BIBA Honorary Member 2025
Awarded to Aileen Lightfoot
Born and raised in Billericay, Essex, Aileen has been involved in music from an early age. Classical music has always been her first love, and she began playing the violin when she was just seven years old. By the age of eleven, she was performing in school and youth orchestras, eventually joining the Essex Symphony Orchestra after leaving school.
She established a successful private violin teaching business and also worked as a peripatetic violin teacher in various schools across Essex. In 1999, Aileen moved to Calpe with her husband, Gordon and for the next twenty year she continued to teach both violin and classroom music at a local international school. It was during this time that she began conducting—starting with the school orchestra and extending to school and local productions, including Cats and West Side Story.
Together, Aileen and Gordon founded a Gilbert & Sullivan society, which produced several well-received shows over the years. Passionate about her craft, Aileen furthered her education by studying online with the Open University, earning both a BA and an MA in Music.
Today, Aileen conducts three local choirs: Montgó Chorale – a classical choir; Caprice – her own ladies’ choir; and Dénia Rock Choir. She is also the musical director for a local theatre group that stages a musical production every two years.
In 2016, Aileen was asked to help out for a couple of hours as a courier at the SABS (now BIBA) convention in Calpe. That brief involvement marked the beginning of her barbershop adventure. Although not a barbershopper herself, Aileen has since taken on an increasingly active role within the Association—and she loves her new-found musical family.
BIBA Honorary Member 2024
Awarded to Jill Chorley
Jill and her husband, Adrian, moved to Spain in 2003.
Shortly after their arrival, Jill l was asked by a neighbour if she liked to sing. She said yes and her life changed forever.
She joined Spangles Chorus as an addition to the baritone section. After passing all her auditions, she became a fully fledged Spangle and that was it, she was bitten by the Barbershop bug.! After a while, the then Musical Director, Gail Grainger asked Jill if she would move to the Lead section. They were low on numbers and Jill happily obliged. During her Spangles life, she was involved with raising funds to buy new risers, new costumes and all other things necessary for the wellbeing and promotion of the chorus.
After a few weeks Adrian was asked if he would like to be a Spangles roadie, erecting and dismantling risers. Adrian was very happy to help and so began his life in the Barbershop community.
Jill felt very fortunate to be asked to represent SABS at many conventions. Accompanied by Adrian, they attended the BABS, LABBS, Sweet Adelines and Australian convention in Brisbane..
Adrian and Jill began to help at the SABS, En Armonia convention. For many years Adrian was a backstage runner. He just loved making sure all rooms were ready for practice and ensuring contestants arrived at the stage at the right time!
Jill ran a very successful SABS shop for many years and hopefully will be at En Armonia 2025 to once again be shop assistant extraordinaire
Adrian and Jill moved back to the UK in December 2021 when Adrian became seriously ill and had to undergo dialysis treatment. Sadly he passed away in February 2023. His ashes are scattered on the Mar Menor so he retains his links with Spain.
Jill was utterly delighted to be nominated and awarded Honorary Membership of BIBA in 2024.
BIBA Honorary Member 2024
Awarded to Bruce MacNally
Bruce became a barbershopper when he joined Fine City Chorus of Norwich in 1988. He and his wife, Brenda then moved to Spain in 2001 when he left it all behind!
Six months later Bruce saw an advert searching for ‘any barbershoppers around’ in Nerja, which was an hour’s drive away from where he and Brenda lived. Not one for missing an opportunity to sing, Bruce went along with his pitch pipe, joined four other singers and they sang one song very badly. At that time, Brenda only had experience as a bass but she nevertheless accompanied Bruce on his journeys. She then threw her hat in the ring and started keeping time for the group. Barbershoppers are never ones to give up and Bruce with his gang persisted and formed Tropical Tones Barbershop Chorus
Within a year Bruce and Brenda both developed a knowledge of music and the membership had increased to 25. Sadly after 8 years, and within a few weeks, the chorus lost half of their members, several having passed away and others having returned to their home country. Sadly the heart of the chorus went with them and the chorus disbanded, donating their funds to Cancero de Espana.
Brenda then went ahead and started Songbirds, Bruce became their administrator when he came into contact with Lyn Baines who was then Convention Manager. Lyn invited Bruce to be her assistant and when she stepped down, Bruce acceded to the position..
In Bruce’s words, he is pleased to leave the convention team in such good hands. Sadly with the onset of Parkinsons, heI can no longer travel and he has hung up his pitch pipe for the last time having had 40 wonderful years as part of the Barbershop family.
BIBA Honorary Member 2024
Awarded to Dawn Ritch
Dawn started singing barbershop 30 years ago when she joined Tyneside Ladies in the UK. Going on to sing in mixed choruses and smaller groups, Dawn has also loved singing as part of a quartet.
After retiring in 2013, Dawn and her husband Malcolm moved to Spain where she continued to sing with various groups.
As a Co- Founders of Pilarmonics, Dawn was delighted to become their MD and, in her own words ‘it was a joy to direct the Chorus to winning the gold medal twice at SABS (now BIBA) conventions’.
Dawn served two years as SABS President. Unfortunately COVID raised its’ ugly head and the task became ever more challenging. The disappointment of organising 4 conventions which never took place devastated everyone involved.
In 2021, Dawn returned to the U.K. be nearer her family but she continues to sing in Tyneside A Cappella. She also sings in, a smaller group, Enigma, Moonglow quartet and the mighty Lux A Cappella.
2023 saw Dawn and her friend Marina start up an online chorus, Sparkle & Shine. Having only met up once, the Chorus competed in En Armonia 2024. It was great fun and Dawn is looking forward to directing them again in 2025.
Singing is Dawn’s passion and she has loved making so many lifetime friends during her musical journey.
Dawn is thrilled to witness the growth of BIBA hopes it may long continue.
SABS Honorary Member 2015
Awarded to
Gail Grainger
Gail was involved in Barbershop from 1989.
After moving to Spain in 2004, she soon became involved in singing barbershop and later directing Spangles Chorus, leading the chorus to successfully winning three gold medals.
Gail was part of the group that formed SABS back in 2008. Although she was unable to attend the inaugural meeting, she became fully involved very soon after. Initially serving as membership secretary, after the first year she took on the role of vice president to Nicolas Penas. Two years later, Nico stepped down as President and Gail acceded to the role of president. Working closely with Lyn Baines as her vice president to ensure the annual ‘En Armonia’ convention was a success.
By that time, SABS was firmly established in the Barbershop community and Harmony Colleges were added to the association’s already busy and successful schedule.
In 2015 Gail stepped down as SABS President and was very humbled to accept an honorary membership.
Very soon after, Gail and her husband returned to live in the UK. Although no longer an active singer, Gail remained very involved with LABBS. A trustee of the association, she also served as membership director. Gail was also a qualified member of the Administrative judges and Barbershop was never be very far from her life!! Gail sadly passed away in 2025 and will be sorely missed.
SABS Honorary Member 2015
Awarded to Alison Liddell
Alison became involved in barbershop in the UK in 2006 after moving to Manchester and looking for a ‘hobby’. Fast forward a few years and she was involved in her local chorus as chairman and then joined the Board of the UK Ladies Associations of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS) in 2011. One of the things Alison enjoyed most about her time on the Board of LABBS was travelling to other associations and she first visited BIBA (then SABS) in 2011 with her chorus as Vice Chairman of LABBS. Over the course of her time on the LABBS Board Alison was a support and advisor to the SABS/BIBA board as they grew and and was very touched to be recognised as an honorary member of BIBA in 2015 as a result.
Alison sings in both chorus and quartet in the UK and is also a member of the World Harmony Council, the umbrella organisation that supports growth of barbershop across the globe. In this role one of the most satisfying things for Alison is being able to continue to help and advise groups around the world and to meet the diverse members of groups at conventions. Returning to BIBA conventions whenever possible is a big part of this joy!.
Outside of barbershop, Alison’s real job is working with the NHS to deliver IT systems.
She is married to Andrew and lives in Manchester with their prince-like cat named Chutney.
SABS Honorary Member 2013
Awarded to Tony Colgrave
Tony moved to Spain in May 2004 and joined Torrevieja Harmonisers, a men's barbershop chorus.
He was one of a small group of Barbershop Singers who met in Gandía, Valencia to discuss the possibility of forming a Spanish Barbershop Association. The group included Lyn Baines of Spangles Chorus , Jorge and Nico de las Penas Plana of The Investigators, the late Dudley Jones, a long term member of Torrevieja Harmonisers, Angel Rodriguez Rivero and Roger Gallant. Gail Grainger, MD of Spangles Chorus was also very involved albeit she was unable to attend the meeting.
The formation of SABS was agreed and Tony was appointed founding Treasurer, later becoming Finance Manager, a position he held for around 6 years.
After 11 happy years in Spain, Tony and his wife moved back to the U.K. where they now live happily in North Yorkshire.
Now aged 82 , Tony has passed on his love of Barbershop music to his youngest Grandson, who is currently studying Music at Bath University. He and his friends are enjoying singing Barbershop as much as Tony himself did. We’re all looking forward to their first appearance at En Armonia.
For his unquestionable dedication, Tony was awarded Honorary Membership of the Association on 13th April 2013.
SABS Honorary Member 2012
Awarded to Nico de las Penas Plana
SABS Honorary Member 2011
Awarded to Monica Funnell
Hooked on the art form at an early age, Monica became involved in Barbershop in 1984, joining the renowned White Rosettes from Leeds.
Monica trained with LABBS (Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers) initially qualifying as a Presentation Judge in 1996; she later moved to the Singing Category, certifying in 2006, and has served on many contest panels, She also enjoys coaching and leading workshops throughout the UK and Europe, including a number of SABS events.
A keen quartet singer, Monica has achieved 5 Gold Medals, including 2012 Mixed Quartet Champions Double Trouble, who were guest educators at SABS Harmony College 2013.
Although she has recently stepped back from judging assignments, Monica is still a sought after coach. She is also Musical Director of the award-winning LABBS chorus, Crystal Chords.
Monica is married to Andy, Gold Medal bass in One Foot in the Stave, (International Senior Quartet Champions 2023), and they enjoy life in Staffordshire with their 2 cockapoos.
Monica was awarded Honorary Membership of the Association in 2011.
Criteria for Honorary Member
The BIBA Honorary Member award is given out by the board to members who have shown an exceptional dedication to the association and its mission.
