Club Quartet Competition 2004

On Tuesday 3rd Feb 2004 instead of the usual chorus rehearsal, the club held a quartet competition, organised by immediate past-chairman Chris Cherry.

The Organiser

Chris Cherry "This was the second of the club's annual quartet competitions; following closely behind that of 1992 ......

Seriously folks, it turned out as a great event, and, hopefully, will be remembered for bringing out several lights from beneath bushels, if not for the 7 days of absolute panic beforehand when it appeared there would be only two competitors. The lack of octets was a little disappointing, as this should have allowed us to hear some more new voices - mine included! Congratulations to all those who competed, particularly the quartet virgins.

Thanks to the Judges, but also to those journeymen quartetters who supported the newcomers. I have put the first Tuesday of February of 2005 in my diary for Q '05"
Chris

The Quartets

"All we need is a candlestick maker"
Rod Butcher, John Brough, John Baker and Henry Foster
 All we need is a candlestick maker

Random Choice "Random Choice"
Craig Russell, John Brough, John Eardley and Henry Foster

"Fairlawns Four"
Steve Mobsby, Pete Ryley, Lacy Kyle and Henry Foster		 Fairlawns Four

The Unlikely Lads "The Unlikely Lads"
Craig Russell, Fred Grove, George Badland and Rick Scott

"Mixed Messages"
Elaine Mobsby, Pete Ryley, Lacy Kyle and Craig Russell		 Mixed Messages

The Mike-Coolers

I dont think we have a name "I don't think we have a name"
Richard Hartnell, Paul Lee, Steve Mobsby and Victor Wong
(they could have called themselves "What, no Henry?")

BABS registered quartet "Accord"
Steve Mobsby (filling in for Colin Bennett), John Brough, Roy Hodge and Henry Foster		 Accord

The Judges

The judges for the competition were special guest Wilf Pattison (BABS chairman) and Mollie Hilton (honourary Anvil member). They were assisted by chairman of judges Sid Law.
Mollie Hilton, Wilf Pattison and Sid Law The judges
Mollie Hilton, Wilf Pattison and Sid Law

Mollie Hilton and John Eardley Mollie Hilton and John Eardley

Wilf Pattison and Steve Mobsby Wilf Pattison and Steve Mobsby

The Winners

The winning quartet was "Random Choice" consisting of Craig Russell (tenor), John Brough (lead), Henry Foster (baritone) and John Eardley (bass). The prize was a certificate and a can of Guinness, in reflection of the choruses recent successful trip to the Irish convention in Dublin.
The Winners
"Random Choice"		 Random Choice

The quartet was formed on the day before the competition, via communication on the members area discussion board. This is what John said the following day:
"What a great night! This is what the hobby is about. Well done to Chris for organising the quartet competition and thanks to Molly and Wilf for judging. As most of you know, this was my first time doing anything near ‘serious’ quartetting. My ambition last night was just to get through the performance without making myself look and sound like a complete fool. To be part of the winning quartet was a big, big bonus, and so I must say thanks to Craig for getting me in there in the fist place. Thanks also to John Brough for his encouragement and a big thank-you to Henry for his support. ‘Mickey Mouse’ competition or not, I’m going to treasure my first winning certificate"
John Eardley
Random Four with Mollie and Wilf The official presentation photograph:
"Random Four" with Mollie Hilton and Wilf Pattison

Photograph by John Edlin

All photos were supplied by Lacy Kyle, except where stated otherwise