side Lucy!
Belles talents for good during lockdown
As well as being singers, we are blessed with many and varied other talents! During this strange time of lockdown due to the coronavirus, our members have heard the call for Personal Protective Equipment for the NHS and have created scrubs, bags and headband...
Pearl celebrations continue…
We have been so busy over the last few months! We continued to celebrate our 30th year with our annual dinner in June as a themed 80s night. We were fortunate enough to have LABBS PRO Rita Hulands (AKA Prince) to present LABBS awards.
Pearl Ball | Our 30 Year Anniversary!
The Belles Celebrate 30 Years Together!!! The Belles celebrated in style their 30th Anniversary on Saturday April 6th 2019 at the Heart of England Conference Centre. A fantastic night was had by all, singing, eating, and dancing the night away.
The Belles Christmas Cracker!
The Belles Christmas Cracker! The Belles have had another wonderful festive season in 2018! We have performed at a Winter Market for Mary Ann Evan’s Hospice, and at their remembrance service in Bedworth All Saints Church. We also performed at Walsgrave...
LABBS Convention 2018
We are proud to have retained our position at 9th in the UK! The Belles had another fantastic time at LABBS Convention in Harrogate from the 26th to the 28th of October, 2018. It was another brilliant convention and 'The Belles' are so proud to have been a...
The Belles Premier with Tuxedo Junction
The Belles Premier with Tuxedo Junction! As part of the preparation for the Convention in October, The Belles put on their show ‘The Premier’ on September 9th, 2018. It was a fantastic opportunity to share the convention package with our friends and family in...
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.